914 changing from Bottom shift to Side Shift

lsvgshensel · 08-14-2013, 06:31 AM

I am in a project and need to change from a bottom shift transmission to a side shift transmission. Has anyone done this before and what is involved. I figure it must be possible, but what issues may I come up against ? I would appreciate any help possible.

luskesq · luskesq's Garage

You may want to check this out on our host's site: Pelican Technical Article: 914 Shifting Improvements

Keith

Cairo94507 · Cairo94507's Garage

You could also want to contact Dr. Evil on 914World.com - he is a transaxle expert (EvilWorks) and he converted my stock '71 Six tailshifter to a side-shifter as well as rebuilding the whole transaxle and changing the gearing to better accommodate the new motor.
Good luck.

lsvgshensel · 08-15-2013, 06:53 AM

Thanks Guys, this is a big help.

TheCabinetmaker · 08-15-2013, 07:47 AM

what you need will depend in part on what engine configuration you have. If you have a very early car, with the solid motor mounts on the engine (soft mounts on ends of engine bar, then you will need to exchange your mount on the motor converting it to the type that has the rubbermounts on the ends of the bar, then you will need the correct late model bar for the side shift install. the side shift had a unique motor mount bar with a hole in it to pass thru the shift rod.
if you have a "later early bar" (it has the rubber mounts on the motor case, solid mounts on the ends of the bar) then you will only need to change the bar to the side shift type, the rubber mounts you have will work with the new bar.

there is also a conversion bushing that mounts on the firewall, Pelican should have it, you will need this conversion bushing.

besides the transmission and the afore mentioned mount bar, you will need the complete linkage, from below the shifter knob all the way back to the transmission.

Of course there is CV joint service and clutch service that might be wise to perform at the time of the change.

Whenever exchanging transmission, be sure to confirm the clutch arm ball (located in the bell house) has the exact same height of spacers as your old transmission. the number of spaces will change if the flywheel has been resurfaced. if the transmission's clutch arm pivot ball is not set up for the flywheel thickness you have, then you may find the clutch will either always slip, or never be able to disengage,

I would not do business with Dr. Evil, bad vibes all around with him, shady businessman.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

I have done business with the Doc, and had no problems. I haven't heard of very many unsatisfied customers at all, in fact.

--DD

mepstein · 07:06 AM

"I would not do business with Dr. Evil, bad vibes all around with him, shady businessman."

Really??? He's been a fixture on 914 for years and does transmission clinics all over the country. I'll see him at a local picnic today. Real doctor, family man, totally perverted sense of humor. But shady, bad vibes? - No.

TheCabinetmaker · 08-18-2013, 08:01 AM

the question here was not about finding a transmission builder, so advocating this dr evil is really not was asked for. different folks have had different experinces I would not recommend this guy for a tranny build, but that is not what the original question was about. the original poster had a question about swapping trannys, he was not asking for a tranny builder.

mike95125 · 08-18-2013, 01:55 PM

This is Dr. Evil. I challenge you to find ONE person who has a complaint against me or whom is dissatisfied with my services. Find me ONE. Where they hell do you get off slandering my good name, which is the only way I do business, with NO EVIDENCE to back up your slanderous comments.

I have been building transmissions for 10 years and in that time I have had a total of 2 problems. Two, out of over 200 rebuilds. Two that I had promptly fixed and were simple. Also, these were in the beginning.

I will not waste much time on you as you are a well known troll on the forums. The unsolicited accolades above from respected, non-trolls, pretty much makes the case supporting what I have posted and against the vitriolic crap you put out.

mike95125 · 08-18-2013, 01:59 PM

lsvgshensel, sorry that I had to post semi-unrelated stuff to your thread. Welcome to this great forum. Take all advice with suspicion and verify everything, even what I tell you.

You will need the engine bar, mounts to the engine, mounts from the bar to the frame, all the shift linkage from stick to gear box, and a special bushing for the firewall that you can get on this site.

All in all it is easy. If your flywheel has been surfaced, you may need to shim the pivot ball that the clutch fork rides on. If you use more than one spacer you need to put sealant on the pivot ball threads or it will leak. Please feel free to ask if anything posted was not clear.

TheCabinetmaker · 10:47 AM

dr. evils thoughts on me are well known and mine on him, I wouldn't use him. nor recommend him.

GeorgeRud · 08-19-2013, 02:49 PM

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I think a vast majority of folks are very happy to have Mike around to help with transmissions.

And yes, he does have a warped sense of humor, but you need that to get through medical school these days!

Eric_Shea · Eric_Shea's Garage

Quote:

I challenge you to find ONE person who has a complaint against me

You dress funny and you reek of elderberries. That's TWO complaints I have. Wait... you like weird looking cars!! Thats THREE!!

Switching from a tail shifter to a side shifter is pretty straight forward as Doc points out. The benefits are amazing, even more so with a solid linkage kit and a short shift kit. Mine's like driving a Ferrari.