stock shifter mod
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 29
From: Wichita Falls Texas
stock shifter mod
i want to make the stock shifter shorter. i just got an aftermarket shifter **** (c5r style) and it sits way to high. i cut some of threads off but that didnt do much because of the flared part of the shifter.
i searched but couldnt find what i was looking for.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks
i searched but couldnt find what i was looking for.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
The flared part of the oem shifter encloses the rubber/metal isolation GM design of the shifter.
If you want shorter, some have successfully cut the oem shifter apart and sectioned it, eliminating the section of the shifter which contains the rubber isolation. It makes it shorter, but may come at the expense of more noise/vibration, etc.
Some have also been successful in cutting additional 9/16-18" threads further down the oem shifter lever. You will be limited still by the flared design of the oem lever.
You need to remove the shifter, obtain the die tool(s), use cutting oil and apply new threads. I recall one member who did this DIY and was not happy with the results. The threads were not straight to thread a **** on.
If you've never done this or lack confidence, maybe you can find a local machine shop to do it for you. Then you cut off the threaded portion at any point that you determine provides you with the height you desire.
If you want it even shorter, you'll need to find an after market shifter that satisfies you...
If you want shorter, some have successfully cut the oem shifter apart and sectioned it, eliminating the section of the shifter which contains the rubber isolation. It makes it shorter, but may come at the expense of more noise/vibration, etc.
Some have also been successful in cutting additional 9/16-18" threads further down the oem shifter lever. You will be limited still by the flared design of the oem lever.
You need to remove the shifter, obtain the die tool(s), use cutting oil and apply new threads. I recall one member who did this DIY and was not happy with the results. The threads were not straight to thread a **** on.
If you've never done this or lack confidence, maybe you can find a local machine shop to do it for you. Then you cut off the threaded portion at any point that you determine provides you with the height you desire.
If you want it even shorter, you'll need to find an after market shifter that satisfies you...
Last edited by hotwheels57; Jan 7, 2009 at 11:35 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
I cut just over an inch off of mine and did not add threads. I have been happy with it. Probably not as good as other mods or replacement, but much better and enough for me.
If I had it to do all over again, I would probably "section" the mid part of the shifter o be the length and shape I wanted it. You can just weld and polish it back to how you want it and yet have an entirely custom length and shape (position while driving).
Re threading with a die is NOT hard at all. You have to be patient and use the remaining threads to ensure the proper rate and frquency of the new threads. I have used a die numerous times and just taking your time will make it all GOOD
If I had it to do all over again, I would probably "section" the mid part of the shifter o be the length and shape I wanted it. You can just weld and polish it back to how you want it and yet have an entirely custom length and shape (position while driving).
Re threading with a die is NOT hard at all. You have to be patient and use the remaining threads to ensure the proper rate and frquency of the new threads. I have used a die numerous times and just taking your time will make it all GOOD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
I have several filters that prevent me from seeing a lot of images. I cannot see your currently, but I will go home, look at yours and post a picture of mine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 35
From: Rowlett, Texas
If you leave everything stock, boot and ****, then about 3/4 to 7/8 inch (maximum) can just be easily hacksawed off with no issues. The boot will still just fit with no problems, and the stock **** will still screw on tightly without adding any threads. More than that will require modifications as mentioned above. It's a good start, and easy. Just stick the shaft thru a sheet of newspaper to catch the filings, and it's done in 30 seconds.
DG
DG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
This is mine from some older shots.
My overall affect is shorter than yours due to the type of **** you use. If you just consider it in terms of angle and distance, yours is a bit longer.
I know that it was stated earlier that there is only about 7/8 inch to cut off, but I pulled just over an inch without having to re-thread. For me, it was all the difference that I needed.
Last edited by ALLEGRO; Jan 7, 2009 at 06:12 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I cut about an inch of threads off the stock shifter, then extended the threads all the way down to the increase in diameter.
I also had one of the C5R hardbar ***** which I machined down a little on the bottom. Now, it sits about as low as possible without cutting the shaft apart.
Here is a Hurst **** on the same shifter.
I also had one of the C5R hardbar ***** which I machined down a little on the bottom. Now, it sits about as low as possible without cutting the shaft apart.
Here is a Hurst **** on the same shifter.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Jan 7, 2009 at 06:42 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
If you ever get up to the MEM area drop me a line.
Thanks again
