I've been fitting a used Tangerine Racing 1.75" race exhaust to the car. After some trouble figuring out what stub pipes to put where I have the header on and all sealed up. Unfortunately, the shift linkage is hitting when in 5th gear. I can dimple the exhaust, but I'm curious if maybe my rear shift rod is bent or if it can be bent to avoid the header. I've always felt my shifter had to be set way back on the splines (pulling the rod forward)... Any advice?

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please provide a picture with perspective.

I would straighten that bend out sufficiently to clear the header. I just had a new shift rod made for my car when I switched to a stock side-shifter shifter. It is virtually straight.

Yes.. I mod them for the 914-6 and your right it is basically straight. Did it for about 10 folks including myself and works perfectly.

I recall having to do similar years ago when I put headers on my 914.

You'll want some clearance there too, since the engine will move around, while the front part of the shift rod is kinda anchored to the chassis.

I think this is a later four. I do not think a straight shift rod will work, it goes through that hole in the engine support bar. If I am wrong please let me know how you did it. Mine is coming up.

It's a side shift trans. I'll probably try and tweak the rod. I'm I correct in assuming that before and after the bend should be in line?

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Like that^^^

No. Here is one on a fixture I made. It was intended to use to correctly position the rear shaft for welding. You can see that the end at the shift console is not in line with where the coupling attaches.
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