M20 Reverse Shift Issue
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
M20 Reverse Shift Issue
I have recently installed a pre-70s M20 in my 73 coupe, and set up the linkage with the short-throw Transmission Lever Rod attachments. The Reverse Transmission Lever has no short-throw 2nd/lower hole like the 1-2 and 3-4 Transmission Levers, and don't really have to.
But I am finding I have to jam the Shifter into reverse really hard forward in order to release the Steering Wheel/Ignition Key Lock. I may solve this problem by perhaps lengthening the Reverse Shift Lever Rod by one Lock Nut turn without creating a Neutral Position problem, but want some input from some of you M20 Pros first. Or, has anyone here drilled a Short-Throw hole in the Tranny's Reverse Lever, if for anything consistency in Shift Pattern travel? Rather drastic, but would do the job.
Thanks for any comments.
Steve
But I am finding I have to jam the Shifter into reverse really hard forward in order to release the Steering Wheel/Ignition Key Lock. I may solve this problem by perhaps lengthening the Reverse Shift Lever Rod by one Lock Nut turn without creating a Neutral Position problem, but want some input from some of you M20 Pros first. Or, has anyone here drilled a Short-Throw hole in the Tranny's Reverse Lever, if for anything consistency in Shift Pattern travel? Rather drastic, but would do the job.
Thanks for any comments.
Steve
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Yes, I'm hating it too. But it does somewhat work as an anti-theft deterrent and this is San Diego California. 
Besides, it's a brand new cable I just paid for Jeb.
Steve
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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I have the short throw setup on my 69 and no modifications were required for the reverse lever. Are you sure the cable doesn't have it's own adjustment procedure?
Looked it up, the adjustment is in the engine compartment at the firewall bracket.
Looked it up, the adjustment is in the engine compartment at the firewall bracket.
Last edited by MelWff; Nov 24, 2021 at 05:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Another thing I just noticed in driving it around the block, is.the fine line between finding 1st gear and Reverse gear. Just something I'll have to get used to huh.
Thanks much.
Steve
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Shifter ID
Stingr,
Would the fact that the Shift Lever Anti-Reverse Rod having just a bare rod end identify it as an older or newer unit? Because it has.
Thanks.
Steve
Would the fact that the Shift Lever Anti-Reverse Rod having just a bare rod end identify it as an older or newer unit? Because it has.
Thanks.
Steve
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Race Director
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
You know what, I'd better check I'm NOT pulling up on the T-Handle when shifting. I'M NEW TO THIS SHIFTER.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,424
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From: Little Rock AR
The '68 and older Muncie shift levers are retained with a nut. The '69 and up Muncie uses a bolt to retain the shift levers. The obround holes in the levers are not the same size new style vs old style so you need the right levers for the year of the transmission. One way will not go together at all and the other way they will go together but be rather loose.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
The '68 and older Muncie shift levers are retained with a nut. The '69 and up Muncie uses a bolt to retain the shift levers. The obround holes in the levers are not the same size new style vs old style so you need the right levers for the year of the transmission. One way will not go together at all and the other way they will go together but be rather loose.
Pretty sure I lucked out and have the right Shifter with the right Transmission. Tell me if I'm wrong.
Hey, would have been a great time then to have inserted the Linkage Locating Gauge and adjust Rod lengths.
Steve
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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ITs not the shifter its the cable/ rod and switch at the other end that need adjustment.
read this
http://www.jimshea.corvettefaq.com/w...ems27JL041.pdf
read this
http://www.jimshea.corvettefaq.com/w...ems27JL041.pdf
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 1,458
From: Little Rock AR
The levers are retained with a nut so the Muncie is the earlier '68 and older design. If they fit tight on the shafts, you have the right levers for the transmission.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,036
Likes: 9,159
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
ITs not the shifter its the cable/ rod and switch at the other end that need adjustment.
read this
http://www.jimshea.corvettefaq.com/w...ems27JL041.pdf
read this
http://www.jimshea.corvettefaq.com/w...ems27JL041.pdf
I have that paper somewhere in this desktop, but I don't know where. Oh well, another trip down on my back. On another note, a while back I had a question about where the Booted End of the Shift Lock Cable goes: On the Top end or on the Bottom end. After I installed it, consensus was I got it wrong. Belongs on the bottom at the Tranny's Lever end. Here's what happens when the Boot end is on top.
Crushes a bit, limiting the Column Lock Lever's Down Travel.
Boot with Reverse Selected.
It could go up a little bit farther, allowing the Key to turn to the Ignition Key Remove position a little easier. Having to jam the Shifter forward in Reverse for Key removal now.
Thanks again RR.
Steve
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
