Play in shift pattern question

tdskip · tdskip's Garage

Hi guys - now that I've got a coupler going through Ed I'm on to my next "is this normal question". When the car is off and I put her in first gear I can move the shift lever side to side and there is a lot of slop even though she stays in gear. Ditto for all the gears except for 5th which has no play.

I'm thinking not normal.

Thanks in advance for the help.

tirwin · tirwin's Garage

Starting with the obvious, 5th and reverse are normally the only gears that are gated. Relative to that, then yes, there is a difference in feel between 5th and the other gears. I might suggest adding your location to your profile. Maybe you can find a local Pelican to compare with. I did that with a fellow Pelican and it helped a lot, if nothing more than just peace of mind.

Installing the Seine Systems gate shift kit is what a lot of people do if you're looking for the same kind of "feel" as 5th gear for 1st and 2nd. 3rd and 4th are the neutral plane with the GSK. And it is cheap insurance against the "money shift" if you're ever going to do something like track the car.

Once you get your coupler back from Ed, you will spend a little time getting it re-aligned. I think it took me 3 tries -- probably 30-45 minutes -- to get it right. That may make a difference. The ball cup bushing at the base of the shifter could also be old and in need of replacement. But I would start with seeing how things feel after you get your coupler back from Ed.

JAR0023 · JAR0023's Garage

There will be some play. You can minimize this with a little work.

Did you change out the bushings up front? Cup on bottom of shift lever and ring for shift rod just behind that? Bushings are cheap but it's a little more involved if you have to remove the console. Very doable just a bit of a pain.

You can also 'blueprint' your shifter to remove any slop. Great tutorial on the Seine Systems website. Considere the gate shift kit while you're in there.

I've recently replaced or upgrade all of these and my shifter has tightend up considerably, but there is still a small amount of play. With so much linkage it won't ever be zero.

J

ivangene · 07-03-2012, 05:46 AM

+1 for blueprinting your shifter per Seine's instructions - and a new cup and ring (see host for parts)

there isnt really anything else to do unless you want to step up to a Wevo shifter (which is really nice as well)

tdskip · tdskip's Garage

Hi guys - thanks for the info.

I'd be thrilled with just a little bit of play, I've got loads currently. I just ordered the bushing cup and they Seine gate kit, so I'll just keep working on this. (Have Ed's uprated coupler on order as well).

Assuming that the cup and Seine kit make sense to do at one shot?

ivangene · 07-03-2012, 05:59 AM

do you have a standard or Short Shift (factory or otherwise?)

It will make a difference in how the Seine gets installed (SSK needs a little bit of a notch cut in the housing)

Sherwood (seine systems) is an awesome guy and is easy to work with if you get to where you need his help.

you get these things done and you are going to freak out wow well this all goes togehter as a package...the sweat equity is WAY worth the price of admission !

tdskip · tdskip's Garage

Hi Ed - she has a standard shifter set up currently.

JAR0023 · JAR0023's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdskip

Hi guys - thanks for the info.

I'd be thrilled with just a little bit of play, I've got loads currently. I just ordered the bushing cup and they Seine gate kit, so I'll just keep working on this. (Have Ed's uprated coupler on order as well).

Assuming that the cup and Seine kit make sense to do at one shot?

Don't forget the ring bushing. That's the only place I had wear. Cup was actually in good shape. Ring bushing supports the shift rod as it travels rearward and allows for the twisting/reversing of direction as you move the shifter left to right.

J

ivangene · 07-03-2012, 06:27 AM

easy - no mods needed to the housing...this is really a snap install (although you still have to drilll 2 holes) and get the "tab" attached (welded)

mine has been on for over a year and I still just have the hose clamp (rolleyes)

tdskip · tdskip's Garage

J - is that a different part than these?

Bearing bush | 914 424 224 00

Ball socket | 911 424 139 00

Shift coupler bushing | 695 424 223 00

ivangene · 07-03-2012, 06:49 AM

you dont need the last part #

the other 2 are correct

tdskip · tdskip's Garage

OK - thanks. Is J's ring bushing the same as I referenced, or is that a different bit?

Thanks for all the help.

Arne2 · Arne2's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivangene

mine has been on for over a year and I still just have the hose clamp (rolleyes)

I'm laughing at this part, because still using the hose clamp would be my normal MO. In large part due to simply not having easy access to a welder. Oddly enough, I DID have mine welded after only a couple months, but mostly because I had to remove the console anyway, so as long as I was in there....

ivangene · 07-03-2012, 07:16 AM

same

Arne...funny thing is the shop has a welder and I park right next to it several times a week...IDK, i guess it's not high on my list - BUT I resolve to get it done!

LOL

bamboo sc · 07-03-2012, 07:35 AM

Another nice clamping system that I am using, for my Seine tab- is a two piece shaft collar. Very strong, does not interfere with anything, and hides in the boot.
Can be bought on Mcmaster carr for something like 6 dollars.
I just didn't want to weld on my shift shaft.

You need a 13/16 ID clamp, or .813 diameter.