4+3 and better shift linkage
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
4+3 and better shift linkage
Does any company make an improved shift linkage for the 4+3 that retains the stock shifter so that the interior of the car looks original? If so, is the linkage a big improvement?
By the way, is the little short throw kit that is sold by ZIP and Mid-America a good idea, or does it eventually cause problems?
By the way, is the little short throw kit that is sold by ZIP and Mid-America a good idea, or does it eventually cause problems?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
No. Any other shifters would require some fabrication.
The short shift kit helps, but don't buy into the false advertsizing on how much it shortens the throw.
Hell, the links weren't even bolt-on parts. The rectangular hole was sloppy, and they would slip on the shifter shafts, completely f'ing up my neutral alignment and making it impossible to get into 3rd & 4th gear.
I took em back out and beat on them with a ball peen hammer to shrink the hole down till it fit snug... haven't had a problem since.
The short shift kit helps, but don't buy into the false advertsizing on how much it shortens the throw.
Hell, the links weren't even bolt-on parts. The rectangular hole was sloppy, and they would slip on the shifter shafts, completely f'ing up my neutral alignment and making it impossible to get into 3rd & 4th gear.
I took em back out and beat on them with a ball peen hammer to shrink the hole down till it fit snug... haven't had a problem since.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I pulled mine apart, cleaned it and tightened it up by putting a shim in to clamp the shifter plates closer together. Also put it in a press, but I'm not sure if that did much.
Also, along with the shift links, adjusted the neutral alignment VERY exactingly, by feel, so the shifter movement is as smooth as it's gonna get. It's 100% better than before, but still a crappy design. You can't polish a turd.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
I pulled mine apart, cleaned it and tightened it up by putting a shim in to clamp the shifter plates closer together. Also put it in a press, but I'm not sure if that did much.
Also, along with the shift links, adjusted the neutral alignment VERY exactingly, by feel, so the shifter movement is as smooth as it's gonna get. It's 100% better than before, but still a crappy design. You can't polish a turd.
i dont find it that bad.....
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio Texas
I installed the short-shift kit years ago...no problems with fit, or use. I think it shortened the throw by about 1/2. I like it just fine, but you may need to check your alignment with installation.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
i have the short shift kit...it is a sloppy cut part because they drill the holes BEFORE they stamp the part 
i think it does a real good job of shortening the shifts. when i am pounding through the gears, i don't miss nearly as much. that grinding sound it awful. and its only $20. what other "performance" parts will you find for a vette for that price? 
i think it does a real good job of shortening the shifts. when i am pounding through the gears, i don't miss nearly as much. that grinding sound it awful. and its only $20. what other "performance" parts will you find for a vette for that price?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Bartlett IL
Originally Posted by DSKRALL
Does any company make an improved shift linkage for the 4+3 that retains the stock shifter so that the interior of the car looks original? If so, is the linkage a big improvement?
By the way, is the little short throw kit that is sold by ZIP and Mid-America a good idea, or does it eventually cause problems?
By the way, is the little short throw kit that is sold by ZIP and Mid-America a good idea, or does it eventually cause problems?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by 88BlackZ-51
i dont find it that bad.....
