Modified shifter works great.
Thread Starter
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,730
Likes: 270
From: VENTURA Ca
Modified shifter works great.
I need a few stock shifters. If any of you local guys have one I'll pay $30 each and pick them up. I have had a Ripper and a Kirban in mine and don't really like either that much. They are still too long and if you shorten them they're way too stiff. I took a stock one,drilled out the rivets to get it apart, cut the shaft off to get rid of the rubber isolator , welded a new shaft on that's about 1 3/4" shorter and put it all back together. I angled it slightly forward and wrapped the shaft in Dynamat. You know what? I like it better than either of the aftermarket shifters. No more rattling (that was driving me nuts) and the resistance is a lot less. It's kind of halfway between the Ripper and stock. For you hands on kind of guys you should be able to do this yourself. I'm going to make a few for the others who don't have the time or wherewithall to do this themselves and sell them for, say, $60 each (exchange). What do you think?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 3
From: Gilbert, AZ, USA
Re: Modified shifter works great. (Andy@AandACorvette)
Hey Andy, I've heard a lot about cutting down the stock shifter between 1 and 2 inches, and then re-tapping the threads, but your idea to cut out the rubber isolator is a very good one. No stick shift here to test on, but I've driven a couple different shifters. While you're at it, I've used one or 2 stock shifters that have been cut down but then also bent with a Z angle back and sideways, diagonally towards the driver. This makes the shifter easier to reach and closer to both the driver and the wheel. If you have the shaft out anyway, you may want to try that. Coupled with a Hardbar Delrin ****, it was really a great setup. Also, Dynamat doesn't like to stay bent on that small a radius-try either the "Plasti-Dip" tool dip, or wrapping with Duct tape or Electrical tape. If you want to weight it also, then wrap some lead strips or a steel bar against the shaft.
Best of luck Andy! Your products rock!
Sam
Best of luck Andy! Your products rock!
Sam
Thread Starter
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,730
Likes: 270
From: VENTURA Ca
Re: Modified shifter works great. (Sam Lin)
Sam. Actually on my Kirban I did just that. Had it moved over towards the driver almost 2 inches. I can do that if anyone likes also. As for the Dynamat, I use strapping tape.It also holds the leather boot tightly up against the ****. I wrap quite a bit on. I did the same on the other shifters.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 4,965
Likes: 0
From: Midlothian, VA
Re: Modified shifter works great. (Andy@AandACorvette)
Andy, I have a stock shifter you can try out if you can return it to me so I can test it out. I'll pay shipping to ship it to you. :D
E-mail in sig.
E-mail in sig.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: Morganton, NC, USA
Re: Modified shifter works great. (C5Noir)
Andy,
I cut the conical part of my stock shifter off right at the cone, and if I remember correctly, cut the upper shaft leaving about 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" inches sticking out of the rubber isolator/lower shaft. This is 10 mm in diamter, which can be threaded 10 X 1.5. The center of the upper shaft is hollow and can be drilled out 8.5mm or 11/32" to be tapped to match. (Actually on mine, I ground down the shaft and threaded and tapped 3/8"-24 because I didn't have a 10mm die.) Next the upper shaft can be screwed onto the lower with a little loctite. Of course this method doesn't allow any bending to move the ****, but does keep the rubber isolating function. :D
I cut the conical part of my stock shifter off right at the cone, and if I remember correctly, cut the upper shaft leaving about 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" inches sticking out of the rubber isolator/lower shaft. This is 10 mm in diamter, which can be threaded 10 X 1.5. The center of the upper shaft is hollow and can be drilled out 8.5mm or 11/32" to be tapped to match. (Actually on mine, I ground down the shaft and threaded and tapped 3/8"-24 because I didn't have a 10mm die.) Next the upper shaft can be screwed onto the lower with a little loctite. Of course this method doesn't allow any bending to move the ****, but does keep the rubber isolating function. :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,258
Likes: 61
From: League City TX
Re: Modified shifter works great. (2kbluestreak)
Andy,
This is exactly what I have been looking for...
I'm up for it, but want to keep my stocker. Would you do $90 outright? I'll be a beta-tester.
Shoot me an email
This is exactly what I have been looking for...
I'm up for it, but want to keep my stocker. Would you do $90 outright? I'll be a beta-tester.
Shoot me an email
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 135
From: Maryland
Re: Modified shifter works great. (Andy@AandACorvette)
While you're at it, why not extend the bottom of the lever and put a spacer between the base plate and mount.
I did that, and left all the rubber in place. My shifter is as quiet as stock, overall height is the same as stock, and throws are greatly reduced. The feel is fantastic.
Everyone that drives the car says I should be selling that shifter!
See it at the link in my sig.
I did that, and left all the rubber in place. My shifter is as quiet as stock, overall height is the same as stock, and throws are greatly reduced. The feel is fantastic.
Everyone that drives the car says I should be selling that shifter!
See it at the link in my sig.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,126
Likes: 8
From: Dallas, TX
Re: Modified shifter works great. (Andy@AandACorvette)
Coser_ 2001 If I can get a few cores I'll do that for sure. I'll try to post pics.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound TX
Re: Modified shifter works great. (Andy@AandACorvette)
Andy, I would like to throw my name in to get one of your modified shifters. I have been looking for an aftermarket---Hurst or Ripper--and really like the idea of a "custom" job. Let me / us know when you have some ready for sale. I too would rather keep my stock and purchase a modified one when you get enough ahead. Shorter throw, bent towards the driver---WOW....I want one!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,258
Likes: 61
From: League City TX
Re: Modified shifter works great. (Closer_2001)
JohnGlen
I'm not sure on the picture. I did reduce the size before linking, and my oroginal shows smaller on my screen than the one you modified????
If I'm missing a joke here, sorry
I'm not sure on the picture. I did reduce the size before linking, and my oroginal shows smaller on my screen than the one you modified????
If I'm missing a joke here, sorry
