Shift coupler

[NZJimmy]

Hi all.

decided to do my shift linkage coupler rather than just bushings. Been reading a lot of threads on this as I'm deciding whether to go wevo or just oem. Most threads discussing wevo are comparing to old worn out bushings so obviously difference is huge. Has anyone had opportunity to compare to either a good factory coupler with new bushings to see if it's still a big difference to justify cost? Sounds like there is still some built in play in factory coupler which the wevo doesn't seem to have and I'm trying to avoid?

Also, do you have to get the set screw for the coupler separately for the wevo? A review said you need to grind this down a bit to get it to seat in the wevo-anyone experience this?

Did the Seine kit last year and shifter bushings on my factory short shift so thinking this should do the job...5th to 4th isn't much fun now.

Will also have to get a new coupler clamp as PO has adjusted this far too many times with the incorrect spanner

cheers,
Jimmy

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by NZJimmy

... on my factory short shift so thinking this should do the job...5th to 4th isn't much fun now.

I can't speak for the we on coupler, I put delrin bushings in my factory coupler, which was way better than the Orem bushings. But FWIW, I was never able to get the 5th to 4 th shift to work like I wanted until I removed the factory short shift and went back to stock. YMMV, but the lockout never worked well with the short shift in place.

[NZJimmy]

Thanks Arne,

car has had short shift since new and shift was working fine, so that's what made me have a look at coupling. I've had quite a few plays for a while with adjustment but still no joy.

This topic is huge I know and every time I search bushings/couplings etc it seems to get worse! Was simply going to replace my bushings (including shift rod/shaft-which i will still do) but that's where all the conflicting messages come.

Car is/will only be street and many would say the wevo is ott but it does seem to have the most consistent review that it works. Don't want to spend that much when compared to the price of bushings but as it's a 'lifetime' fix maybe it's worth it.

Another option I'm considering is brass bushings but again so many different opinions. As parts have to be sent to NZ want to do it right first.

[Arne2]

My car had the factory SS installed by a prior owner before I bought it. I added the Seine, all new bushings, and even new engine and transaxle mounts. The delrin bushings in the coupler are very firm, really tightened things up nicely.

My problem was that with the short shift, I could not find the sweet spot in fore-aft coupler adjustment where I could get it completely into 4th but still trip the reverse lockout cam to keep me from nicking reverse on 4-5 downshifts. Once I reverted to the original shifter, I nailed that adjustment first time. No more nasty sounds on downshift.

There may have been a different way to deal with that, but in addition to the reverse lockout working well now, the car is much easier to shift, noticeably less effort, and I really didn't see much difference in length of travel. Other cars may not have the same issue that I had.

[groovydude]

With a Porsche short shift installed, I went from a newly rebuilt stock coupler (with the oem style bushings) to a aftermarket similar to the Wevo (I'm blanking on the manufacturer), and noticed only a very slight difference. It's a LOT easier to adjust though. If I were at the rebuild stage, however, I'd go with brass bushings and save a few bucks. I believe what little play there is in the stock coupler comes from the plastic in the bushings.

[NZJimmy]

Originally Posted by groovydude

With a Porsche short shift installed, I went from a newly rebuilt stock coupler (with the oem style bushings) to a aftermarket similar to the Wevo (I'm blanking on the manufacturer), and noticed only a very slight difference. It's a LOT easier to adjust though. If I were at the rebuild stage, however, I'd go with brass bushings and save a few bucks. I believe what little play there is in the stock coupler comes from the plastic in the bushings.

Thanks for the response-have been thinking the brass bush option too as quite a few $ less for maybe a similar feel (not too worried about noise etc that gets talked about as wevo would probably be similar in this regard). The derlin? seem to be another popular option but have heard good things on brass. Do these have to be pressed into place with a press or can you do without (use vice etc)?

When you say easier to adjust-do you mean adjusting the coupler clamp?

The complete couplers do seem to help a few issues but once a few bushes etc and freight is added I'm close to 500bucks to get to NZ which is getting a mid mad vs. less than 200 for brass.

cheers

[SkiVT]

You can do Delrin yourself. I found it a very worthwhile upgrade from oem. Had I done it first, I would not have installed the short shifter. In my opinion, do all the bushings/plastics/coupler first, then decide if the shorter shift appeals to you.

[Kidasters]

I've got the wevo coupler, seine gate shifter and factory short shift kit. I don't use the gates on the seine kit, but I like how the springs center it on the 3-4 line. I've also replaced every bushing in the shift linkage.

My car shifts wonderfully. I wouldn't change it back to stock for anything.

