Subaru Transmission Cable Linkage, Some Photos with a Rule Options

[DBCooper]

I can't find the thread now, but I promised some photos of my Subaru cable linkage, with a rule for dimensions. Seem to be several projects getting to this point, so hopefully it will be helpful. I wrenched my back so it's been slow, sorry, but here are a few.

General layout. The cable going through the center of the photo is anchored on the left at the sheath to the main bracket, then connects to the shift rod bracket on the right, attached to the shift rod coming out of the transmission. That cable is the shift rod in and out. The rotational cable connects to the bottom of that same shift rod bracket, on the right. The main bracket is the important piece, it locates all the cable sheath anchors. This is the best view of the reinforcing gusset that keeps everything stiff.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.1.jpg)

Same view from below and a little further back so you an see the cable sheath mount for the rotational cable.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.2.jpg)

Same direction of view, but a little around the main bracket so you can see the shift rod bracket. That's the important dimension for full throw of the MR2 shifter, 8.5cm from the center of the shift rod to the cable heim center.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.3.jpg)

Another, that same bracket and dimension. This is the best view of now that bracket attached to the transmission shift rod:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.4.jpg)

Same components, different view. The main bracket curves out from the transmission mount to put the sheath attachment point out in the same plane as the shift rod. In the photos above you can see the shift rod bracket is bent in toward the rear of the transmission to keep that cable movement in the same plane. You can also see more of the main bracket gusset (that triangular shape). Need that gusset to keep it all stiff, minimize cable shifter "mush".

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.5.jpg)

Different view, same stuff.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.6.jpg)

Shows the main bracket size. This isn't a critical dimension, but it will give some perspective, maybe help. that 5" measurement is from the point where it attaches to the transmission to the cable sheath anchor tab for the rotational cable.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.7.jpg)

No, this is NOT Andy's camera, it's my sore back. Not a critical dimension so it's OK. It's 17cm, the distance between the mounting tab for the in-out cable sheath to the middle of the in-out heim joint on the transmission rod bracket.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.8.jpg)

Layout (during the build) of the modified MR2 shifter inside the car. That verticall piece of flat stock between the cables from the shifter to the sheath mounting tabs makes the whole thing stiffer, eliminating a lot of the movement and making the feel a lot more precise. Note that there are adjustments everywhere in the system, every cable end. There's also a video of the shifter working in my build thread, ink in the sig, below.

And last but really first, your reward for reading this far, my little hot rodder grandaughter. She just wants to have fun.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i379.photobucket.com-2618-1381090895.9.jpg)

Sorry things are dirty, but this is how things look with 20K miles of road grime. No maintenance done so far other than regular oil changes and a set of tires. If anyone has any questions or you want to see more or different photos just let me know.

[DBCooper]

Ditto on the awesome. Now take a quick look at this Grassroots Motorsports video of the installation of the cable shifter from Factory Five for the Subaru transmisssion (converted to two-wheel drive) in their 818 kit car.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Y1u8pJwjM



What's cool is that the transmission linkage looks exactly like what y'all are doing, so you're good. In fact it looks so similar I wonder if they didn't watch the original video of that for my car. Whatever, it's an affirmation. The cabin shifter mechanism is different, appears custom, new, all plastic (!), and cables-forward, but works the same way. And if you aren't into fabricating you could probably buy just the shifter parts from Factory Five if that made sense for you and your project. Can't imagine it would be cheap, but it's another alternative.

A thought I've had in watching the 818 develop is that a 914 with a WRX engine/transmission isn't all that different than what they're putting together. The 914 is 200-250 lbs heavier, but that's like taking your big beer drinking friend along when you go for a ride in the 818. Plus the 914 has roll-up windows and other amenities, so not a bad adder for anything less than full-on race car. I've thought about getting an 818, it's sure good looking, but can't imagine it would be that much more of a thrill than what I already have.