side shifter Options

[icer9]

I realize that this is likely a simple question, but can someone explian the difference between the side shifter and standard factory setup?

[pcar916]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) The side-shifter is considered the more precise system. That's because it has fewer parts over a shorter distance and goes into the transaxle directly on the side rather than traveling to the back of the transmission first.

In the tail-shifter the shift rod is longer and moves with levers and cams located on the back of the transaxle housing. All those parts have more wiggle-factor in them and make for a pretty vague shift pattern, even when it's in perfect working order. The tail-shifter has more pieces at the bottom of the shifter inside the car as well.

That's because the early 914's and 911's had a ball and socket there, which reversed the right/left movement from the later 914's. That was to keep the shift pattern the same over all years from the driver's perspective.

[icer9]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) The side-shifter is considered the more precise system. That's because it has fewer parts over a shorter distance and goes into the transaxle directly on the side rather than traveling to the back of the transmission first.

In the tail-shifter the shift rod is longer and moves with levers and cams located on the back of the transaxle housing. All those parts have more wiggle-factor in them and make for a pretty vague shift pattern, even when it's in perfect working order. The tail-shifter has more pieces at the bottom of the shifter inside the car as well.

That's because the early 914's and 911's had a ball and socket there, which reversed the right/left movement from the later 914's. That was to keep the shift pattern the same over all years from the driver's perspective.

great, thanks. Was this an option, standard, or conversion?

[brant]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) The side-shifter is considered the more precise system. That's because it has fewer parts over a shorter distance and goes into the transaxle directly on the side rather than traveling to the back of the transmission first.

In the tail-shifter the shift rod is longer and moves with levers and cams located on the back of the transaxle housing. All those parts have more wiggle-factor in them and make for a pretty vague shift pattern, even when it's in perfect working order. The tail-shifter has more pieces at the bottom of the shifter inside the car as well.

That's because the early 914's and 911's had a ball and socket there, which reversed the right/left movement from the later 914's. That was to keep the shift pattern the same over all years from the driver's perspective.

great, thanks. Was this an option, standard, or conversion?

early 914's came stock with a tail shift
(1970/71/72)

starting in 73, the factory upgraded the to what is called a "side shift"
and built them so in 1973/74/75/76

the 6 cylinder cars had a 3rd type of linkage that is also a side shift, but utilizing different parts in 1970/71/72

factory parts.
just an improvement by the factory that was instituted in 1973

[SirAndy]

the 6 cylinder cars had a 3rd type of linkage that is also a side shift

The factory /6 cars had a tail shifter, similar to the early /4 cars ...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif) Andy