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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Subaru conversion cable shifter
Posted by: 749142 Apr 26 2016, 08:55 AM
I know a few of you have done his. Looking for a little help on the cable shifter for the Subaru 5spd tranny. Where can I get custom cables made? Or is there a certain set of cables that will work from another vehicle ? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Posted by: jd74914 Apr 26 2016, 09:05 AM
Midwest Controls makes nice push-pull (Morse) cables at a pretty good price. I've used them a few times for bike-engine car stuff. 
Posted by: matthepcat Apr 26 2016, 09:10 AM
http://www.cableshift.com/Subaru/subaru%20page.html
Also Ian makes them but not sure if he is still doing Subaru conversion parts: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=191930
Posted by: madmax914 Apr 26 2016, 09:11 AM
Here's a thread where they discuss cable manufactures.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=216444&hl=Control+Cables
Posted by: JRust Apr 26 2016, 10:49 AM
Yeah Control Cables! I ordered from them on Monday. Had them by Friday & were very reasonable. I ordered from a place in the Midwest previously. They were twice the price & they were a month out 
Posted by: jimkelly Apr 26 2016, 10:55 AM
they run about $100 each depending on materials used.
Posted by: DBCooper Apr 26 2016, 11:05 AM
Here's a thread where they discuss cable manufactures.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=216444&hl=Control+Cables
http://www.cableshift.com/Subaru/subaru%20page.html
Just a heads-up, I think the photos in all those links show two cables activating the shift rod directly, with no bell-crank in line. By that I mean that the in-out cables all attach directly, pushing the rod in and out, then the rotational cable makes a loop and comes in to the shift rod at a 90 degree angle to rotate the rod, so both cables make a direct connection to the rod without any kind of intermediate mechanism. I have two 914-WRX's with Subaru transmissions here, one with a direct cable connection like those shown in the links, and the other with a bell crank. Makes it possible to compare.
The advantage of the bell crank is that both cables come to the rear of the transmission together, compactly and in parallel. That's nice, but the down side is that the bell crank mechanism makes it far less precise, more vague. It's better than the stock 914 shifter, for sure, but once you've tried the direct connection and can compare you realize it's not nearly as nice as it could be. The direct cable connections, like any of the photos shown in those links, is really nice, notchy and precise.
Posted by: Heater Guy Apr 26 2016, 12:04 PM
I know a few of you have done his. Looking for a little help on the cable shifter for the Subaru 5spd tranny. Where can I get custom cables made? Or is there a certain set of cables that will work from another vehicle ? Any help is greatly appreciated.
California Push Pull in Chico, CA (530) 893-4060
Posted by: andys Apr 26 2016, 01:32 PM
+1 for Control Cables, Inc in Santa Fe Springs, CA.
When designed properly, a bell-crank won't affect "feel." On my LS1/Audi 6 speed, my bell-crank setup has zero lash. The Boxster 5 speed uses a bell-crank setup successfully.
Andys
Posted by: DBCooper Apr 26 2016, 02:29 PM
When designed properly, a bell-crank won't affect "feel." On my LS1/Audi 6 speed, my bell-crank setup has zero lash. The Boxster 5 speed uses a bell-crank setup successfully.
Yeah, I don't want to be misunderstood. I'm not saying that bell cranks are bad, because I've had and used good ones myself, but there's plenty of room in the back, so if you can loop one cable around to come in at 90 degrees, connecting both cables directly to the shift rod, you've eliminated an intermediary mechanism and another possibility for slop. If I had just the bell-crank shifter here I might not even notice, but I have one configured each way so it's easy compare. Everything else is identical. It's not a lot, and I repeat that the bell-crank linkage isn't bad, it's good, but there is a difference between the two.
Just a heads-up, something I've noticed.
Posted by: jimkelly Apr 26 2016, 03:29 PM
thanks for the FOOD FOR THOUGHT 
Posted by: 76-914 Apr 26 2016, 06:13 PM
When designed properly, a bell-crank won't affect "feel." On my LS1/Audi 6 speed, my bell-crank setup has zero lash. The Boxster 5 speed uses a bell-crank setup successfully.
Yeah, I don't want to be misunderstood. I'm not saying that bell cranks are bad, because I've had and used good ones myself, but there's plenty of room in the back, so if you can loop one cable around to come in at 90 degrees, connecting both cables directly to the shift rod, you've eliminated an intermediary mechanism and another possibility for slop. If I had just the bell-crank shifter here I might not even notice, but I have one configured each way so it's easy compare. Everything else is identical. It's not a lot, and I repeat that the bell-crank linkage isn't bad, it's good, but there is a difference between the two.
Just a heads-up, something I've noticed.
I knew I copied a good design when I copied yours Paul.
I have no shame. I can speak to the crisp feel of that design. However, it's appeal to me was simplicity. And +1 for Control Cables 562-949-0455. They are super helpful and friendly.
Posted by: 749142 Apr 30 2016, 11:33 AM
Here's a thread where they discuss cable manufactures.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=216444&hl=Control+Cables
http://www.cableshift.com/Subaru/subaru%20page.html
Just a heads-up, I think the photos in all those links show two cables activating the shift rod directly, with no bell-crank in line. By that I mean that the in-out cables all attach directly, pushing the rod in and out, then the rotational cable makes a loop and comes in to the shift rod at a 90 degree angle to rotate the rod, so both cables make a direct connection to the rod without any kind of intermediate mechanism. I have two 914-WRX's with Subaru transmissions here, one with a direct cable connection like those shown in the links, and the other with a bell crank. Makes it possible to compare.
The advantage of the bell crank is that both cables come to the rear of the transmission together, compactly and in parallel. That's nice, but the down side is that the bell crank mechanism makes it far less precise, more vague. It's better than the stock 914 shifter, for sure, but once you've tried the direct connection and can compare you realize it's not nearly as nice as it could be. The direct cable connections, like any of the photos shown in those links, is really nice, notchy and precise.
I really appreciate your input on this. I was planning on doing a bell crank set up on this project. But I might reconsider. If you could pm some photos of your set up that would be great.
Posted by: 749142 Apr 30 2016, 11:36 AM
Thanks everyone for taking the time to help a fellow enthusiast. Looks like I'll be checking on control cables.
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