cutting a stock shift handle

redrider044 · 10-25-2008, 04:38 PM

I have a '78 928 5 speed that I want to shorten the shifter throws. I know it will not be the same as a new short shifter set up, but how much can I cut the stock handle? For now, I have to spend money on other essential things until I can swing buying a new shifter. BTW, who makes a good short shifter? This is my first 928. I love the car but wow, what a rude awakening. Thank you all for your help.

chesireIsugaree · 10-25-2008, 04:43 PM

Howdy Partner. You can take up to 1.5" I'd say. Having fun?

rhjames · rhjames's Garage

I did this with mine.......

Cut the shifter off just below the border between the thin and the thick (about 2 inches down from the top), then used a grinder to shape the (new) top end in the same form as the (old) top, using the cut off piece as a template.

If you really want to shorten the throw more, you can drill a new bushing hole further up from the top one, cut the side pieces (on either side of the original hole) and re-weld them to each side of the new hole. This is essentially what is done to make the throw shorter on the "short shifter".

Good luck--

My name is spelled correctly here>>>>>>>>>Russ

DanielDudley · 10-26-2008, 03:47 AM

Shor shifters make the throw a lot shorter, but they increase the effort. Cutting the lever doesn't shorten the throw as much, but it doesn't really change the feel either, it just improves the ergonomics slightly.

I have one of each, and I prefer a cut shifter.

DanielDudley · 10-26-2008, 03:47 AM

Short shifters make the throw a lot shorter, but they increase the effort. Cutting the lever doesn't shorten the throw as much, but it doesn't really change the feel either, it just improves the ergonomics slightly.

I have one of each, and I prefer a cut shifter.

redrider044 · 10-26-2008, 05:37 AM

Thank you all for saving me as well as others with the same idea about $100.00. This forum has answeres for just about everything. One more question. When will the market turn around?

Danglerb · 10-26-2008, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrider044

Thank you all for saving me as well as others with the same idea about $100.00. This forum has answeres for just about everything. One more question. When will the market turn around?

My guess, 4 to 6 years, and I don't think we have hit bottom, more like the spinning just before it goes down the toilet. No matter who wins in Nov, half the county will think its the wrong person and lose confidence in recovery.

More variables to the shifter equation;

Which era tranny do you have, old or borg syncro style and what condition is it in?

Whats the condition of your linkage, shift ball in front and thingy in the rear?

All good, then maybe a short throw, short shifter is best.

If you are already hunting for second, then maybe not.

Tired rubber in my shift knob is what is driving me nuts right now, so I want to switch to a threaded shifter so I can use aftermarket knobs.

N2O-SHARK · 10-26-2008, 09:48 AM

I prefer the true short shifter over my cut shifter. I cut a lot off and it's much better than stock. But for $80 I'd get the real deal from 928GT.com or 928MS.com. Also Carl has shift handle adaptors for about $8 that will let you use any standard shift knob. The combination of a short shifter with a better knob is wonderful.

I went with the Grant Evolution grip with burl wood. Amazing how much difference a knob makes on the feel of things.

BTW you can have my cut shifter for the price of shipping. It's cut real low, even dropped the shoulders down.

Here's my set up with new leather shift boot. My cut shifter is even lower.

redrider044 · 10-28-2008, 06:19 AM

Thank you all for your information & thank you N20-SHARK (nice car) for the shifter offer. After reading all the posts, I think I'll save my pennies for a true short shifter. First things first though. My son & I, mostly my son, are still sorting out electrical gremlins. So far so good. Thank you all again.

Fabio421 · 10-28-2008, 07:23 AM

N20 Shark..... please post some pics of those seats in a different thread. Thanks

MarkRobinson · 10-28-2008, 07:26 AM

I too commonly cut my stock shifter down about 1.5" or so. Updates the look, reduces the throw w/o any notchiness (no experience there, just a guess based on past posts & such).

Mark

Danglerb · 10-28-2008, 08:23 AM

I am thinking of taking the stock shifter and cutting it down, then cut a normal knob thread on the end. I want a very solid feel, and I am thinking an adapter won't have that.

For the boot I was going to cut top off an old one at the "neck", then put a nut all the way down on the threaded shifter, maybe a washer, drop the boot over that with the cut off end tucked inside itself, then put on the knob and tighten the nut from the bottom to secure it in the proper orientation.