Shift adjustment tool, Better shifting with shift alignment tool Options

[axelsasso]

Like the army of 914 owners who have struggled with shifting issues, I’ve spent hours and hours trying to get my ride to shift better than a stir stick in a bucket of sand. Yes, I’ve purchased everything available in terms of replacement/upgrade parts and rebuilt from the shift knob to the transmission housing. Little by little shifts got cleaner and more predictable. I was not, however, satisfied as compared to other P cars I’ve owned or driven.
As always, I checked Tangerine Racing for any possible solutions. Talking to Chris, he suggested a newer tool that aligns the contraption from front to back.
My starting point was close to acceptable as described above. Installing the tool and completing the adjustment including clean up took about 75 minutes (less if you aren’t in a hurry). It does require drilling two holes in the transmission shift plate and tapping out the holes (drill bit and tap included with the tool) but it shouldn’t scare you.
This setting did the trick for me. No clipping reverse from 1st to 2nd. Cleaner engagement in 2nd through 5th. I really am happy that Chris has developed this and recommend it whether you are new to fixing your shifter, or just want to get to an end point like me.
You may find a micrometer helpful, but not necessary. Also, Chris was very helpful answering the few questions I had. Hopefully, you will find this useful.

1. Drill and tap location
2. Adjustment

[ChrisFoley]

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Can I use your picture on my instruction sheet?

[NARP74]

I could never visualize how this works or what it does. Now seems like a great time. care to explain? Future customer here...

[ClayPerrine]

I could never visualize how this works or what it does. Now seems like a great time. care to explain? Future customer here...

The fixture holds the shift console in the 2-3 plane. To use it, put the car in second gear. Then set the fixture so the bolt touches the bottom of the shift shaft. Put the transmission back in neutral. Then loosen the bolt at the shifter and make sure it is touching the spring loaded gate, but not compressing the springs. Center the shifter and tighten the bolt.

Your trans should shift properly now.

[ChrisFoley]

100%

[axelsasso]

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Can I use your picture on my instruction sheet?

Of course. Least I can do considering the outcome!

[GregAmy]

Another big +1. I was planning to visit Chris' shop today for other parts anyway, so after seeing this thread I grabbed one.

It took me maybe 10 minutes to drill and tap the cassette on the race car (both drill bit and tap are included), the location is obvious (the center of small cast-in circles, see attached photo). Then it was another 5 minutes to adjust the shifter.

Next time the street car is on the lift it'll get the same treatment.

Good tool to have around. - GA

[DC_neun_vierzehn]

@ChrisFoley , first, thank you for making a plethora of 914 upgrade parts and tools. I recently purchased an engine lift plate and bought other pieces in the past. I've always been impressed with the quality.

Secondly, as it relates to all of your trans upgrades, do you offer a package deal (firewall bearing, shift rod, alignment tool, precision shift adjuster)?

Those items individually are $975 + shipping. It might be more tempting/palatable if there was a bundle that offered some savings. Apologies, if you offer that already and I'm missing it on your site.

[jim_hoyland]

does the rubber (plastic) boot still fit to cover the console ?

[mlindner]

Chris, just ordered one. Best, Mark

[GregAmy]

does the rubber (plastic) boot still fit to cover the console ?

Chris says on the web "Fits inside the stock plastic boot. Can be left on the transmission during vehicle operation." You'll just need to back off the set bolt and secure it in place.

Personally, it's two Phillips screws to remove it so I put it back in the baggie and tossed it in my toolbox (drill bit and tap went into that box). I've got two cars, plus I'm worried the screws would come loose (you could blue Loctite it in place).

https://tangerineracing.com/shop/ols/produc...-alignment-tool

[jim_hoyland]

Thanks, good tip. Can the holes be drilled without a lift ?

[GregAmy]

Thanks, good tip. Can the holes be drilled without a lift ?

"Can", maybe. But I'd put it up off the ground on jackstands or ramps to get a good angle on it. Imagine the length of your drill plus the bit up against that casting.

BTW, I center-punched those holes and used the included stainless tubes as a rough drill guide to get it as perpendicular as possible.

[930cabman]

My "almost daily driver" shifts ok, maybe 90%. Just purchased the kit from Chris, everything I have sourced from Tangerine is 1st class.

Thank you for being a great supplier Chris

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[buck toenges]

does this replace or make redundant your 914 Precision Shift Adjuster?

[ChrisFoley]

In my opinion, they both serve the same purpose, so having both is unnecessary. I designed this tool because of my mixed feelings about the precision shift adjuster.

[GregAmy]

I removed the pinion on the shifter adjuster up front. I'd already buggered the Allen head slot in it so it wasn't working anyway...

The precision shifter adjuster was a fantastic idea but I like the new adjuster tool much better. No guesswork, set it up, adjust, done, remove.

[ctc911ctc]

Tail?

Looks like this is for a Side shifter, is there a similar (in purpose) tool for tail shifters?

Yes, I know many of you will say I should modify to a side shifter.......... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Thank you Chris,

CTC

[ChrisFoley]

I've had previous requests for a tailshift linkage kit, but haven't begun development of anything specific yet.

[Chad911sc]

I’m having trouble finding the right shifting plain. I have all of the Tangerine products, but still always clip reverse when going into second gear, so I ordered it. After putting the firewall bearing, shift rod, and adjuster in, I have it shifting pretty well. When I went to put this new adjustment tool on, it is not working as stated and it’s not lining up with the picture provided either. What is shown in the picture as the 2-3 middle plain, is what mine looks like when it’s on the 4-5 plain. When I put it in 2nd gear my shifter on the trans doesn’t have any space as shown. When I have a space, is when I’m in the 4-5 gear plain. What am I doing wrong??
The first two pics are in 2nd gear.
The second two pics are when I’m in 4th gear