1980 auto. trans. shifter options
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Salem Virginia
I'm going to be running a reverse pattern T-400 & I want to run a ratchet shifter. I haven't taken the console apart, but I don't think it will be too bad getting an aftermarket shifter under there & looking decent. It just made sense to ask for input from someone who had already done one. I can't be the first guy to put a shifter in a C3!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
The B&M Megashifter seems to be the choice of most guys here wanting a ratchet shifter. I've been searching some threads here on the same topic. It seems the model for the late 70's to early 80's Camaro is the one that fits the best with the factory console. Expect to do some minor modifications to make it fit correctly. Please post pictures if you decide to take it on.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Here is a Megashifter that I installed in my car.
It's a Camaro console model. I swapped the T handle for a ball, and got a leather shift boot made for it.
The shifter handle is still a bit tall for my taste, but overall I'm pretty happy with it.
It's a Camaro console model. I swapped the T handle for a ball, and got a leather shift boot made for it.
The shifter handle is still a bit tall for my taste, but overall I'm pretty happy with it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
where did you get that shift ****?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
They have some good pictures that show you what needs to be done.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...r-install.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...r-install.html
I had to put it together quite a few times, while checking for clearance and then re-cutting the body of the shifter until everything cleared.
Once I could shift through all of the gears without the top console plate moving, I put it all back together.
Then it was up to my local upholstery shop to figure out how to make a shifter boot to fit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
I am in the process of installing the B&M quicksilver in my 78. Getting ready to cut a slot in the tunnel to lower it about 1 1/2 or so. Direct link
Last edited by donnie1956; Jan 23, 2013 at 03:39 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
Going to cut a slot in the tunnel and drop the entire shifter down around 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Then my console will fit correctly. 
Will take a few pictures once I get the slot cut. For the mount I am going to have a flat plate with the mounting holes and use a piece of square tubing to make the spacer the correct depth.
Will take a few pictures once I get the slot cut. For the mount I am going to have a flat plate with the mounting holes and use a piece of square tubing to make the spacer the correct depth.
