The 71 that I just purchased with Subaru EJ25 and sideshifter trans is not shifting properly. Won't stay in 4th or 5th gear. I suspect the shifter linkage between the firewall and the transmission as what is installed now looks like hillbilly engineering.

I've reached out to Renegade Hybrids to see what they offer for a linkage since the conversion is using Renegade's cradle and adapters. But I'm also considering a new shifter.

What does this group recommend for a decent shifter that has a shorter throw than the original?

It's been said a short throw is not good for 901 trannys.

The best aftermarket shifter is hands down the Rennshift.
http://www.jwesteng.com/shop/transmission-...ce-shifter.html

Since the linkage is an issue in your case, check out Tangerine Racing's shift linkage kit. Sounds like you are a perfect candidate for this upgrade.
http://www.tangerineracing.com/transmission.htm

There's probably room for improvement with your existing setup by making adjustments, making sure the cone screws are tight, checking/refurbing bushings, etc. There are articles here that go into it.

Thanks for those links. I know it is a Porsche, and therefore expensive. However, I was hoping for something a bit more affordable.

Will continue to look but keep the Rennshift as the most desirable option.

At least verify adjustments and that everything is tight before throwing parts at it. There are many threads around here on how to adjust linkage that would be worth searching out.

Thanks. I've viewed a few of those threads. Seems like my issue is with this piece in particular. when I try to move the connection on the rod further towards rear of car, this piece just angles more and I still can't get 4th gear to stay without holding it.

You're right, that does look somewhat "hillbilly engineered". It's not the stock piece, that's for sure!

The stock part would only fit on the rear shift rod in one location and one orientation. The end of the set-screw would seat into a hole in the side of the rod, and that's where the piece would be. If there is any way to move it in your setup, that is a definite difference--and not an improvement from stock!

I don't see how sliding the coupling seen there to the rear would make the thing tilt, unless the end of the rod is cut away somehow.

My best guess at this point is that you will need to replace the rear shift rod, or that rear section at the very least.

Remember that side-to-side motion of the gear shift lever means in-and-out motion of the selector, which is the part at the lower-right of your picture that goes inside the trans case. Fore-and-aft motion of the gear shift lever translates into the selector rotating fore and aft.


Have you considered fabricating a cable shift setup?

--DD

That does not look like an original rod. The ball cup has been modified. Can you post more complete pics of the entire rod set up?

Definitely fix the problems that are apparent first (and they are). Throwing a new shifter at this is a waste.

More pics:

Hard to tell for sure from the pix but it looks like it would be better to run the shift rod through the hole in the gusset on the cradle. Not that that would be the best option overall. I like the cable shift solution.

You won't like this but IMHO pull that 901 and put a Subaru TY75 series 5sp in it. Most of us using Subaru engines have done this. You won't regret it.

That bolt through the shift arm instead of the roll pin is an interesting mod. Hope that's a grade 10 with a nyloc nut!

So many things wrong with that linkage.

How does this help with my shifting problem?

Besides it being a piece of fencing that has been bent, or the brash nipple, or the wrong pivot piece connected to the trans, or the welds, bolts or holes, what's wrong?

I do get Reverse, first, second, and third. That is the real surprise.

I bought it this way and trying to fix it. I almost wish there was nothing there so I could justify the $500 linkage from the earlier post. That still may be the only real solution.

There are a couple things you need to do before installing any upgrade products.
Get the correct shift rod head (the piece that holds the ball cup bushing) and get rid of that homemade one.
Replace the thru bolt on the trans lever for a roll pin of the correct size - there should be zero free play at that connection.
Get two cone screws for the connections at both ends of the shift rod. (my kit includes new cone screws)

You should have someone in the cockpit operating the shift lever so you can watch what happens under the car. That will give you a better idea what isn't working right.
If finding 4th/5th is the primary issue, the rotational adjustment is off, or something is interfering with the rod in that direction of rotation.
There's a good chance that the little slop at each of the connections is adding up to make a linkage which won't move far enough at the gearbox to engage all the gears, no matter how carefully it's adjusted.

Update:

The transmission was bad. No 4th or 5th gear and lots of metal shavings in the trans fluid.

I replaced the shifter linkage with a custom rod from Renegade Hybrids. Got a used side sift transmission from 20th Street Auto in Phoenix and I now have all 5 gears.

Now that I know everything is good, I want to find a quality shifter for the car.

In an earlier post, the RennShift was suggested as the best. Any other suggestions?