Ratchet shifter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
If you put a ratchet shifter into first gear, no matter how hard you hit it, it will only move one gear. You can not shift directly from first to drive, you must push the shifter into second, then let the shifter handle relax, then push it again for third, and so on.
The main use of a ratchet shifter is for a 100% manual valve bodied automatic. With a manual valve body, where ever the shifter is, that's what gear you are in. For example, you could leave a stop light in third gear if the shifter was in third. In a race, accidentaly shifting from first to third became a problem, so the ratchet shifter was invented to prevent that.
You don't need one on your C4, just leave the shifter in 'D' and drop the hammer.
The main use of a ratchet shifter is for a 100% manual valve bodied automatic. With a manual valve body, where ever the shifter is, that's what gear you are in. For example, you could leave a stop light in third gear if the shifter was in third. In a race, accidentaly shifting from first to third became a problem, so the ratchet shifter was invented to prevent that.
You don't need one on your C4, just leave the shifter in 'D' and drop the hammer.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
If your looking for a reasonable alternative check out 65Z01's mod
http://www.geocities.com/jgkov/ShiftGate.html
http://www.geocities.com/jgkov/ShiftGate.html
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
I have one in my drag car. To go from P to R, lift up and back & it stops. R to N down and back & it stops. N to D, down hard and back. It can not stay back. It does ractchets back to just below N Pull back and it goes to 2nd and ratchets. Pull again and I'm in 3rd. This is with a full manual reverse valve body. I can bo it better than I can explain it. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Originally Posted by bogus
I can't... don't have enough experience with them... however, I am about 99% sure that they don't make one to fit the C4 interior.
Have B&M Quicksilver ratchet in my '87.
No more missed shifts at the strip.
With a normal valve body ,have to ratchet back make 3 times to engage 1st.Then just hit forward , only goes one gear at a time , no matter how hard you hit it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 1
From: Zagreb, Croatia
Maybe it would be better to have ratchet shifter combined with
reverse pattern valve body. But I've seen in one old thread that
with reverse pattern valve body you loose ability to brake with engine.
Is that true?
reverse pattern valve body. But I've seen in one old thread that
with reverse pattern valve body you loose ability to brake with engine.
Is that true?
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Originally Posted by rodj
Correct but you can make one fit.
Have B&M Quicksilver ratchet in my '87.
No more missed shifts at the strip.
With a normal valve body ,have to ratchet back make 3 times to engage 1st.Then just hit forward , only goes one gear at a time , no matter how hard you hit it.
Have B&M Quicksilver ratchet in my '87.
No more missed shifts at the strip.
With a normal valve body ,have to ratchet back make 3 times to engage 1st.Then just hit forward , only goes one gear at a time , no matter how hard you hit it.
My stock shifter in the '87 is dumb.. I really didnt wanna build an auto car to begin with, and this shifter is just funky. gotta press the button to shift 1-2, 2-3.. lamo.
-- Joe
