Short Shift Question
 

I've read A LOT about the short shift kit at this site and others, however I'm not at all sure whether or not my '85 has one already installed in it or not. The only problems I have shifting are related (I believe...) to worn synchro/bushing or linkage adjustment issues, usually only when shifting back to first at a dead stop - but thats a separate issue.

Is there a way to tell if a PO had one installed? I'd rather try the bushing replacement and linkage adjustment before I go get something I might not need.

if you are trying to solve shifting problems, start with bushing replacement (all of them -- it is really cheap), then a shift coupler adjustment (and possible bushing change -- another cheap one), then a shift coupler adjustment. the adjustment takes patience -- so it could take a few times to get it right.

after all that, see if you are happy with your shifting. only then would i go with a short shift kit.

According to "Short Shifters Analyzed" from Vol. 8 of PCA's UpFix'in series, the '85-'86 factory shifters had the throws shortened by 10% over the previous versions. The true Factory Short Shifter was an option (M241) in those years, so your car may have either one. The article measures the throws from the FSS as 25% shorter than earlier shifters or 15% shorter than the standard '85-'86 shifters.

Perhaps some info from here might help you identify which one you have. By all means make sure the bushings are in good shape before upgrading.

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

If you are having any shifting problems, a short shift kit will only accentuate them... stiff shifting will feel even stiffer, because you'll have less leverage.

-MAS

Sherwood,

AWESOME LINK!!!

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks all, the bushing kit is on the way. God love Pelican Parts.

Did Jack mention that short shift kits were tough on syncros?