G50 shift coupler slop / Wevo PSJ installation

[Lucky13]

My 87 Carrera, G50 shifts pretty well except for a fair amount of "slop" when in gear (I can move the shift lever about 1 inch in all directions when in gear). The car has 93K miles. My first thought was to inspect the shift coupler. My visual inspection revealed no obvious signs of binding or broken pieces. However, I moved the shift lever and was surprised to find 2 to 3 mm of "slop" at the coupler connection to the shift rod (see photo). I checked the 2 bolds and found them snug. It looks like I could insert a few washers on either side of the rubber pad to tighten things up however; I wanted to get some feedback from the forum first to make sure this isn't a mistake.

Also, I'm considering upgrading to the Wevo G50 PSJ but can't find any step by step instructions (I want to be confident that I can install it myself before making the purchase). Hopefully someone has done this installation before and can provide instructions and photos? What I have found in the forum makes it sound like a pretty simple job. I can see the single bold holding the connection to the transmission looks like a PIA to get to. Do you work from inside the car or from underneath where the rubber bellows are in the way?

Thanks for the help.

[Scooter]

I removed my coupler from inside the car, but installed it from under the car. In order to make sure it was truly installed properly, I felt I needed to get under there. It is not a difficult proposition to jack up the car and pull the boot back to access the bolt. As a matter of fact, access from underneath makes the whole job a lot easier.

[dan88911]

I hope this is helpful.
Shifter bushing question

[baloo]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

My 87 Carrera, G50 shifts pretty well except for a fair amount of "slop" when in gear (I can move the shift lever about 1 inch in all directions when in gear).

I also have this similar slop, and would like to know the answer.
thanks

[Lucky13]

Thanks for responding. Can you provide the steps you followed to remove the OEM coupler including any challenges you may have run into? Also, did you replace the old one with a new OEM or an aftermarket part (if aftermarket which one)? It would be great if you can provide the step by step for reinstallation? For example is it a simple remove and replace or is adjustment and fine tuning needed? Thanks again for the help.

[VMAX1]

I had to replace the shift rod bushing and the ball cup bushing, when I pulled the shift rod out, ball cup fell apart. All the rod bushing had, looked like a thick washer on the rod, it was totally gone. I looked at the coupler, after I replaced the cup bushing and rod bushing, because I had about an inch forward and backward play, no side to side play. Was told the coupler needs a bit of play. Might want to look at the other bushings.

[chuckr]

Replaces the soft factory rubber with firm and resilient insoform plastic.

Includes metal bushings and new mounting harware.

Requires drilling or grinding the factory rivets that retain the original coupler disc. This should be performed with the coupler removed from the car.

Isolation is maintained, however transmission noise and vibration at the shifter may increase.

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[AustinL]

Installed a Wevo PSJ in my '87 3.2 Carrera this weekend, night and day difference! I'm waiting on a backordered Wevo short shifter kit too but wanted to report the immediate difference felt in the PSJ alone. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade if you're interested.

I had trouble finding info specific to the G50 installation. I stumbled on this thread where the OP wanted additional install info. Something I hadn't seen mentioned in any other thread is to start the project with transmission in 1st gear, then shift to 2nd gear once you have unbolted the coupler. This affords enough room to remove the coupler. I was stuck at this step for longer than I would like to admit this weekend This morning I found this Pelican article which would have been a huge help. It is written for the 915 transmission but is still useful for tips for a G50.

Still in awe of how sorted shifting feels with the PSJ alone. Thanks to everyone's posts that helped me get it done yesterday, hopefully this post helps another G50 owner down the line.

[almostordinary]

Just got my build to move under power. never felt the stock coupler, but mine was super soft.

I did the JWest upgrade and it feels like a modern throw.

I am also on the backorder list for the Wevo shifter.... since early April..

[AustinL]

Wanted to report back after driving ~100 miles since installing the PSJ. Shifting feels awesome as initially reported. Although there is a noticeable increase in cabin noise which may bother some folks. The sound comes from the transmission, up through the center tunnel, and into the shifter. The noise resonates through the tunnel which seems to carry through the center console and even the dash, particularly on deceleration.

There's nothing quiet about cabin noise in these cars, so it doesn't bother me. I read about this possibly happening on this forum and Wevo site, and saw a note that all cars respond differently regarding noise increase, so take my experience with a bag of salt.

I'm now curious is anything in the Wevo SS kit will reduce this noise, standby for that update...

Originally Posted by almostordinary

I am also on the backorder list for the Wevo shifter.... since early April..

Windrush/Wevo told me 4 weeks for standard option, 5 weeks for classic option. Fingers crossed!

[AustinL]

Wanted to update this thread that I wound up purchasing the JWest Rennshift for G50 transmission at Rennsport last month.

Pelican contacted me in September stating Wevo was delayed again, making my lead time at least nine weeks, but likely more. I planned on waiting it out, then happened to walk past the JWest booth who put the Rennshift in my hand. The build quality is amazing, JWest owner James walked me through install in person, and it was about 25% less cost to boot.

The Rennshift has been installed for a couple weeks now and we are in love. Shifting is like a bolt-action rifle, and the Rennshift actually reduced the vibration noise I mentioned above that was a result of installing the PSJ kit.

[almostordinary]

Thanks for the first hand feedback!

I may pull the trigger sooner for one myself!

I've been on the WEVO list since March... :|

Thanks for your impressions!
-Ian