Mini HOW TO: How to cut stock shifter

**Kevlo911** · 05-08-2007, 03:17 PM

So as some of you know I will converting my car to a manual this summer. I don't have any extra money to spend on a B&M shifter so I figured instead of using the stock semi truck shifter I will cut it.

This is a mini how to because I don't have the pics/howto on how to remove the shifter. I do know it consists of removing the shifter trim/knob and going underneath the car to remove the bolt that connects the sifter to the shift rods. This can be found in the FSM with generic pics.

I cut about 2 inches off. I used my bench grinder to make it a similar shape as stock. I used a hack saw to cut the rod.

Make sure when you are grinding it you use even motions to keep it smooth and strait.

**Kevlo911** · 05-08-2007, 03:18 PM

Next you will want to get a 10x1.25mm DIE. Get some oil and start threading, make sure you go back and forth many times to keep the metal particles from getting stuck in the threads.

This part is optional but I figured i'd do it anyways:

I lightly sanded and painted the rod tip so it looks similar to stock.

Total cost of the mod:
FREE!

I will have pics of it installed in the car in a month or so. But this should give you a good idea of how to do it. It will sit roughly 2inches lower so that is a plus.

O so likes teh swapz be donez yoO

happy4444 · 05-08-2007, 10:46 PM

niccccccccccccccccccccccccceeee.. keep us updated on the install.. im plannnig on swapping sometime or another

MaximaSpd85 · 05-08-2007, 10:56 PM

man, i should have threaded mine so that i dont have to use the stupid little screws to hold the knob in. they come loose every other week or so...nice work

chillin014 · 05-09-2007, 08:36 AM

dont lie, you know thats a 20 dollar die.
waiting for installed pics. **** nvm it'll be summer lol.

TunerMaxima3000 · 05-09-2007, 09:07 AM

Ghetto fabulous, that grinding job doesnt look very straight hope your shifter knob doesnt sit crooked. I considered doing this too but my synchros are rough as it is dont need the shift to be any tougher (it will be by the way)

**Kevlo911** · 05-09-2007, 09:43 AM

Shifter sits perfectly strait, it is just in the pics on one side it looks like there is a dip but its really not(threads are just smaller there)

*Whitemax* · 05-09-2007, 11:19 AM

If using an aftermarket knob that uses set screwes, you dont even need to remove the shifter fromt he car. Cut off how much you want to loose with a hack saw, and install the new knob. 10 minute job!

**Kevlo911** · 05-09-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitemax

If using an aftermarket knob that uses set screwes, you dont even need to remove the shifter fromt he car. Cut off how much you want to loose with a hack saw, and install the new knob. 10 minute job!

Universal FTL!

*Fr33way™* · 05-09-2007, 11:52 AM

I am impressed with the die and stock look.

*Apparition* · 05-09-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fr33way™

I am impressed with the die and stock look.

Nice work Kevlo.. Perhaps I'll cut my PS STS and raise it up a bit. The best of looks and functionality.

darklegend06 · 05-16-2007, 08:34 PM

wow I just did it couple of hours ago and it went very well.

How about putting this in the stickies?

***gtr_rider*** · 05-16-2007, 09:01 PM

gtfo.. lol

willard00 · 05-16-2007, 09:17 PM

nice semi write up. looks real good. but i gotta ask...whats up with the avitar? lol

*maximariceboi* · 05-16-2007, 10:47 PM

ur wild.....lol

darklegend06 · 05-16-2007, 11:07 PM

any pics yet of it installed in your car?

*DandyMax* · 05-17-2007, 08:53 AM

You realize this is not actually a shorter throw, just a shortened shifter rod right...?

(PS I mentioned this mainly for the newblets.. )

darklegend06 · 05-17-2007, 10:44 AM

I know it isn't a real STS just a cut version to make it look like a STS.

Well I'm still waiting on the pics.

*hectorc* · 05-17-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darklegend06

I know it isn't a real STS just a cut version to make it look like a STS.

Well I'm still waiting on the pics.

Read the THREAD. It will be another month or so before he installs it in the car.

southeast_first · 05-17-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandyMax

You realize this is not actually a shorter throw, just a shortened shifter rod right...?

(PS I mentioned this mainly for the newblets.. )

shorter rod = shorter throw, just not by as much as an sts.

i'm sure you knew that, but i figured we should be clear for the newblets

**phenryiv1** · 05-17-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandyMax

You realize this is not actually a shorter throw, just a shortened shifter rod right...?

Yes, it IS a shorter throw. By shortening the length of the rod, you shorten the distance that the top of the rod travels during a gear change.

Now, this is not the same as a conventional STS, which also lengthens the action rod below the pivot point, but it DOES actually shorten the throw.

**phenryiv1** · 05-17-2007, 01:15 PM

http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...5&postcount=16

**Kevlo911** · 05-17-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phenryiv1

http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...5&postcount=16

No cool kevlo pics in those threads = no care!

BTW, I ordered my AE clutch and tranny rebuild kit

*95maxrider* · 05-17-2007, 02:43 PM

I support this thread....and await a review of how it feels.

*DandyMax* · 05-17-2007, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phenryiv1

Yes, it IS a shorter throw. By shortening the length of the rod, you shorten the distance that the top of the rod travels during a gear change.

Now, this is not the same as a conventional STS, which also lengthens the action rod below the pivot point, but it DOES actually shorten the throw.

You are right, technically the arc length at the shifter head is a little bit shorter. I was just thinking only in terms of the total swept angle, and pivot point... which doesn't change like with a true STS. In terms of shifter feel, a true STS will be a much bigger change...

Of course I should have posted that ^^^ instead of just saying "shorter throw," brain fart to write it the way I did - was at work and not paying enough attention and now I've got egg on my face. lol.

Sorry. Carry on...

**phenryiv1** · 05-18-2007, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandyMax

You are right, technically the arc length at the shifter head is a little bit shorter. I was just thinking only in terms of the total swept angle, and pivot point... which doesn't change like with a true STS. In terms of shifter feel, a true STS will be a much bigger change...

Of course I should have posted that ^^^ instead of just saying "shorter throw," brain fart to write it the way I did - was at work and not paying enough attention and now I've got egg on my face. lol.

Sorry. Carry on...

I think that we (the whole thread) have combined to make a collective understanding that this is a shorter throw, but not as much as an STS would be, and that it will not even remotely feel like an STS- but that it might LOOK like an STS.