Subaru Transmission Cable Linkage, Some Photos with a Rule Options

[IM101]

When measuring my shifter cables I just used a long length of copper wire tied to each mounting point and added 6 inches for wiggle room and that was my full length.

That is probably what I'm going to do... But I don't have my 914 with me at the moment and I want to be 100% sure of the fitment before i order a bunch of cables 1" to short...

[CptTripps]

This is awesome news. I'm also VERY glad that you aren't attaching it to your engine cradle. I JUST got mine back from powder-coating...and it'd suck to have to scrape/weld/re-coat.

Put me down for 1...as soon as you have them ready!

[AfricanHijinx]

i am in for a set

[76-914]

FYI, your lookng at about 150 for a pair of cables with ends

[IM101]

FYI, your lookng at about 150 for a pair of cables with ends

Thanks, that's about where I had them priced for the good ones. hopefully ill be able to get the price a little lower by ordering in bulk.

[CptTripps]

So are we talking $200-$250 for the bracket and cables?

Just curious.

[76-914]

If you use wire as a measuring stick be sure to allow for the correct min radius. Bob's method (w/ the plastic tube) insures you won't make it too tight of a turn. You will notice a bit of drag as you approach min radius so try to make gradual turns. Someone mentioned 4" throw cables. The tranny has < 2" travel so 4"' travels too long. 2" travel is enough. 1/4" cables are all you need. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Chris H.]

Thanks Kent. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[IM101]

So are we talking $200-$250 for the bracket and cables?

Just curious.

It will depend on laser cutting and steal costs, but I don't see it being to much more than that range.

[IM101]

Thanks Kent. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Yes thanks Kent, DBCooper, and everyone else who has contributed to this. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[CptTripps]

Awesome. Put me on the list...or even to test something. I'm happy to help however I can. I'll be test-fitting the engine/trans in a few weeks.

[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.

[DBCooper]

Saw this photo in the FF 818 forum of their rear brackets:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i897.photobucket.com-2618-1387912364.1.jpg)

I wonder if someone should tell them the angles are off and that's too small a radius on that cable, it won't last. It's weird reading their posts, they're just getting to things we've done some time ago, speculating how it might work.

[andys]

I wonder if someone should tell them the angles are off and that's too small a radius on that cable, it won't last. It's weird reading their posts, they're just getting to things we've done some time ago, speculating how it might work.

Your observation is sound indeed. Of all the conditions proper for cable longevity, alignment and actuation normal to the axis are crucial, in my experience. Look at the Boxster cable shift mechanism, and you'll see proper execution where the cables make a straight shot at the linkage pick up points. You'll also notice no big looping of the cables.....Think about it, when you loop a cable like some vendors products do, any force applied essentially tries to straighten the cable. These push-pull cables work best and last the longest when they are as straight as possible.

Andys

[DBCooper]

That's true to a point. I'm not familiar with the Boxster cable mechanism so can't compare, but isn't the rotational motion in that transmission made internally? If so it's not really possible to duplicate it on the Subaru transmission, which works like a 901 tailshift. But the reason to use cables is to be able to make curves, and sometimes putting in a curve means you can simplify the rest of the mechanism. For example the curve in that cable eliminates the need for a bell crank or other mechanism to change rotation, so all in all a pretty good trade.

As long as you stay within specs that cable ought to outlast the rest of the car. It just seems to me from the cables I've seen that Factory Five setup is a bit too tight. They may be using a different cable with different specs, I don't know, but there's no excuse for not aligning the brackets with the cable's pull direction.

[drive-ability]

Great info !!!!

[76-914]

Saw this photo in the FF 818 forum of their rear brackets:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i897.photobucket.com-2618-1387912364.1.jpg)

I wonder if someone should tell them the angles are off and that's too small a radius on that cable, it won't last. It's weird reading their posts, they're just getting to things we've done some time ago, speculating how it might work.

Good eye, DB. Don't use the bracket to str8n the cable. It should be properly aligned before passing thru the bracket. Also, check your manufacturers min bend radius on the cables that you buy. Sent from the "from Land of BBQ" on my IPhone.

[IM101]

Hey guys,
I have the first production prototype drawing at laser cutting, the holidays ended up delaying parts for the cradles and now the shifter a little bit, but I really like the deign and think its going to be a winner.

I agree with what you guys are saying on the straitness/mounting of the cables, which is why I decided to go with bell crank in the design. It keeps both cables the same length, strait through their entirety, and pretty flush against the transmission. I also found a nice bell crank with a sealed bearing to reduce the drag as much as possible.

Ill report back when i get the part back from laser and can do a final test mount.

-Ian

[effutuo101]

Hi Ian, I am available to test immediately. Trans and motor are in, mR2 shifter in hand and ready to be installed.
Looking good!

[Chris H.]

YES! Bring it! Ready whenever they're done.