[NZJimmy]

thanks guys, seems to be a consistent theme with the wevo that it does what it says on the box, but me being a tight a#% I wonder if I can get 90% of the benefits by maybe using bronze (or Derlin) and pressing them in myself plus replacing all other bushings in the line. Freight cost really hurts here and we have to pay additional tax if its over a certain $ amount, so that might be what sways my decision-just dont want to regret not going wevo if it really is leaps and bounds better.....too many decisions and big differences in $ makes my head hurt!

[universeman]

Jimmy, I have some bronze bushings I don't need, and will ship them to you if you want them, if you cover the shipping cost.

I put in the Wevo PSJ recently, replacing pretty good factory coupler and bushings - not much play when I pulled it out at all, so it was in good shape. I think the PSJ is a nice upgrade, shifting feels much more positive now and is easier. Easy to adjust. I did have to grind down the set screw and yes you do have to purchase that separately. Good luck with your decision, PM me if you want those bushings.

[dicklague]

I have the Wevo and the factory SS. Works very well, and has been in there for 6-7 years with no change in shifting action. I highly recommend the Wevo coupler.

[Bill Verburg]

Delrin low/zero clearance bushes help a lot,

Wevo PSJ would be my choice for a coupler

adjustment issues often arise from the clamp, it gets old and stretched and won't hold adjustment, Wevo clamp is cheap insurance.

[puddy]

I have fresh bushings but I've been having a hard time getting my stock shift coupler adjusted right for a nice 1-2 shift, everything else works great. Reading above it seems the Wevo unit makes the adjustments easier, so I for that reason i'll probably pick up a wevo PSJ soon.

[lightbulb8817]

i picked up the precision shift coupler made by J West.

I also went with ther Rennshift Package. The package came with all the necessary bushings and set screws. Very easy install. No sanding/grinding of any clamps to install it. Their instructions on how to align the shift leakage is also better than anything else I found.

http://www.jwesteng.com/shop/instructions/RennShift_web_instructions.pdf

[JSV798]

What is wrong exactly with the 5th to 4th change? If it is crunching then you need to adjust so that selector rod is longer; you're catching reverse. Slacken the coupler and pull back on the gear stick GENTLY just a fraction; tighten coupler and test. Continue as necessary.

[joefrantz]

I've tried both the Wevo and a good factory coupler with new round center bushings.
No discernable difference to me. I stuck with the factory coupler.
More discussion in this thread:

Shift coupler update?

[NZJimmy]

thanks all for the great feedback on options.

5th to 4th issue seems to be: shift from 3rd to 4th good and direct, when i go to 5th (which I have to think about rather than a really nice shift) its ok, then downshift to 4th is problematic-'feels' like gear isn't there-as in there is resistance to get into 4th. I do pull into N from 5th pause/double cluth etc but still no joy-if I change to 3rd I can then get 4th ok again. If I do get 4th on down change I feel resistance then pop it goes in. I have adjusted coupler many times to try and overcome and that's why I'm looking at replacement or bushes.

The coupler clamp I personally think has also lost some of it 'hold'. The PO looks like he's slightly rounded the 13mm nut (from using incorrect size I guess) and I put good tension on without trying to break it but have experienced it coming loose. This also makes adjustment difficult as I now can't determine what is 'correct' and mark this location.

So, I'll also be replacing coupling clamp-as I'm guessing there's only so many times this 30 year old soft metal can be opened and closed.

The 'round' option bushings-are the derlin ones round or are these the 914 versions I've read about?

In regard to the 5-4 issue will the coupler rebuild/replacement plus good adjustment solve this or do I have bigger issues?

thanks again,
Jimmy

[Mick_D]

It sounds like you need to make some adjustments to the coupler in order to get the 5 to 4 -reverse clip problem resolved. IT may not be 'solved' the first time you adjust the coupler.

[NZJimmy]

Hi all,

after having a spare moment in the weekend to have another play with adjustment-frustration kicked in and I bit the bullet and have ordered wevo coupler/clamp/screw/shift rod bushing and lever bushing. Interesting to note when I went through my files all bushing have been replaced before. When I last had shifter out that bush wasn't bad but for the extra few dollars thought it would be wise doing this again with the shaft bush so then there will be no 'what ifs' if any issues arise.

Once parts arrive and I've got them in/adjusted I'll let you all know if it sorts 5th to 4th and is any good (fingers crossed!). In the meantime I just need to figure out how to hide the invoice from Mrs Jimmy...

thanks again all for your help.

[cabmandone]

Brass bushings in my coupler with short shift and Seine gate. It took me several adjustments to get my 5/4 where I liked it. I had no trouble adjusting prior to the Seine gate shift kit and I'm not complaining about it as it has really made shifts a lot more certain and crisp. I think part of the difficulty in adjusting with the Seine gate installed is the spring tension and having to hold the shifter in the 1/2 plane while making the adjustment on the coupler turning it to get it in the proper position.