911 crunches into R on 5 to 4 shift

Is it normal for a 84 carrera,on a 5 to 4, quick downshift to just nick Reverse? If I distinctly pull back from 5th. go over to 4th. and pull back-NO problem. But if I try to "angle" the shift It seems like it nicks reverse and then goes into 4th. I feel the reverse lockout, but it still "touches" reverse and grinds a little. It's just that I'm used to other cars that aren't as sensitive to a distinct back-then left-then back into 4 shift. Is this normal, or is there some adjustment I can do to that lockout. Thanks

No it shouldn't grind or nick at all
You need to adjust your shift linkage.
Check out the shifter adj article on this website for instructions

[This message has been edited by jryerson (edited 04-26-2000).]

I hear it is common for short-shift kits to do this as well... Do you have a Short-shift kit? I understand there is a spring and lockout kit for the short-shift.

Either way you should adjust the linkage.

Good luck.

Is there any way to adjust the reverse lockout? It seems that if the lockout would "force" the shift lever over to fourth a little sooner I would not have this problem. Or can I add some metal to the front of it ?

Maybe you have already fixed this but anyway: Pull off the rubber boot and make sure that the lower part of the stick really is vertical when in neutral position. If it isn't, then adjust the linkage behind the seats. I had exactly the same problem because the stick was leaning to much forward. After linkage adjustment it works nicely.

Do you mean only adjust it "front-to-back" and not monkey around with any side -to-side ? Hope this makes sense. So the bottom of the shifter shaft has to be totally vertical, correct?

Yes. Side-to-side alignment must also be correct but that is probably not the source of your problem. See http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_shifting_improvements/911_shifting_improvements.htm. Good luck!

I will try it this weekend. I'll move whatever I have to "front to back" untill the lever is perpendicular. Does the shift plate under the shift boot have any fore and aft adjustment also?