I know everyone talks about this but i havent found anything clear it can be done i know that 4th gen console in third gen but what is the best choice a auto or manual 4th gen console for a 5speed everyone ive seen is the auto console for the megashifter no one with the stock shifter because i can get the auto console for 60$ thank you

 

The 4th generation auto consoles do not fit third gen shifter locations. You really need to use the manual console with these cars. I've seen people cut the automatic shifter plate to work in the third generation cars, but I've yet to see one come out actually looking good.

 

IMO if you want 4th gen stuff in a 3rd gen just buy a 4th gen. I mean honestly these cars are perfect as is. But my two cents.

 

Well I typically agree when it comes to the styling or body work. However there are plenty of great mechanical items to install into third generation cars. Rear ends, transmissions, engines, etc.

 

alot of people get 3rd gens cause they are CHEAP. i had a 68 bird and the cost to rebuild and parts were crazy high. 3k into that was like 2 parts where as 3k into a 3rd gen and your making it a nice car. well back to subject.

everyone prefers the manual and it a much easier install.

 

I understand that. But fab something like a console? oh well to each of our own. But yes the matter at hand. I hope it works out and you can find one. typically go to a junk yard usually they are cheap about selling that stuff well here in ks most places anyways.

 

i agree with them i really do like the style of are cars i just thought itd be a cheap fix for now cause my consoles all messed up but im just gonna wait it out and save cause the cars off the road now its haveing a swap done any body have a good t-5 world class laying around

 

Yeah, but the 90-92 consoles in the birds SUCK! They separate and the console lids are a terrible design that falls apart. I have two perfect stock consoles with two perfect lids that I'm hoarding right now for possible future projects. The 4th gen console is SOOOO much better.

I have a T-5 in my 91 and I used a console from a 2002 V-6/5spd Camaro. It bolted right in, flows perfectly with my 4th gen seats, has 4 cup holders, and 2 12V plugs in it. The lid is also a MUCH better design that is more durable and easier to find if this one ever goes bad. I will NEVER put a stock console back in this car.

 

I've got a 91Z that was an auto when I first installed my 97 Camaro dash and console. When I pulled the console out of the donor car I didn't relieze the shifters were different from 3rd to 4th. Later I went back and pulled the auto shifter from the 97 and replaced the 3rd gen shifter. After that, the console dropped in. Not much after that the 700 lost fourth, for the fourth time, (owned car since 96-97) and was replaced with a T-56. Hope this helps even though mine is a Maro and not a Bird, still the same items.

 

Berlin, being a camaro owner you havent ever seen what happens to a 85-92 bird console after time. the top rails separate from the main frame and it looks baaaaaad.

i put a 93-96 bird console in my 89 formula and it fits great and looks factory. it flows so well some people dont even notice the difference.

 

Two words : cup holder.lol

 

unless your car is a stick and then the cup holder is useless in town and only good for your cell or something small.

 

Can you take a picture of your center console swap, I'm thinking of swapping out my center console for a fourth gen and would like to see how it fits/blends with the stock dash. mine is a 90 camaro

 

Its harder to do in the Camaro and make it look good. This is due to the one piece radio pod/center console the Camaro uses. The Camaro console doesn't have the same degredation/falling apart issues the 85-92 Firebird consoles have. Thus there is really no reason to replace it. The Camaro dash is also more "angular" if that makes any sense. The fourth generation console won't blend with it at all. With third generation Firebirds I think it only looks good in conjunction with the fourth generation seats and the deluxe style door panels.

 

ive always thought the 4th gen was a step down ...

what do i know *shrug*

 

Well in regard to styling I think it is a step down, but not when it comes to build quality.

 

yeah teh styling is what i was referring to. it takes a LOT of money to bring a thirdgen up to decent quality and even then your stuck using OEM parts or aftermarket parts and that is if you managed to find one that some kid hasnt ripped the interior to bits or bolted on 3 or four extra wings made of plywood on the trunk or swapped the hood out to make a knight rider car...

 

I'm with Fyrchkn. 4th gen consoles are pretty much a must. The stockers are garbage. Heres mine from an LT1 style 6 speed car.

 

Orinackra you did similar to what i did for my mirror control. i put mine just infront of the seat on the side of the console. as for my windows, i put those buttons just infront of the shifter. there was juuuuuust enough room and it looks clean and neat. didnt wanna do the ashtray method as i use mine for change and such.

 

NIce Job Orinakra. It Looks really good! Mine hasn't fallen apart yet but if it does, may consider it. However, I think I'd miss the lighted gearbox, always thought it was a nice touch.

 

auto console from a 4th gen can be made to work...
took some cuttin' and cussin' till I got something I liked.
ended up using window and mirror switches from a '03 explorer.
I haven't even had time to get all of the wires situated so the console will lay flat.

 

what kind of door panels are those? they look nice.

 

they're from a 2000-ish TA.

 

Does the seat-belt buckle or your thigh hit the controls at all and screw your mirror positions up at all? Also, is there enough room to put speakers behind those grills on the 4th gen door panels? Or would that require a "mod".

I need to get a 4th gen 6spd console because i have a T56 going in soon.

As for a picture of the separating rails? sure, he's a pic. Its crappy, i took it with my cell phone. I think mine is pretty bad, though i'm sure there are worse out there.

 

Just make sure you get one with a good lid/hinge/latch...while many other updates make the 4th gen console better than the 3rd gen one, the lid and associated hardware are just as flimsy and prone to wear out. The one in my 02 warped after only a few years of use, and I'm pretty easy on the car. Also the spring return on the latch on mine is pretty lazy even though I've always pressed it in when closing it to cut down on wear.