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Question about Kirban shifter

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Old Aug 5, 2001 | 09:25 PM
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Default Question about Kirban shifter

I may be missing something simple here, but I just installed a Kirban Shifter onto my C5 and it feels alright except its REALLY difficult to get into reverse. I have to use both hands and push the handle up against the side of the stop to get it into reverse. How do I adjust this?

Thanks,
Alex
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Old Aug 5, 2001 | 09:51 PM
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (Aslan)

OK one thing to add... after starting the car up I found it a lot easier to actually shift into reverse, i.e. the resistance is gone. However I'm still rubbing the stop on the side. Anyone know how to adjust this?
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Old Aug 6, 2001 | 12:11 AM
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (Aslan)

This is not going to sound good, but the Kirban base is aluminum and the shaft is steel. Eventually the retangular shaft's corners will whittle the base aluminum corners until it slips into reverse more easily. I bought a used Kirban and it had a lot of wear on the four inner corners of the top plate of the base. I have now had it for a while and it goes into reverse more easily. It is also true that the M6 tranny shifts easier into reverse over time.
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Old Aug 6, 2001 | 12:30 AM
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (Aslan)

I think what you are feeling is the loss of leverage with the shifter. Maybe a taller, heavier **** would help.

Getting the car in reverse with the engine off is very difficult because of the reverse lockout. With the engine running, it often helps if you go into 1st and then go to Reverse.
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Old Aug 6, 2001 | 12:40 AM
  #5  
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (BruceF)

POS.. I recc the B&M Ripper
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Old Aug 6, 2001 | 12:56 AM
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (99HT)

Well the instruction book (ok booklet... ok leaflet) mentions an "adjusting screw".

Set shifter stops by placing car in first gear and adjusting screw. Leave about .010 gap between stop and shifter stalk. Using a postcart or similar weight paper, adjust the stop so the card will slip freely between the stop and the shifter stalk. Repeat this same procedure for 3rd gear, making sure the paper slips freely between the stop and the shifter

That right there says it can be adjusted somehow, though I'm not sure if it will work for lateral shifts and the like. Maybe I just have to push the base to the right against the bolts a fraction to allow a bit more clearance. I'll give the Breathless guys a call tomorrow to verify. Other than that, the leverage issue is fine, once I had the engine on, it went into R easily.
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Old Aug 6, 2001 | 01:23 AM
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (Aslan)

Well the instruction book (ok booklet... ok leaflet) mentions an "adjusting screw".
Did you adjust the stops when you installed it as the instuctions said? If you did, then it shouldn't be an issue. It only affects the up and down movement of the shifter.

And, the stops are actually unecessary for the C5. If you are concerned about them, you can just remove them.
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Old Aug 6, 2001 | 01:56 AM
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (BruceF)

Ahhh Mellow, that hurts! :cry I have the Kirban and love it. Never tried the Ripper, but I might like it even more. Who knows? All I know is that I didn't spend $179 for a POS. ;) I have no problems getting in reverse.
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Old Aug 6, 2001 | 02:02 AM
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (Aslan)

I may be missing something simple here, but I just installed a Kirban Shifter onto my C5 and it feels alright except its REALLY difficult to get into reverse. I have to use both hands and push the handle up against the side of the stop to get it into reverse. How do I adjust this?

Thanks,
Alex
You are fighting the reverse lockout solenoid (or so it feels) if you try to shift into reverse if the ignition key isn't in the "on" position. Sounds strange, but on another forum (or another thread on this forum) a bunch of folks tried it and agreed that it is true. :eek: The '98 manual has an odd statement about how to get into reverse with the ignition off. In any event, there is something going on.


[Modified by allanlaw, 10:09 PM 8/5/2001]
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Old Aug 6, 2001 | 03:26 AM
  #10  
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Default Re: Question about Kirban shifter (Aslan)

Reverse is just hard to get in on the C5. The shorter shifter gives you less leverage, making it even harder.

Try shifting into first before reverse. That should help a lot.

Mike
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