Looks like i am going down the rabbit hole of changing out my transmission but I figured I would pose one more question. Did a bit of searching and was unable to really dig up exactly what I was looking for.

Option 1. Convert the car to a sideshift with a rebuilt transmission. Cost, estimated is around $3k.

Option 2. Replace all tailshift bushings and install a Rennshift. Looks to cost about 1k all in.

Is the side shifter worth 3x what I am proposing with the tailshift/rennshift conversion?

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If your tail shifter is in good shape (i.e. newly rebuilt), there is the third option of converting that trans to side shift. You’d need a few additional parts so cost would be somewhere in between (but my guess is closer to the $1000 than the $3000 mark).

The slop in the tail shifter is mostly in the linkage and there’s only so much you can tighten up with new bushings, etc.

Someone else will have to comment on the Rennshift upgrade w/ tail shift.

There are 3 systems at work here, the shifter, the linkage and the transmission. Its very true that shifting is only as good as its weakest link. A rennshifter only moves the linkage, it will not fix linkage or trans issues.
If you want the best system, go rennshifter, tangerine linkage and rebuilt sideshift trans.
If you want to make the most improvement with what you have, replace the 5 bushings, about $30 and see if there is a difference, if so, see if thats enough for you. If not, start thinking about a rennshifter, linkage and rebuilt side shift trans. But remember, these are 45 year old cars so they will never shift like a honda but can be made to shift very nicely.

Mark hit the nail on the head. It’s only as good as it’s weakest link. Take a look at what you have. You may be able to just change out bushings and adjust.
I have a tail shift and it shifts as good as my side shift. The tail shift gets a bad rap, but honestly, it’s tight, and if I had not experienced it would have looked at it as an upgrade, but it’s great.

@ Mark, its good to hear you enjoy your tailshifter but there was a reason the factory abandoned it for the sideshift design.
@ Casey, I tend to agree with Theer. There is only so much that you can do, after replacing all the external wear items you still have a longer more complicated path for mechanical articulation. The Rennshiift is simply yet another refinement, just at one end of the transmission assembly. Another refinement is the shift linkage kit ala Engman/CRF at the other end but that is for the side shift only.

For the same reason you don't see many owners pulling out their 2L+ engines to put in a 1.7/1.8L, you don't see many if any owners pulling out their sideshifter for a tailshifter.

I say go sideshift.

$3K for side shift?? Dude, no. Contact me, I can beat that by a lot depending on what you want. A fully rebuilt side shift with many new parts and LSD rebuild is what the $3k mark gets you with me. If its basically stock, I can save you a bunch.

The side-shift is not worth 3x as much as a fresh sorted tail-shift.

A fresh built side-shift plus all of the conversion parts (including motor mount bar and inner and outer mounts and associated hardware) is worth at least 3x as much as a beat-up worn-out tail-shift.

Remember that the conversion involves more than just the transmission. The whole shift linkage has to be replaced, even including the gear shift lever. (Gives you an opportunity to go with a Rennshift and get that improvement too!) And the aforementioned motor mount bar and hardware, and even one piece of lower engine tin. Plus the "converter bushing" in the firewall.

--DD

I just sold all but the engine bar and mounts for $140 (didn't want to, but a friend needed it and you know how that is), and have seen anywhere from $100 and up for the external bits. I have boxes of the rods, tail cones, and shift consoles for sale if anyone needs. If I do the build, I discount these parts a lot.

don't think you need to worry about the engine bar in this scenario

But if he did he could have first dibs on mine...since I'm just down the road.

You have to have side sift engine bar for a side shift trans and linkage.

To quell the madness here. the 3k includes a sorted installation of all necessary parts.

I had a feeling that included labor. Not inconsequential if your not a DIY guy. If you plan to hold onto your car for a long time, go all in.

I lack time... that is the issue.