Shifter compromise?

Danny_Ocean · 08-26-2006, 07:02 PM

Finally took my new (to me) car for its initial "shake-down" cruise tonight. One major issue is the shifter. I'm sure this is a common question, but the search function on the forum does not appear to be working...

The car (79 SC w/915) has a short-shifter and it is "clunky" to say the least. Furthermore, I have to lean over and reach for the shifter (looks like I'm searching for loose change on the floor).

Looking at receipts provided by the PO, it appears extensive work was done to the bushings & shift-shaft(?) within the last few years, so I do not believe the problem is in the linkage.

Can anyone recommend a taller, smoother shifter somewhere between stock and this "short-stick" I have?

Many thanks,

D.O.

Oh Haha · 08-26-2006, 08:36 PM

WEVO would be your best choice. I have heard nothing but good things about them. Not cheap, but apparently worth it.
I modified my 915 shifter to suit my driving style.

Danny_Ocean · 08-26-2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oh Haha
WEVO would be your best choice. I have heard nothing but good things about them. Not cheap, but apparently worth it.

Yeah, they look nice and seem to have a good repuatation. However, I'm trying to get away from the short-shifter altogether. Is there such a thing as a "medium-shifter"?

Evans, Marv · 08-26-2006, 09:26 PM

I'm not 100% sure of this, but somebody will probably come on & correct me if it isn't right. I bought an '86 shifter from the FS forum. I understand they are somewhere between the regular & short shift.

911pcars · 08-26-2006, 09:26 PM

The one you have sounds like a Weltmeister (theirs includes a shorter lever). Reinstall a factory shifter. If you want more length, install a deep shift knob, but don't install up to full depth. You could even heat and bend the lever to accomodate your seating position.

Sherwood

Hetmann · 08-26-2006, 09:51 PM

I have gone from the factory original to the weltmeister to the later carrera style shifter. The first one was like shifting a bus. The second was ok when it worked, but a pain when it didn't. I like the one I have now the best and it falls right into my hand. Keep in mind the 915 is a slow shifting transmission. Be gentle with whatever shifter you select.

Danny_Ocean · 08-26-2006, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hetmann
...to the later carrera style shifter. I like the one I have now the best and it falls right into my hand.

Can you please provide additional detail on a "later Carrera-style shifter"? What should I look for? Year(s)?

911pcars · 08-26-2006, 10:30 PM

"I'm not 100% sure of this, but somebody will probably come on & correct me if it isn't right. I bought an '86 shifter from the FS forum. I understand they are somewhere between the regular & short shift."

Marv,
You've got it correct - 100%

The shifters installed in '85-86 provide a shift throw reduction between the regular shifter and the factory-optional short shifter.

For more exact numbers, '85-86 provide about a 10% throw reduction. The FSS provides about 25% reduction. The Weltmeister is on the order of 39%. What you gain in reduced throw you loose in leverage which is why the WM requires more effort to shift from gear to gear.

Sherwood
More info here:
http://www.seinesystems.com/ShiftType.htm

Motorhead-45 · 08-27-2006, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Danny_Ocean
Can anyone recommend a taller, smoother shifter somewhere between stock and this "short-stick" I have?

You should consider the Rennshift from JWEST. It is slightly shorter than the stock shifter, has adjustable throw reduction (20% or 33%) and centers on 3-4.

http://www.rennshift.com/