700-4R Question

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Jul 17, 2012 | 08:04 PM

bpassmore

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2009

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From: Alvin Texas

700-4R Question

I have an '82, 700-4R, the shifter has 3 forward positions (D-3-2). What do I have to do to get the manual 1st so I can have D-3-2-1. A 4 position shifter modification for retro fit 700-4R trans in pre '82s is for sale from several vendors, it seems like a bolt on replacement for the 3 speed auto trans detents. Corvette Central Pt# 533146, kit.

1, Does the '82 700-4R trans manual valve have 4 forward shift positions?

2. Would the 4 position shifter up grade kit fit my '82 OEM shifter since it is used in 77-82 Vetts?

Butch

Last edited by bpassmore; Jul 17, 2012 at 08:18 PM.

Jul 17, 2012 | 10:18 PM

drwet

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 3,212

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From: Thunder Bay

I have the conversion shifter in my '79 and it works perfectly. As I understand it, when the General put the 700-R4 in the '82, they didn't bother to change the shifter mechanism. I am pretty sure the conversion shifter will work in your car. You'll probably never need to select first gear, but it only seems to make sense to have a fully functional shifter.

Jul 17, 2012 | 10:36 PM

pricesgarage

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2011

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contact bow tie overdrives they seell shifter conversions

Jul 18, 2012 | 12:14 AM

Shark Racer

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 12,399

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From: San Jose CA

You can also cut the shifter detent plate down in order to engage first. That's the difference between a 3-speed plate and a 4-speed plate.

Jul 18, 2012 | 09:03 AM

damoroso

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,116

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From: Middleburg Florida

Here's were you grind another detent:

Or you could spend money at BTO, and a few hours swapping the entire shifter...

Jul 18, 2012 | 11:04 AM

Big2Bird

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

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Quote:

Originally Posted by pricesgarage

contact bow tie overdrives they seell shifter conversions

Which THEY buy from here:
http://www.shiftworks.com/corvette-68-81.htm

Jul 18, 2012 | 12:51 PM

damoroso

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,116

Likes: 5

From: Middleburg Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big2Bird

Which THEY buy from here:
http://www.shiftworks.com/corvette-68-81.htm

Hmmm... $275 or grind a notch...I'll grind it for you for $150.

Jul 18, 2012 | 12:53 PM

hugie82

Safety Car

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 3,652

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From: Bridgewater nj

Quote:

Originally Posted by damoroso

Here's were you grind another detent:

Or you could spend money at BTO, and a few hours swapping the entire shifter...

That's all I did to mine. A small hacksaw blade and a file works perfectly. I will caution you !!! Do not slam it in 1st gear while braking! It will lock the rear wheel and get you sideways in a hurry.

Last edited by hugie82; Jul 18, 2012 at 12:58 PM.

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Jul 18, 2012 | 01:10 PM

Big2Bird

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Quote:

Originally Posted by damoroso

Hmmm... $275 or grind a notch...I'll grind it for you for $150.

The kit is $94.50.

Jul 18, 2012 | 01:11 PM

#10

bpassmore

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 437

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From: Alvin Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by damoroso

Hmmm... $275 or grind a notch...I'll grind it for you for $150.

Uhhh, how wide does the notch have to be? I have a Boy Scout pocket knife and a flat file.

Thanks, I believe I'll try that, every, $.01 counts

Butch

Jul 18, 2012 | 01:41 PM

#11

damoroso

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,116

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From: Middleburg Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big2Bird

The kit is $94.50.

Fine, I'll grind the notch for $50. Nearly a 50% savings!!

Jul 18, 2012 | 01:42 PM

#12

damoroso

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2008

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From: Middleburg Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpassmore

Uhhh, how wide does the notch have to be? I have a Boy Scout pocket knife and a flat file.

Thanks, I believe I'll try that, every, $.01 counts

Butch

Butch, it just needs to be wide enough and deep enough for the detent to catch. You can determine how hard it catches by who deep you grind it.

Jul 18, 2012 | 01:42 PM

#13

Big2Bird

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Quote:

Originally Posted by damoroso

Fine, I'll grind the notch for $50. Nearly a 50% savings!!

That include the new bezel? The kit is more than a detent plate.

Jul 18, 2012 | 01:44 PM

#14

bpassmore

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 437

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From: Alvin Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by damoroso

Fine, I'll grind the notch for $50. Nearly a 50% savings!!

OK, I GOT $50 WHO'LL GO -$20?

Jul 18, 2012 | 02:17 PM

#15

damoroso

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2008

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From: Middleburg Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big2Bird

That include the new bezel? The kit is more than a detent plate.

Don't need it for an 80-82

Jul 18, 2012 | 02:20 PM

#16

Shark Racer

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2000

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From: San Jose CA

Drive the car out to CA and I'll do it for pizza.

Jul 18, 2012 | 02:24 PM

#17

Big2Bird

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

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Quote:

Originally Posted by damoroso

Don't need it for an 80-82

Mine now has OD D 2 L . The original 81 did not.

Jul 18, 2012 | 02:44 PM

#18

bpassmore

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 437

Likes: 3

From: Alvin Texas

I believe I'll try it, Remove the shifter modify the detent, reinstall. The shift cable and adjuster will handle the extra throw?

I have a Pizza now, Who'll go pizza and beer?