&00 R4 Shifter issues
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 110
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From: SoCal CA
&00 R4 Shifter issues
I have a 77 small block I put a 700 R4 transmission in. With the stock shifter low gear sets in 1st and 2nd gear position. Is there a way the stock shifter can be used to set in 1st gear? My mechanic told me he could not adjust the shifter to accommodate a 1st gear position because the original shifter was designed for a 3 speed automatic. Thanks
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
From: St. John's Newfoundland
I put a 2004R in my '79, but had to use a kit from, I think shift works that come with the proper detent and overdrive indicator.
http://www.shiftworks.com/corvette-68-81.htm
http://www.shiftworks.com/corvette-68-81.htm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 112
From: Great Plains Iowa
I have a 77 small block I put a 700 R4 transmission in. With the stock shifter low gear sets in 1st and 2nd gear position. Is there a way the stock shifter can be used to set in 1st gear? My mechanic told me he could not adjust the shifter to accommodate a 1st gear position because the original shifter was designed for a 3 speed automatic. Thanks
To be able to put it into 1st gear you'll need a shorter lever at the transmission. I think all of the TH700R4's have the same internal detent plate inside the transmission so all you'd need is the shorter external lever, You could have your mechanic weld the lever's 1/4" hole closed then re-drill it lower but I don't know how much lower so your mechanic would have to experiment with it.
Or, buy lever for a pickup truck that is already shorter.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: SoCal CA
I put a 2004R in my '79, but had to use a kit from, I think shift works that come with the proper detent and overdrive indicator.
http://www.shiftworks.com/corvette-68-81.htm
http://www.shiftworks.com/corvette-68-81.htm
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I have a 77 small block I put a 700 R4 transmission in. With the stock shifter low gear sets in 1st and 2nd gear position. Is there a way the stock shifter can be used to set in 1st gear? My mechanic told me he could not adjust the shifter to accommodate a 1st gear position because the original shifter was designed for a 3 speed automatic. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 160
From: new iberia la
I have a 77 small block I put a 700 R4 transmission in. With the stock shifter low gear sets in 1st and 2nd gear position. Is there a way the stock shifter can be used to set in 1st gear? My mechanic told me he could not adjust the shifter to accommodate a 1st gear position because the original shifter was designed for a 3 speed automatic. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The detent plate mounted on the side of the shifter needs to have another "notch" cut out of it. The 4-speed auto tranny (700R4) has an extra detent notch for first range. You can modify your plate or purchase one from some of the aftermarket transmission kit suppliers.
Once you see the difference between those plates, it's pretty easy to use a Dremel or similar tool to modify yours. Perhaps someone on this Forum will show a photo of each so you can DIY it.
Once you see the difference between those plates, it's pretty easy to use a Dremel or similar tool to modify yours. Perhaps someone on this Forum will show a photo of each so you can DIY it.
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