ZZ4 86 Z28

iTrader: (1)

Ok, first things first. I searched all over the place and could not find detailed instructions on how to install a 4th gen console into a third gen...and do they ever come out right in a camaro (i know they work a little better in birds). Also would installing my megashifter make this task any easier or harder. I have heard of problems with shift linkages and mounting tabs. Basically my friend is willing to give me a brand new 6 speed 99 camaro console. He bought a new one cause his had some chips missing...wound up selling the car before ever installing it. He is giving it to me for free also. So why not...I was also planning to make a custom shift plate because another friend of mine gave me his megashifter when he got a new gate shifter. So basically I have a regular (not third gen or console) megashifter and a 99 camaro 6 speed console. How should I go about doing this, and would it even be worth it? Thanks a lot.

Xophertony

i had a fourth gen console in my GTA with a megashifter. it was NOT pretty. but it worked. you would have to make a custom boot to realy have it work ok.

unfortunatly i only have one picture of the car's interior when it was in that configuration.

ZZ4 86 Z28

iTrader: (1)

i was thinking of using a regular 6 speed boot. and just having the handle come out. i dont have anything but the shifter itself and a broken boot. no plate or anything.

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

I had the B&M with the 4th gen console when I was an Auto a couple of years ago,
It was a very tight fit and I had to beat the trans tunnel down nice and flat to mount the B&M as low as possible to keep the B&M from popping up the console plate when ratcheting the shifter.

ZZ4 86 Z28

iTrader: (1)

eh i guess that sounds like more of an ordeal than im willing to deal with...especially since yours was in a bird. ill do one but not the other probably.

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

Ya, for your Camaro, I would just do the B&M and leave the stock console.
it's a lot ot work to put that console into a Camaro, a lot cutting and modding while in the bird it just drops right in.

ZZ4 86 Z28

iTrader: (1)

o well, maybe i can get a bird owner to give me alittle cash for it. how much you think i can get for it, new in box?

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

used ones go for $65-$125 (that is the range I paid and what I've seen them sold for) and the 4 I've picked up over the years all looked brand new. I would think you could get probably $125 easily, if not more.
My brother just sold his used 6 speed plate from his console for $55 shipped over at www.LS1tech.com.

Xophertony

the reason mine looked a little roughter is that i was unwilling to beat my trans tunnel down at all. i was also using a 4th gen AUTO plate that i dremeled the crap out of. you can pick those up cheap. DO NOT ruin a good stick plate for a 4th gen console. they are way harder to find.

if i were you i would save up some dough for a stick swap. thats what i did. it was not that hard. then you can still use the 4th gen console and have cup holders. both of my birds have 4th gen consoles. it was the second mod i did on my GTA.

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

The only cutting I was talking about was to the original Camaro console, since the radio/hvac pod is connected to it, so you would have to separate them.

BanjaminGTA

iTrader: (2)

so let me get this straight:

a 4th gen console will drop right into birds (t/a's) with no modifications? and if your keeping the same shifter, then nothing??

theres a 2000 being parted out close to me, i just bought the seats, and wanted the console, but didnt think it would fit...


one slight problem- it was a 5spd, and i have an automatic...

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

You want the manual console, regardless if your 3rd gen is an auto or 5 speed, (5 or 6 speed 4th gen consle doesn't matter as they are the same).
The only mod you have to do to the 4th gen console is cut off 2 tabs at the very front of the console, part that goes almost to the firewall. you'll see them when the console is out of the car.

Then you need to make a plate to mount your window switches into the ashtray hole.

Should take no more than 1 hour to install.

here is with the stock camaro shifter, (I like this style better than the T style the birds had)

FIRECHICKEN

iTrader: (3)

I have an 89 Formula with a 6 speed 99 camaro console and a B&M console megashifter. I really needed a new console and I wanted to keep my megashifter so I had to modify. I removed the metal risers/spacers that came with the megashifter to make it work with a third gen console. I also had to grind a little bit of the megashifter to keep it from hitting the console when I ratchet it back. I also had to elonggate the hole the shifter cable goes through so it wouldn't be at such a steep angle. For the boot I just cut the top and opened it up a little to slide it past the megashifters stalk. I had to make a plate to mount the window switches into the ashtray opening. They are invisible when the little door is closed (trick). I am still working on mounting the mirror controls. and making the cig lighter work. Oh, You need a firebird radio pod to work right with the 4th gen console. I'll try to get some pics up when I get a chance. It's worth it if you know how to operate a dremel.

BanjaminGTA

iTrader: (2)

what about the side-view mirror switch??

where is that re-located too?

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

Oh, on my 86 I just set the mirrors and took the control out.
My 88 has manual mirrors.
I've seen some nice setups where they put the window switches and the mirror control on the plate and put them in the ahstray, like where my switches are.