homemade short shifter?

[slo65]

hey guys i was at pick a part the other day and i got a factory shifter out of a 5.0 it was only like 10 dollars so i figured what the hell, can i say hell? anywho, i was wondering if i could just cut it down then weld it, i dont exactly have the funds to pay 160 for a short shifter and if i screw this up its no biggie i mean only 10bucks, so has anyone tried anything like this? any advice or suggestions would be great

 

[94Blue302GT]

when you buy a short throw shifter, it's not just a shorter throw. Especially BBK and other top notch brands actually spring load the shifter so you don't miss your shifts. Believe me, you will know the difference. As for doing this to another shifter, I'm sure it can be done, but you will have to change the pivot point. Play around and have fun. I was thinking of doing the same thing! Until i found out about the whole spring loaded thing. I was even thinking of setting it back a bit further, the shifter seems like it's just a little far for me, expecially 3rd, and especially because i'm using a 90lx tranny in my 94, so the shifter is 5/8ths farther.

OT: my friend has a 84 F150 I6 300, runs my stang... for now. Dual Duece's, big ol cam, flowmasters, pretty cool

 

[slo65]

hmm interesting, sampsonite i was way off, well i might just try it for 'Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me's and giggles thanks for the heads up

 

[NKau]

Right. A short shifter isn't just a shorter handle; the shifter mechanism itself is different and has adjustable stops to prevent trans damage. Totally different feel between the stock unit and a "true" short shifter.

 

[Pop-Pops-Pony]

Agree with the other posts however......

If you just want to shorten the throw between gears go right ahead and cut and weld it....True you won't have the heavier spring or the shifter stops but the "shifts" will feel different....Just don't get it too short or the effort will rise, less leverage...Even cut it at an angle to move the shifter knob back some if that would feel more comfortable...

Or if you have a torch, heat it up and bend it to move the knob around...

Just don't expect a $180 shifter...

Not knocking anybody and certainly no flames but if somethings cheap and your not completely trashing it, or don't care, why not mess around with it and see what you can come up with ??????

 

[NKau]

Not knocking anybody and certainly no flames but if somethings cheap and your not completely trashing it, or don't care, why not mess around with it and see what you can come up with ??????

I agree totally, just wanted the dude to know that there was a difference, that's all.

 

[slo65]

thanks alot guys yeah i think i'm gonna try it tomorrow, i hope (i dont exactly have the resources) i'm relying on a friend and he said tomorrow, i'll let u know how it goes and yea i know i wont cut it too short