901 Shift Coupler Bushing Replacement Question - I Searched

EarlyPorsche · 08-06-2010, 06:15 AM

I can't seem to figure out how to "readjust" the shift couple when I am done pressing in new bushings. Do I literally just mark the position of the shift coupler onto the shift rod with a marker dot on each? Mark it in 1st gear ok? Would another gear be better/easier?

dlagerstrom · 06:35 AM

I have always started with 4th gear. I have a 5 speed, so 4th is all the way right and toward the front of the car on the shift lever. You can get to this gear on the tranny by rotating the coupling ccw as seen looking from the rear of the car to the front and pushing it to the rear of the car. You should feel it go into gear. Now move the shift lever to the spot where 4th should be and tighten the clamp on the coupling. I assumed you have the coupling connected to the tranny with the locating bolt/pin before starting this procedure.

Keep in mind that the action of the shift lever is always reversed when it gets to the tranny. Moving the shift lever to the right rotates the tranny connection to the left. Moving the shift knob forward moves the tranny selector backwards.

Give it a try through all the gears while still in the garage. If you can get to all of them, take a quick test drive. You may have to go back to the 4th gear spot and move the shift lever to a slightly different spot if you get grinding. It is a bit of a hit and miss game but starting with the 4th gear spot seems to provide the best chances for a quick setup.

Don't forget to put some safety wire in the bolt for the coupling.

Scooter · 08-06-2010, 08:17 AM

I put my 901 in neutral and move the shift coupler forward and back a little bit until I think it is centered front to back, then I move the shifter as far left into the R/1 shift pattern and tighten the coupler. Last time I installed my Wevo coupler it was spot on the first try. Good luck!

...I should add that I got this tip from JW!

EarlyPorsche · 08-06-2010, 08:27 AM

Thanks guys.

Scooter - I like your way. So you're saying that if I move the shifter far left into the "springy" zone and I have the coupler centered in the hole and laying flat that I can tighten the nut and be generally there?

Fritter · 08-06-2010, 09:32 AM

Make sure the tranny is in neutral and then put the shifter in neutral in the center and tighten coupler. See if you get all gears. Test drive then make small tweaks if needed. When I last did this I rebuilt the whole shift assembly to take out all potential bad variables.

Be aware the shifter is still somewhat like rowing a boat even when correctly set up. I'd like to try the wevo or stomski coupler in the future, supposedly that tightens it up quite a bit.

Scooter · 08-06-2010, 09:38 AM

Exactly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlyPorsche

Thanks guys.

Scooter - I like your way. So you're saying that if I move the shifter far left into the "springy" zone and I have the coupler centered in the hole and laying flat that I can tighten the nut and be generally there?

EarlyPorsche · 08-06-2010, 10:33 AM

I've been driving 901's for about 5 or 6 years now and haven't found one I can't work even when all the bushings are shot. I remember driving one where I couldn't tell if the shifter would even stay installed in the vehicle much longer it was so loose.

Nonetheless my car was shifting just fine and the shifter itself is tight. So I figured I would freshen it up by redoing the coupler bushings but generally speaking its working well.