Aftermarket Shifters vs Shifter Rebuild

[gt350mike]

I've searched through most of the forum and found an excellent post from AFJuvat & FR W on rebuilding the stock shifter, but we're condsidering an aftermarket shifter.

My son's shifter is in really bad shape (long throws, 2nd gear is hard to get, very sloppy feel, etc, etc.) and I wanted to hear some feedback on aftermarket shifters (cost, ease of installation, etc) vs rebuilding the existing shifter.

Thanks!

[bertman]

If your question is whether to use aftermarket shift knobs and altered shift levers, I don't think you'd like the noise, vibration and harshness compared to the stock shifter. The design of the OE shifter is superior to any aftermarket setup I've used/seen. If the OE shift lever is worn just replace it or the bushings, an easy job.

If you want to really tighten up the shifter and take out the slop at the linkage end, you should consider installing a short shift kit from 944racing.com (eBay) or AutoThority. These are quality items, install easily and shorten throws 50%. YMMV

[picstr]

To follow up on what bertman said, the SS shift linkage install will probably solve all or most of your slop, I installed a new stock shift lever (ground down an inch) with a Momo knob, and a SS linkage kit from 944 Racing and the combination of the 2 compared to what I had is astounding, although if you don't like notchy shifts steer clear, I love it, click 1st click 2nd, its almost to short a throw. Yes the Momo knob does rattle and vibrate but it's fixable, oh I was going to add some Swepco trany fluid yesterday to but the drain plug would not budge, top one came off easy, the swepco would probably make the shifts less notchy.
Good luck. Regards, Tim.

[SoCal Driver]

Simple solution is to buy a new shift lever. It's the pin that wears the most.

You can also do the 3/8" bolt and jam nut pin replacement. I've just done this. While it was a bit more involved than just replacing the shift arm with a new one it does work!

Also check the stepped bolt over the transmission that the long shift linkage pivots on to select the 1-2, 3-4 and 5-reverse pattern. These can loosen and give much the same feeling of slop as a worn pin on the shift lever.

A worn pin is usually the reason the leather boot does not stay on the base bezzel.