914-6 Conversion Shift Linkage Question, Straight or Bent? Let the opinions fly Options

[John]

I am about to fabricate some rear shift linkages for some -6 conversions, and have been seeing a slight bend in the rear shift rod.

When I did the conversion 13+ years ago, it was common(?) for the shift rod to be absolutely straight as is confirmed by my existing shift rod. We purchased the straight rod from a vendor in CA 13 or 14 years ago possibly from Galen Bieker and it has worked well for both the original 901 side-shifter as well as the current 915 (vellios) transmission.

My main questions are:

1. Is there a need for the shift rod to have a slight bend?
2. Does the slight bend help minimize binding in the bushings?
3. Is the bend to avoid bumping into the bottom of the engine case?
4. What is the location of the slight bend(s)?
5. Is there 2 slight bends or is there just one?

Pics would be very helpful.

Otherwise, I'll continue to make up straight ones and verify that they work with my existing 914-6 conversion.

Thanks for your input.

[rgalla9146]

This is what I did.
It's an assembly of four pieces.
I used the front and rear of a side shift rod with
a length of rear shift grafted into the middle. Done in a fabed' jig.
This is for a 6 conversion with stock heat exchangers.
I used the curved sections of the rear shift rod to create an offset to clear the HEs.
I'll do the same for the 915 installation which has a 916 replica side shift mechanism.