Mini HOW TO: How to cut stock shifter
05-08-2007, 02:17 PM
#1
Kevlo for President
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Mini HOW TO: How to cut stock shifter
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/**** 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.
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/**** 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.
Last edited by Kevlo911; 06-22-2009 at 09:07 AM.
05-08-2007, 02:18 PM
#2
Kevlo for President
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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
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
Last edited by Kevlo911; 06-22-2009 at 09:08 AM.
05-09-2007, 08:07 AM
#6
Ghetto fabulous, that grinding job doesnt look very straight hope your shifter **** 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)
05-09-2007, 10:43 AM
#9
Kevlo for President
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Originally Posted by Whitemax
If using an aftermarket **** 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 ****. 10 minute job!
Universal FTL!
Nice work Kevlo.. Perhaps I'll cut my PS STS and raise it up a bit. The best of looks and functionality.
05-17-2007, 09:51 AM
#19
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.
Well I'm still waiting on the pics.
05-17-2007, 10:54 AM
#20
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.. )
(PS I mentioned this mainly for the newblets.. )
i'm sure you knew that, but i figured we should be clear for the newblets
05-17-2007, 11:56 AM
#21
Originally Posted by DandyMax
You realize this is not actually a shorter throw, just a shortened shifter rod right...?
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.
05-17-2007, 12:15 PM
#22
05-17-2007, 05:51 PM
#25
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.
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.
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...
05-18-2007, 05:17 AM
#26
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...
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...
05-18-2007, 03:08 PM
#27
I just cut my shifter today and used a universal shift **** just like that one link due to the factory one had the leather peeling. I like it. Cut about 3-3.5" and it feels fine, it doesnt feel as fragile as the stock feeling did.
05-18-2007, 05:40 PM
#28
When I bought my shifter for my 5spd swap, it was previously cut, and to attach my shift **** to it I had to wrap the top of the shifter rod and jam my shift **** on to it. Once in a while it fell off but now I did what Kelvo did and it's a lot better.
05-18-2007, 11:51 PM
#31
i did this a couple years ago and the throw feels noticably shorter.
also mine is 2 1/2 inches lower than kevlos and i have a 01 tranny so the shift feel is smooth and the shifter sits farther back in the pic
also mine is 2 1/2 inches lower than kevlos and i have a 01 tranny so the shift feel is smooth and the shifter sits farther back in the pic
:
07-16-2007, 11:14 AM
#38
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4
i did the same thing to my shifter last year, i thought i was the only one who would think of it. i must admit you went above and beyond by grindning and rethreading, i didnt think to do that. where did you get that nismo shift *** at? thats sharp looking.
07-16-2007, 11:47 AM
#39
Kevlo for President
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Originally Posted by darklegend06
By the way isn't there two different types of shifter for our 4th gen? Like there is a bend or two on the newer 4th gen compared to the 95-96?
Kelvo which one did you use?
Kelvo which one did you use?
Dunno, I used a 96 shifter.
I got the **** from the Nissan dealer.