Transmissions and Drivetrain Need help with your trans? Problems with your axle?

Shifter modification?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-01-2023, 02:15 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
taguy16's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Shifter modification?

In lieu of buying a high dollar replacement shifter, is there any way to improve the flimsy original F-body T5 shifter? Seems like one could cut the hollow tube that is the shifter stick off (or take it off some other way depending on how it's attached) and weld a solid steel rod where it used to be, then you could use a more standard threaded shifter **** and have a stronger stick to boot. I have also seem a conversion kit sold on eBay which has some kind of adapter that allows to to bolt on the style stick that you select from them: I can't seem to find this listing when I look for it now, though. The shifter **** was missing on the shifter that came with the transmission I sourced for my T5 swap and it seems silly to pay $60 or more for a new one for the cheesy oddball "stick" these shifters had.
Old 06-01-2023, 04:28 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
WildCard600's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: SW Missouri
Posts: 721
Received 167 Likes on 132 Posts
Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: sp357
Transmission: T-5
Re: Shifter modification?

I'm sure it's possible, but how much is your time worth? I would pay the $180 for a pro-5.0 shifter and wouldn't waste time farting around with the stock shifter. It's hot garbage and belongs in the trash.
Old 06-01-2023, 05:32 PM
  #3  
Member
 
Firechicken82's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: CT
Posts: 382
Received 109 Likes on 84 Posts
Car: 82 TA
Engine: Zz430 clone
Transmission: Magnum f
Axle/Gears: Ford 9 w 4.11
Re: Shifter modification?

My t5 shifter is like that. It works well but it's still lots of through. It's much better than the 18 inch shifter was stock. It's like 6-7 inches and eliminated the rubber isolating rubber section. It looks like you could do it in 30 min w a welder. It's like a poor man's short shifter.
Old 06-01-2023, 07:26 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

 
SbFormula's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,226
Received 149 Likes on 122 Posts
Car: '91 Firebird Formula
Engine: SP383 Deluxe FIRST® TPI Intake
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" Eaton Truetrac Motive 3.89
Re: Shifter modification?

Originally Posted by WildCard600
I'm sure it's possible, but how much is your time worth? I would pay the $180 for a pro-5.0 shifter and wouldn't waste time farting around with the stock shifter. It's hot garbage and belongs in the trash.


The pro-5.0 is excellent. Beauty is you can ram the gear and the stop bolts will do the trick.
The following users liked this post:
WildCard600 (06-01-2023)
Old 06-01-2023, 08:11 PM
  #5  
Supporter/Moderator

iTrader: (7)
 
ShiftyCapone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 13,220
Likes: 0
Received 376 Likes on 289 Posts
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Shifter modification?

See if you can find a used one to cut the cost. The stock stamped based shifter is really bad. Don't waste your time on it. Any aftermarket shifter will better than stock. So don't solely look for a pro 5.0.
Old 06-02-2023, 12:12 AM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
 
taguy16's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Re: Shifter modification?

The other thing I don't like about the woopdedo replacement shifters for our cars is they are too short for my taste. I never bought into the "short shifter" fad.
Old 06-02-2023, 07:30 AM
  #7  
Supporter/Moderator

iTrader: (7)
 
ShiftyCapone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 13,220
Likes: 0
Received 376 Likes on 289 Posts
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: Shifter modification?

Originally Posted by taguy16
The other thing I don't like about the woopdedo replacement shifters for our cars is they are too short for my taste. I never bought into the "short shifter" fad.
The Pro 5.0 is super short and sounds like you would not like that unit. Other aftermarket shifters, although similar, aren't that extreme.
Old 06-02-2023, 10:23 AM
  #8  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (14)
 
aliceempire's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 1,998
Received 141 Likes on 117 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird, 77 Trans Am SE, 86 Z28
Engine: 5.7 HSR, T/A 6.6, empty
Transmission: T-5, TH350, T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi, 3.23 posi, 3.23
Re: Shifter modification?

Super short? Compared to what, an 80s F600?😄 I never thought it was much different in throw over the stocker, just more precise feeling. I can understand not liking the spring setup to set it into neutral though I prefer it. To each their own, if stock doesn't feel vague to you then its fine. Always thought the bigger issue was the joint, not the stick
The following users liked this post:
WildCard600 (06-02-2023)
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
89formula#1
Transmissions and Drivetrain
1
04-02-2005 12:51 AM
spodeboy
Transmissions and Drivetrain
8
08-25-2004 08:12 PM



Quick Reply: Shifter modification?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:49 PM.