Yet Another Shifter Thing

[911pcars]

So as not to go too far astray from this related thread:
Seine Shifter Modification! The BEST $150 I have spent on my 911

.... I decided to start a new one.

With Vincent Hill's recent efforts spurred on by John Walker's trailblazing one-off pieces, I have decided to pick up the slack and make more of these shift lever extenders available to our "shiftless" readers on PP.

Back story. Wanting to extend my shift lever a bit, I recently came across a long shift lever (source unknown) with a Target brand ball end that mimics the factory short shifter. It's about 2" longer than my factory shift lever. However, with a Momo Tall Anatomic shift knob, I was able to vary that length due to the longish cavity inside the knob.

Having the shift knob closer to the steering wheel makes all the difference in the world. And despite the fact the longer lever effectively lengthens the throws of the short shifter a bit, I don't really feel the difference. It shifts smoother because of the added leverage and the knob now feels where it ought to be.

Here are the results of some machine work the last few days and now available. On the right is a 3" extension for 901/915 factory shift levers (regular and short shift). There's also a 5.5" version for WM shift levers (not shown but slightly different dimensions). Note: Many owners realize the short WM lever must have been designed by a person with 36" sleeves or by a marketing decision to provide the utmost shift travel reduction, but at a cost of greater shifting effort, some say.



The material is 6061 aluminum sized for the different IDs of factory vs WM. Insertion length is 2". Recommended attachment is via 2-part epoxy (not supplied). In addition, since it's aluminum, the length can be easily adjusted (shorter) with a hack saw if needed and in minimum time.

The other product is a splice extender for owners with pricey shift knobs semi-permanently attached with the factory crush sleeve. Typical knob removal requires a deft stroke of a BFH onto a pickle-type fork strategically placed under the knob (upside down). However, in many cases, the $200 replacement cost knob will crack slightly. In the worst of cases, the shift knob will crack greatly.

The splice extender preserves the knob and installs by cutting off the lever midway between the bend and the knob end, then inserting the 3" splice section with the aforementioned adhesive. The splice extender fits both 901 and 915 shift levers.

I haven't confirmed these lever extensions fit other years, makes or models, but a generic, aftermarket shift knob fits just fine.

For now, the 3" shift extension is $20. The WM 5.5" extension, $23 and the splice extender, $26, Shipping is + $5 (domestic). Overseas, please inquire.

Not sure there's enough margin in these to include in Wayne's product catalog. I'll leave it up to him or the moderator to excise this or not.

Thanks,
Sherwood

[Porchcar guy]

Sherwood,
Great idea...My 79SC has a short shifter kit and my problem is that I like to sit away from the wheel but if I get the legroom right...I am too far from the shifter and have to lean forward. Bought a MOMO knob and was going to use it backwards to get it closer to my hand ...sign me up for a 3" extender...PayPal OK ? Send me a PM and I will respond ..Thanks again..Geoff

[911pcars]

Hi Geoff,
Check your PM

Sherwood

[ivangene]

absolutely splendid looking, you must have a very rigid turning center !

Best of luck moving these out, nothing I like seeing more than a quality machined (turned) part. Love to see pics of your shop

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by ivangene

absolutely splendid looking, you must have a very rigid turning center !

Best of luck moving these out, nothing I like seeing more than a quality machined (turned) part. Love to see pics of your shop

Thanks.

The workshop is a variation of this:


Sherwood

[Porchcar guy]

Sherwood...Got my extender yesterday and it is a very fine looking piece. Love the craftsmanship ...Hope you sell a bunch ...good quality and a good price for a well needed item !
Geoff

[Porchcar guy]

Follow up to my extender. Finally got the old knob off after a few cuss words and a lot of left/right motion by hand while lifting. Tried the open end wrench and a hammer but no joy.
Epoxied the extender in and after a few hours, attached the MOMO shift knob. I can now shift with my arm and no forward motion of the shoulder pulling me off the seat back. When downshifting, my hand falls into the knob almost directly off the new OMP 380MM wheel. Needless to say, I am elated with this modification...thanks Sherwood !! I will try to upload a pic soon.

[bigtoad]

The extender looks great. The price is amazing. Sign me up for 1 standard (oem) extender. Please send payment details to my PM.

[Vincent Hill]

SHerwood!!! I love this!! Now with the Seine Gate and the extension people will have ease of shifting AND not missed Shifts! I never thought about using Aluminum mostly because of the differences in expansion when even at room temp but a little extra clearance and no problem. I glued all of mine in with Slow curing JB Weld. I am glad you did this! Takes a load off of my mind. They are slow selling but there is ALWAYS someone that is wanting one that simply does not know it exists!

[Porchcar guy]

Sherwood,
Promised you to post a few pics when I got my extender installed. I have had the car for a week now after the extender, the shifter bushings and the Derlin coupler were installed. I now love the feel of my shifter. It is closer to the 380 mm OMP wheel and the drop is almost straight down. The shifter now feels like an ordinary car and I have little or no thought to shifting.. What a love this is to just shift the car and not worry about missed shifts, both up and down. THANK YOU !
Geoff
For some reason, I am unable to load pics tonight. doing it the same way I always do but no joy !! I will try later ??

[Porchcar guy]

Just one pic of the extender. Notice the height relationship with the steering wheel. Have a few more I will try and load tonight...

[Vincent Hill]

Sherwood, After reading everything again I realized why the one was reduced on BOTH Ends! Never throught if that specially after destroying an Original Knob!

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by Vincent Hill

Sherwood, After reading everything again I realized why the one was reduced on BOTH Ends! Never throught if that specially after destroying an Original Knob!

Vincent,
Thanks for the pseudo-bump. Will post a before/after photo of the mid-extender later today.

Sherwood

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by 911pcars

Vincent,
Thanks for the pseudo-bump. Will post a before/after photo of the mid-extender later today.

Sherwood

The splice extender avoids the possibility of damaging the shift knob when attempting removal.
step 1. Cut the shift lever a few inches below the shift knob
step 2. Install the splice extender
step 3. Reinstall the shift lever and knob removed from step 1

Factory shifter w/factory shift knob:


Factory shifter w/3" splice extender and unmolested factory shift knob. Notice new relationship between shift knob and steering wheel:

[Vincent Hill]

I think I would also have it available in the 2" and even 1" simply because the option is raising and lowering the shift Knob on the extender is not an Option.

Saying that, It sure is nice to know that it is now "ADMITTED" for anyone removing a Stock Shift Knob that it is NOT Easy or Guaranteed to be Successful. I was pretty sore at myself when I damaged my knob and then found out what they are worth! This may be the way these Knobs are saved for the Future!

One day I may have to Polish my unit like yours! Looks Real Racey

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by Vincent Hill

One day I may have to Polish my unit like yours! Looks Real Racey

If you decide to polish your unit do me a favor and don't post pics... or a video!

[Hoss911sc]

does the extension create a situation of hitting the seat in 2nd gear? Mine almost hits now even though I have to reach for the lever. maybe I just have short legs ...

[Porchcar guy]

My Extender is shown in a pic above and the seat is in an as used position. Never an issue but I do have a short shift kit in the car which does make a difference. By extending the shift lever, It puts it so much closer to your hand, that the difference is astounding.

[Vincent Hill]

Originally Posted by GaryR

If you decide to polish your unit do me a favor and don't post pics... or a video!

AMEN!! I have Tried not to see that Picture you do not know how many times! Something about how it looks for me just says I was meant to be RACED!!

[mnez]

Sherwood, I'd like one of the 3" extenders. Are they still available?
PM sent.
Mike