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Short shifter for a C3

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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 01:51 PM
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Default Short shifter for a C3

Just wondering if it is Possible to reduce the distance for my shifter, it is so long stock, would like to cut it in half or something. just wondering if anyone know's of a way or has done this? Thanks in advance,
Ryan.
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 02:08 PM
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I just saw a thread within the past few days with pictures of a shorter shifter in someone's Vette. So yes, it is possible. Hopefully the person who did it will chime in.
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 02:28 PM
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I took an inch and half out of my hurst. We cut and welded down near the bottom, above the bolt holes..... so you couldnt see the "adjustment".......works fine....
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 03:20 PM
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Automatic or manual? If it's manual and if the linkage is similar to the early C3s, you should be able to shorten the shift by relocating the shifter linkage to use the holes closer to the pivots. (Red arrow on the picture). On the Muncies, this shortens the shift by about half. You can do it from underneath the car.



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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Z-man
Automatic or manual? If it's manual and if the linkage is similar to the early C3s, you should be able to shorten the shift by relocating the shifter linkage to use the holes closer to the pivots. (Red arrow on the picture). On the Muncies, this shortens the shift by about half. You can do it from underneath the car.



Just make sure you use the "key" in the shifter to adjust it properly if you have the stock shifter.
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 04:50 PM
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Thanks everyone, especially that diagram, i will get underneith my car tonight and see about switching it.
Originally Posted by theandies
Just make sure you use the "key" in the shifter to adjust it properly if you have the stock shifter.
what do you mean by "key"? and yes its the stock shifter and its a 4spd. Thanks,
Ryan.
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 05:15 PM
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Here's an M21 I bought that already had a short shift modification.



The top of the shifter moves maybe 3-3.5 inches from 1st to 2nd gear, but I wouldn't recommend it for street use. It feels extremely notchy, takes a lot of effort, and is difficult to get into neutral. I've never installed it, though, so maybe you'd get used to it after a while.
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 05:45 PM
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In the stock shifter there is a notch that holds all the shifter parts in the proper position to make adjustments to the rods. There is a diagram in my Haynes manual on how to make it. Let me be the first to tell you it’s a bear to get it in while the shifter is installed in the car. I rebuilt my shifter a few years ago but it was out of the car when I did it. The picture above shows the short throw holes that came on the Muncie’s. My tranny is due for a rebuild so I may switch to the short throw then. If you want I can scan the picture in my manual and it will give you the dimensions of the key. I made one myself out of some thin scrap metal I had laying around.
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by theandies
In the stock shifter there is a notch that holds all the shifter parts in the proper position to make adjustments to the rods. There is a diagram in my Haynes manual on how to make it. Let me be the first to tell you it’s a bear to get it in while the shifter is installed in the car. I rebuilt my shifter a few years ago but it was out of the car when I did it. The picture above shows the short throw holes that came on the Muncie’s. My tranny is due for a rebuild so I may switch to the short throw then. If you want I can scan the picture in my manual and it will give you the dimensions of the key. I made one myself out of some thin scrap metal I had laying around.
Thanks for the info, i have a Haynes manual so i will take a look in it later on today. Thanks for the offer,
Ryan.
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 06:35 PM
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Default shifter

i had mine on jacks over the winter and chaged my shifter on my m21 from short shift to long shift and there was a big diff.. switched it right back... just a couple bolts and very easy to do..
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 08:43 PM
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 09:33 PM
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Look in Mid America under C-4 section the 3+4 has a short shift kit that fits a T-10. It replaces the plates that the shift rods attach to the trans with. They are short so the shift travel is shortend by about a third. Maybe $35........
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Old Apr 20, 2005 | 09:35 PM
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http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=3.304.723
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Old Apr 21, 2005 | 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by toyvet1
Those fit directly onto a 1981 4spd trans? does it do the same effect as just moving the linkage down to the lower hole? Thanks for the info,
Ryan.
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Old Apr 21, 2005 | 06:57 AM
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If you have a super T-10 they will bolt right on. It will not lower your shifter handle but will shorten the throw by about 1/3. I had them until I upgraded to a Hurst. Well worth the money..
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Old Apr 21, 2005 | 01:07 PM
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I have a Hurst Competition Plus shifter with the "Mid-Year" round shifter handle conversion stick on it (about an inch shorter than the 68-up stick.) Is that a Yenko Corvair in your sig? I have a set of Minilites for a Stinger if you know anyone looking for some (14X6.5' wide REAL Minilites made in England.)
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Old Apr 21, 2005 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Solid LT1
I have a Hurst Competition Plus shifter with the "Mid-Year" round shifter handle conversion stick on it (about an inch shorter than the 68-up stick.) Is that a Yenko Corvair in your sig? I have a set of Minilites for a Stinger if you know anyone looking for some (14X6.5' wide REAL Minilites made in England.)
It is a yenko corvair, its a stage 2 1968. but its not mine, i just found it on a google search and loved it. I have a 1966 4dr 4spd 140hp, that is getting a total re-working. how much do you want for the wheels? i might be interested. Thanks,
Ryan.
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Old Apr 21, 2005 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 81corvettevortec
Those fit directly onto a 1981 4spd trans? does it do the same effect as just moving the linkage down to the lower hole? Thanks for the info,
Ryan.
Apparently, that's all that they do. I'd try relocating the linkage before I spent money on something else...
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