Improving factory short shifter

[zymurgist]

I was talking with the PO of my car this weekend about the hard time I have finding 3rd gear sometimes. He said that my car has a short shift kit (I'm guessing it's a factory kit) and he'd be happy to swap for a regular shifter if I thought it would help me. I guess the problem is that the lever doesn't seem to want to default to the 3-4 gear plane (I have a 915). Is it possible to rebuild the short shifter to get better lever location? I seem to recall reading that the standard shifter has springs that weaken over time.

[BGCarrera32]

I think what you want is the Sein Systems shift kit ($125). It actually adds the springs to pull the lever into the 3rd-4th neutral plane. It is available from Pelican Parts. As I have been told, the 915 never had springs to center it in the 3rd-4th plane. My '84 has a 915, I have a factory short shift kit, and the lever flops around in the neutral gate. Kinda dumb eh?

[DG624]

I have a '86 and I just replaced the stock shift with a factory kit that had springs/shift fork, cage, cover plate, rubber spacer, pin and shift lever. It was just like the original except for the shift lever cage was higher (a raised mounting hole to allow the shifter to be higher). It works just like the factory except for being slightly shorter.

[scottb]

Check out this thread: Rennshift

It's an intriguing product.

[emcon5]

Originally posted by zymurgist
I guess the problem is that the lever doesn't seem to want to default to the 3-4 gear plane (I have a 915).

That is because it isn't designed to. the 5-R plane is sprung, but 1-2 isn't.

The most cost effective solution (keeping reverse lockout) is Sherwood's gate shift kit. http://www.seinesystems.com/

Should make it shift just like a Toyota.

Tom

[BGCarrera32]

Should make it shift just like a Toyota.

Yeah, err just like a Toyota with a 915! Oh what a feeling!

[zymurgist]

I'm already subscribed to the Rennshift thread.

The Seine shifter kit looks like it would do the job, but I shy away from projects that require welding... mayb that's a bit irrational on my part, I don't know. The Rennshift piece looks pretty sweet too. I just want to avoid making large P-car purchases until the Vette is done. I bought the 911 to drive and I can't abide having two projects in progress.

[911pcars]

Ken,
It sounds like your difficulty in shifting into 4th is more a shift tube adjustment or worn linkage bushings rather than the fault of the factory short shift kit. Motor mounts okay too? Did your tech follow the shifter adjustment procedure in Pelican's tech pages?

The extent of welding in the Gate Shift kit is the permanent attachment of the metal tab onto the shift lever that mirrors the factory tab for 5th/Rev. The tab must be adjusted before welding thus the supplied hose clamp. However, that is it for applying high heat to the shifter. On my factory short shifter, Gate Shifted housing, I use the supplied hose clamp (in fact, two clamps) to hold the tab in place and it does not move. I use the hose clamps, not because it's the best solution, but because I'm always fiddling with the mechanism, and a removeable part is always easier to change and modify.

I do recommend welding the tab to the shift lever because, once welded, it won't move ... ever. If a clamped tab moves out of position, it could block the shift into 1st or 2nd gear which isn't too convenient when you or a loved one happens to be stopped on some railroad tracks and the arms are swinging downward.

BTW, I'm working on an article on "blueprinting the 915 shifter" that will appear soon on our website. It's nothing earthshattering, just some small details that will tighten up the tolerances and make shifting, with or without the Gate Shift kit, a little easier and more accurate.

None of the aftermarket solutions can compensate for a shifter that is not adjusted correctly. I would concentrate on this adjustment before thinking of purchasing any shifter accessory.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars
www.seinesystems.com