Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff'

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Dec 2, 2003 | 09:39 PM

Guest

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Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff'

I just put in a new Kirban shifter yesterday. It's more solid than stock, but seems kind of 'notchy' and 'stiff.' I've read all the reviews -- noone seemed to note this. Does it loosen up over time?

Also, the top rubber seal on the stock shifter is now gone (the Kirban just leaves an open space) and I hear more gear noise. Any ideas how to seal this thing up more?

Dec 2, 2003 | 09:58 PM

BSiegPaint

Safety Car

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 4,653

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From: North Royalton, OH

St. Jude Donor '06-'07

Re: Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff' (MMI)

I haven't noticed that mine got any easier to shift over time, more like I got used to it. It is still smoother and easier than the other shifters I tried, and I've not had the downshifting misses I used to. And as far as the rubber seal, the instructions I got with my shifter (maybe the instructions changed?) was to take the original rubber seal, and install it upside down/inside out (make sense?). Fits fine, and no added noise.

Dec 2, 2003 | 10:09 PM

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Re: Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff' (BSiegPaint)

I used the original rubber too (not upside down -- it just rests higher on top) but it still left an open space (you can see the grease at the base of the shifter) and that's what allows the noise in. The stock shifter piece had another rubber piece molded around the base of the shifter, and that's what's now no longer in place.

Dec 2, 2003 | 10:18 PM

washguy

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Joined: Apr 2003

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From: dallas texas

Re: Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff' (MMI)

You will love it! give it time :yesnod: Wash

Dec 2, 2003 | 11:21 PM

7.0sc SuperVette

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Sunny Earthquake Country, USA On the Left Coast (which is becoming more Right!)

Re: Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff' (MMI)

My Kirban shifter acts just like yours with respect to effort/noise. I like the firm feel but it is too stiff, noisy and slow! It was installed for me with other things, so I don't have instuctions, etc.
Someone said there are different springs, etc., where can you get that stuff?
I noticed my shoulder getting pained! :rant:
Roy

Dec 3, 2003 | 08:43 AM

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Re: Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff' (MMI)

I think I read something about using a cut-in-half tennis ball a long time ago, but I don't recall what the benefit was supposed to be.

Dec 5, 2003 | 11:29 PM

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Re: Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff' (MMI)

I tried a half tennis ball -- it fits nice -- but doesn't really cover the hole, it sits too high. Am I missing something? Someone also mentioned 'spring' adjustments -- can anyone else comment on their install?

Dec 5, 2003 | 11:39 PM

Mopar Jimmy

Team Owner

Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Elmhurst, IL (West Suburb of Chicago) & Home of MEGA Horsepower

St. Jude Donor '06

Re: Kirban Shifter seems 'stiff' (MMI)

JUST had my installed by my mechanic last week and LOVE IT but it is a bit louder with drivetrain noise but kind of cool anyways. There was a boot that some come with and some do not but can be special ordered for like 18.00 from Kirban which seals up the open spot some mention here and the boot is designed to help with the noise. Mine did not come with this boot and was real loud but thankfully my mechanic had an extra one and that helped with the noise by about 50% (thanks POWERHOUSE PERFORMANCE/ORLAND PARK, IL)!:D

My stock shifter was notchy sometimes going into 2nd gear and no more notchiness with the kirban which is MUCH STIFFER but in a cool race car kind of way. It was my understanding that these came with different spring adjustments (to control shifter firmness) that could be installed in them and when i got mine from MTI i told them to put the easiest spring adjustment in but who knows if it was done or not. SO FAR i LOVE IT THOUGH! :cheers:

[Modified by MTI 427 Roadster, 10:40 PM 12/5/2003]

[Modified by MTI 427 Roadster, 11:02 PM 12/9/2003]