I just installed the B&M Megashifter with the 5' cable. Works great, except for coming out of Park. Has anyone tried the 3' B&M cable (80831)? Is it smoother?

I did a search on this info, but didn't find an answer, other than this being a common problem.

Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

Anybody??

 

I think the 3' would be too short. The 5' seems long, but you need to make sure it has a smooth radius bend. Is the cable routed as per the instructions?? Sometimes these shifters can be a little hard to operate (especially when new)... As long as you make sure to follow the adjustment procedure accurately (and make sure the cable is in the right spot relative to each of the trans gear selection spots), you should be in good shape...

 

Thanks for the reply.
The cable is adjusted properly. It slid easily into the hole when in each selection. It's routed per the instructions. It actually works well except for coming out of Park. It's not too bad then, but it feels a little stiffer than I thought it should be. Definitely stiffer than the stock cable.

I measured the stock cable and it's about 2 1/2 feet. I believe the 3 foot would be long enough, but I just wondered if anyone had tried it.

Thanks again.

 

they list in the instructions that this shifter doesn't fit the formula firebird

does anyone know why?
i think that shifter looks really cool
but it said doesnt fit 88 formula if it fits the other models, why not this one?

 

That part isn't entirely correct.. Its true that it doesn't fit a 1988 Formula without modifying the factory upper shifter console plate. What they also don't mention is that the same modifications are required for any 1985-1992 Firebird, Trans Am, GTA, whatever. The shifter is great once you get it installed, but its certainly not a bolt-in and go item. You will have to do some work to get it in correctly--this involves cutting the factory console plate and attaching the B&M Megashifter Console Plate.

 

I have the same issue as you. Since day one my shifter has been hard to get out of park. I followed all the instructions and even sent it back once thinking it was no good after talking to B&M. I talked to them several times and they didn't have an answer for me. At the time, I did a search here and I think I shoulda used the stock cable that was on my old shifter. Those that kept theirs and didnt use B&M's said they had no issues.

 

ok, so i may look into this since she likes the look of the BM shifter

i wonder if the 3' cable would help.

what's involved with using the stock cable?

i had a quick silver in my TA when it was an auto
i liked how it fit the console perfectly and locked into each gear.

wish they offered that shifter to fit the stock console on the 3rd gens.

 

I've still got the stock cable and all the hardware, but how would you mount the shifter end?

Interesting idea. I'd love to see some pics of one that's been done with the stock cable.

 

I know it can be done because I remember reading about it here. Try the search feature. I will check into it.

Update...I found the thread where I know a guy used the stock cable. Here it is. https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=240492

 

Thanks for the info Capt. I still have the factory shifter. I'll take a look at the cable mount on it.

 

I looked at the factory shifter and measured the distance from the cable mount to the pin on the shifter. It's the same for the B&M and the factory shifter.

When I mounted my B&M, I didn't drill holes in the floor like they said. I drilled holes in the B&M front mounting bracket and used the original holes. I believe you could cut the old shifter back past the mounting holes and cut the cable mount off the B&M, then just bolt the factory cable mount in place and use the old cable. It looks simple. I'm just not sure if I'm brave enough to cut up both the old and new shifters.

 

Let us know if you do and how it turns out. Maybe you could document it with some pics. That would be cool.