I moved my entire gearshift up, A CSOB's solution Options

[URY914]

In case you missed this, I thought I'd share it with you...

In an attempt to be able to perform quicker gear shifts, I have raised my gearshift base and shift rod about 3" above the stock location. This means that the forward shift rod is above the center tunnel but still uses the stock firewall bushing. I figure if I move the gearshift closer to the steering wheel my hand will spend less time going between the wheel and the gearshift.

I did not add universal joints to the shift rod. The coupling under the gearshift and at the firewall allows for some degree of mis-alinement. I fabricated the brackets so I could adjust them so if the mis-alinement was too great and the rod was binding up I could back it down and free it up.

If I really wanted to raise it up 6" or so I'd have to add u-joints into the rod. Than I could also cut a few inches off the gear shift handle to reduce the throw. Maybe I'll do this next if this doesnt work out completely.

This is not a pretty polished custom CNC fabricated aluminum piece but it works. I have not driven the car with it, but it is little more stiff that stock. I only use 1-2-3 anyway so I'll learn to live with it.

[race914]

Just received a catalog from SpeedwayMotors and in their hot rod parts section I came across their steering column bearings. Looks like what is used in some of the shift improvement kits.

(IMG:http://www.speedwaymotors.com/eccStoreFront/product_images/900-949%204TH/910-102_R.jpg)

I thought this link might be of interest in case you are thinking about replacing the firewall bushing at some point, but it does look heavier than the factory plastic : )

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/6845,178_S...nt-Bearing.html

Thanks for sharing your shifter project. Pics are great