Shorter B&M "Shifter Height"

[20psi]

My idea is the same as everyone elses. How can I make the "height" shorter? Easy....cut it. Trust me it takes big b@lls to cut this work of art but it's worth it. Now for some simple physics, when you reduce the height on any shifter you will lengthen the throw! Here's a simple test. WITH THE CAR OFF shift from 1st to 2nd.(notice the throw) Now move your hand down 2" on the shifter and preform the same test you will notice the throw is longer.Here's the cool part, when you cut the B&M about 2" and set it to 50% you get a 30-40% shift throw reduction.Follow me? I have'nt tried it with the 35% setting but it should be close to stock throw. Mounting the shift knob gets tricky. I rethreded mine with a 3/8-20 tap & die.I also used an OBX shift knob with unversal threaded which taped to match my new threads. Some other shift knobs mount with screws(MOMO) at the bottom of the knob. This is an easier way but I have found they vibrate loose.
Try it.
NOTE: Take the shifter out when you do the rethread.

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

Interesting tip. I'm no good at tapping so I don't think I'll be trying it but it sounds good. do have any pics of it?

Later,

 

[20psi]

I'll post pics soon.

 

[20psi]

If anyone wants me to do let me know. Either through this thread or e-mail me.
[email protected]

 

[candela]

thats a great idea 20psi, ill be doing it soon, thanks...

 

[larryd]

definitely a great idea, just dont know if im up for trying it

 

[20psi]

Don't be a wuss Larry just do it.

 

[larryd]

i got to much stuff on my plate right now to handle

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

I have the B&M shifter in my ride. I added a RAZO shift knob. It has no set screws or anything but, and insert that will thread onto the B&M. It goes down pretty far. So in short, I am GLAD I didn't cut my B&M. You may want to look into these knobs before you cut.

 

[20psi]

I tried the razo shift knob.Not low enough for my liking.

 

[larryd]

any pics of the Razo knob in yer car?

 

[Atari007]

You could always cut a piece of the middle of the shifter out, say 2" or so, and reweld the threaded part back to the bottom... then you have a shorter shifter w/ the threads still and no tapping... of course... with this you need to be able to weld.........

 

[kylemoto]

Im confused about your definition of shifter throw.....but I think the end result is what we want, and your suggestion gets us there.


I took the stocker and had it cut - took 1 1/4 from the shift side of the shifter. I had a Razo knob, good looks, compact height, but no weight to it whatsoever so I tossed it and got a shorter Mitsu knob. I had to put GM Synchromesh in the gearbox to smoothen the effort. Finally I installed the Symborski kit too.

Pretty good results - a nice short shift (2 1/4 long now). There still is some play coming from the shiffter lever at the transmission, and the center spring effort is now too high, but it is short now!

Kyle

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

A short throw shifter is exactly what is says"short throw". The distance between gears are decreased.

My theory on weight. If the distance between the shifts are shortened. Then to me weight didn't play a factor.

You guys also have to think of this as a "lever" just by cutting the top off, yeah it will make it shorter. But it will actually be harder to shift. Think of a rusty nut. HEHE... nut... when you use a standard length ratch it is hard to remove. Use a 2 foot breaker bar, and BAM. Leverage baby, leverage.

So you have to decide what you want. Shoter heigth or shorter throw.

Just my .02


Ed

 

[snox135]

If you cut the top of your B&M shifter off you did not lengthen the throw you shortened it.

 

[Turbo Guru]

I agree wholeheartedly with snox135 on this point. If you cut the topp off the shifter you would shorten the distance.

Take a pencil take a piece of paper, make a V, if the V stands for shifter throw, then the bottom of the V would be the pivot point. now measure the distance across the V connecting the top two points. Now take another measurement about 1/2 way down (as if you had shortened the lever.) The actual distance is shorter, therefore by cutting the handle down you effectively shorten the throw (distance you have to move the handle) between shift points.

As for the leverage comment someone made, Yes, you do decrease leverage. BUT, if you use too much force shifting anyway you would bend the stock aluminum shift forks. You need to shift fast not hard. Shifting hard also has a detrimental effect on the syncros in the trans, it makes them wear quicker. Just remember, "its all in the wrist."
Just my $0.02
Joe

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

If I were to cut anything, it would be the stock shifter. I am not gonna pay this much money for a B&M and then chop it to hell.

 

[dsmturboawd]

Originally posted by 20psi
and set it to 50% you get a 30-40% shift throw reduction.Follow me? I have'nt tried it with the 35% setting but it should be close to stock throw.

youre ass backwards man.

 

[44pirate]

Originally posted by dsmturboawd
youre ass backwards man.

Thank god someone else saw this.
But shortining the shifter makes a shorter through.