Gated Shifter for a C4
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 765
From: Sligo PA
It's funny, I'm exactly to opposite. I think gates are neat. But I'm faster with a ratchet. I have to admit though that it is nice with a gate being able to feel the position of the shifter and that tells you what gear you're in. As apposed to a ratchet staying in the same position unless you're in park.
Not sure if it helps or not but I know for the ratchet shifters anyway I got a B&M that was designed for a 3rd gen F-body. It fit in the Vette console nice and low. I had to cut and weld a tab on the shifter so it lined up with the factory mounting holes but it wasn't a hard job. So you might have some luck if they make an F-body specific gate shifter and do the same thing I did.
Not sure if it helps or not but I know for the ratchet shifters anyway I got a B&M that was designed for a 3rd gen F-body. It fit in the Vette console nice and low. I had to cut and weld a tab on the shifter so it lined up with the factory mounting holes but it wasn't a hard job. So you might have some luck if they make an F-body specific gate shifter and do the same thing I did.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 449
From: NJ
I originally wanted to put a ratchet in my car but I’ve never seen a truly clean, somewhat factory appearing install. For as much as this has been talked about, you’d think one of the shifter companies would come up with a console trim for us Y body boys like they did for the F body.
Last edited by C4 Steck; Mar 6, 2024 at 02:03 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 765
From: Sligo PA
I originally wanted to put a ratchet in my car but I’ve never seen a truly clean, somewhat factory appearing install. For as much as this has been talked about, you’d think one of the shifter companies would come up with a console trim for us Y body boys like they did for the F body.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 765
From: Sligo PA
Yeah. That's the one that's meant for a 3rd gen F body. All you have to do to make it sit down in like that is cut the front mounting tabs off the shifter and then weld them back on. It was pretty easy. I really like how versatile these shifters are. This thing has shifted my 700r4 back in the day then a 4l60e and now my 4l80e. I just had to use different brackets on the transmission and adjust the linkage. I can't seem to make my mind up as to what transmission I want lol.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,963
Likes: 709
From: WI
I liked the ratchet shifter I had but there was no interior. With the later e trans there are some paddle shift kits tho expensive. I wonder at how difficult making your own push button type would be.
Thanks for posting the gated image. The worst in the early auto trans was the 1-2 shift as it had no gate at all.
Thanks for posting the gated image. The worst in the early auto trans was the 1-2 shift as it had no gate at all.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
I got the White gate plate and an old C4 shifter. I believe I can weld the gate plate onto the OEM shifter and make a nice gated C4 shifter. I am not an avid pic taker, but I will try to keep everyone posted. I was told the Aussies make a gated C4 shifter, but as yet, I haven't found it.
After installing the two fans on a single ground switch (sensor) in the driver's side head, I decided to put each fan on individual sensor switches in each head. I may install two manual override switches also, although I don't have a good reason to do so other than I like doodads. I am now trying to decide how I am going to install the dual temperature sensors for the two coolant temperature gauges (the OEM and the one on the "A" pillar post). I think I will place one temp sensor in the radiator return line, with the OEM gauge sensor in the typical spot on the Edelbrock Torker intake manifold.
I wonder what else I can rig up on this puppy?
After installing the two fans on a single ground switch (sensor) in the driver's side head, I decided to put each fan on individual sensor switches in each head. I may install two manual override switches also, although I don't have a good reason to do so other than I like doodads. I am now trying to decide how I am going to install the dual temperature sensors for the two coolant temperature gauges (the OEM and the one on the "A" pillar post). I think I will place one temp sensor in the radiator return line, with the OEM gauge sensor in the typical spot on the Edelbrock Torker intake manifold.
I wonder what else I can rig up on this puppy?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 765
From: Sligo PA
Oh boy let me tell you. You're only limited by your imagination. I have an Arduino in the dash that acts as a time delay for the float switch in my oil pan for a low oil level idiot light. I have a voltage divider that feeds signal from a temp sensor in the oil pan for a oil temp gauge. I have a inductive prox switch counting tone ring pulses on the passenger side front wheel to run my speedometer. And I have a PLC in the car that takes care of my nitrous permissives. I love doodads and gizmos 🤣
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
[QUOTE=Phobos84;1607609905 ....I love doodads and gizmos 🤣[/QUOTE]
My man!!! One can never have enough data.
I took the old girl for a spin last night and the temp setup worked fantastic. Gauge placement was perfect. You don't have to take your eyes off the road, and the blue numerals are very distinct.
This was only the third time I have driven the old girl. There was some concern about the engine's power output, which was laid to rest with a blazing, tail wagging, tire smoking take off from a dead standstill with neck jerking shifts up the ladder. Daddy has a new toy!
My man!!! One can never have enough data.
I took the old girl for a spin last night and the temp setup worked fantastic. Gauge placement was perfect. You don't have to take your eyes off the road, and the blue numerals are very distinct.
This was only the third time I have driven the old girl. There was some concern about the engine's power output, which was laid to rest with a blazing, tail wagging, tire smoking take off from a dead standstill with neck jerking shifts up the ladder. Daddy has a new toy!