Mod for Shorter Throw Long Shifter
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Mod for Shorter Throw Long Shifter
Need advice on how to mod a Long shifter for a ROD trans.Was thinking of drilling a second hole on the shift lever arm that bolts to the trans.This would give the shifter rod a little more travel and allow for quicker shifts.I have heard of modding the clutch Z bar with different holes for quicker pedal action.My problem has been the 1&2 ,3&4 gear engagement.I can adjust for a good 1st gear engagement but then it throws off 2nd,it will pop out at times.If I adjust for a good 2nd gear then 1st will pop out at times.Same issue for 3rd & 4th.Talked to Long shifters they claim it's the trans fault but I don't see how when I can get a good 1st gear and 3rd ,or a good 2nd & 4th.Seems to me that the shifter needs a tad more travel in both directions to work properly.Those shifter rods for 1st,2nd and 3rd,4th have some complex angle bends,which may be causing the shorter travel.Looking at the pic the front rod is 5th,6th second one is 3rd,4th next is 1st,2nd rear most rod is rev.Need some guidance....Aloha's [IMG]
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Last edited by iokepakai; May 3, 2012 at 02:18 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
First off, are your stops adjusted correctly? (2 bolts/screws/nuts on front and rear of shifter). Is the shift handle hitting the center console limiting the travel. Once in gear, there's no way it should pop out if the shifter is fully engaged and there's nothing pulling the shift handle back.
You can use shifft levers that are shorter. I've got a 65 Muncie with the standard hole and one closer to the bolt. I also recently modded a T10 reverse lever for shorter throw by drilling another hole.
Btw, you're going to be amazed at how hard the steel is on those shift levers.
You can use shifft levers that are shorter. I've got a 65 Muncie with the standard hole and one closer to the bolt. I also recently modded a T10 reverse lever for shorter throw by drilling another hole.
Btw, you're going to be amazed at how hard the steel is on those shift levers.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Guy's,I have adjusted this thing so many times.Stop bolts are backed all the way out giving full travel in both directions.The adjustments are so close that I turn the rod ends just a half turn either way I get a good gear one way but then throws off the other gear.Stupid thing is 5th & 6th are fine,but that is the easiest one to adjust and the rod is a straight shot.Will check out if there are any rubbing issue's again.Was told by Long a few miles on the trans would cure this issue but doesn't look like it will and I don't want to keep driving it like this.Maybe those shifter rods are a tad off not allowing full travel?? So those shifter arms are not Chinese steel huh!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Roger dat JIM....Have the Vette on a lift,checked the travel on the shifter several times.Using the adjustment procedure in the instruction sheet.Align bars insert pin for neutral position.Appears that the rod is engaging the gears fully.Then on a test run they do not engage both gears properly.As stated earlier only a half turn of the rod end will throw the gear out of engagement.It shouldn't be that critical of an adjustment.At this point I'm considering drilling a second hole on one arm and see how it works out.I posted this to see if anyone else had an issue like this.......As we all know not all parts are created equal
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
As far as I know the trans design, and every trans design, should not allow for popping out of gear unless the shifter is not pulling it out. Make sure nothing is pulling the shifters out of gear befor you change anything.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Thanks much will do.I do not think the trans is at fault here.If I adjust the rod shorter 1st gear is fine and will not pop out of gear even under a heavy load like a hill climb.With the same adjustment 2nd will engage but may pop out at times.If I lengthen the rod just a half turn it will cause a good 2nd gear but 1st is now wacky...Luckily I have a friend with a lift in his garage.Sure is a bitch getting to those rods on your back with the Vette on jackstands......Mahalo's
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Something is limiting travel. When you've got it on the lift, shift into gear, then remove the rod from the lever. My guess is the lever will then move farther into gear. Mine is no where near that sensitive to adjustments.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
While checking the shifter movement discovered we were not getting full travel of the bar going forward.Suspect console interference with shifter handle in rear most position.2nd,4th,6th gears.Shifter bars going rearward was good,shifter handle in front position 1st.3rd,5th gears. Thanks guys,I will have to disassemble console to find out whats causing the limited movement.Will post results this weekend......Aloha's
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Update!
Shifting is all good!
Had to grind some meat off a bolt head to get more clearance for the shifter.After that found out the 90 deg bend on the 1-2 rod has hitting the trans going forward into 2nd gear.Adjusted the rods and now the trans shifts like a dream!! Nice crisp positive shifts.Luving this 6spd even more....MAHALOS >>>>
Had to grind some meat off a bolt head to get more clearance for the shifter.After that found out the 90 deg bend on the 1-2 rod has hitting the trans going forward into 2nd gear.Adjusted the rods and now the trans shifts like a dream!! Nice crisp positive shifts.Luving this 6spd even more....MAHALOS >>>>
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I think I saw on the Richmond instruction sheet or the Long sheet that you may have to grind down a corner of the transmission for shifter rod clearance on some applications. I wonder if this was the case with yours. I never even thought of it until you just said it.
Glad you found it though :thumb:
Glad you found it though :thumb:
