Performance shifter

[yello 76]

Can anyone suggest an aftermarket performance shifter to suit TH 350 that does not require modifying the original c3 console ?

[D_B]

Originally Posted by yello 76

Can anyone suggest an aftermarket performance shifter to suit TH 350 that does not require modifying the original c3 console ?

What exactly do you mean by performance?

I can suggest after market shifters, both Hurst and B&M, but they won't really give you 'performance'.

[AirbornSilva]

If you're talking about a shift kit you can get one from B&M

[D_B]

Originally Posted by AirbornSilva

If you're talking about a shift kit you can get one from B&M

I was sure he meant shift, referencing the console. A shift kit wouldn't have much to do with that at all.

I can understand wanting to move between gears quicker, maybe more crisp shifts...but I wouldn't really call that a performance thing.

[AirbornSilva]

Originally Posted by D_B

I was sure he meant shift, referencing the console. A shift kit wouldn't have much to do with that at all.

I can understand wanting to move between gears quicker, maybe more crisp shifts...but I wouldn't really call that a performance thing.

Yeah it was unclear so I thought I'd go in a different direction, I think between us we got him covered

[iburke]

The only thing I would consider a preformance shifter for an auto would be a ratchet shifter. Which is a pull, pull, pull to down shift, and a push, push, push to up shift. B&M some good ones. I have one on a 700R4 that works very nicely.

[yello 76]

Thanks guys, I posted late last night and then went to bed, it looks like you got me sorted without my involvement

Ok, the standard shifter is either worn or just crap, the TH 350 is stage 3 full manual valve body and is behind the 383 and running 3.75 diff gears...it changes hard.

I have the b&m megashifter in my camaro and I love it, but the wife finds it too hard ( old shoulder injury torn rotacuff ) and she drives the vette more than I do.

The standard shifter shifts from 2nd to 3rd ok but not 1st to 2nd, and I am worried she's going to accidentally put it into neutral or reverse.

What I want to do is install a ratchet shifter that locks out neutral and reverse that is very easy to shift and will install in the original console.

Opinions welcome

[D_B]

I personally like the feel of the stock shifter. It locks and moves smoothly, but it's also in good shape and not worn out.

If yours is worn, it's hard to make an accurate comparison. New springs, gate, pin, and bushings would probably go a LONG way to both staying usable for your Wife and giving you that quality shift feeling you're longer for.

You can buy almost everything you need to rebuild the shifter from our Corvette vendors and it's fairly cheap and easy to do.

On a side note, I plan on shortening my shifter. I have to install a gate for a TH200R4 and when I have it apart I am going to cut down the shaft and rod about an inch. I think the shorter throw will feel very good.

[graphicjunki]

I like the idea of that actually. I have been planning on changing out my shifter for that very same reason. Just to have one that doesn't make me feel like something out of an Ed Roth cartoon.

I'd like to see how this is done. I haven't had my shifter apart yet, but with the button on top I guess I figured it not possible to do that.

[D_B]

Originally Posted by graphicjunki

I like the idea of that actually. I have been planning on changing out my shifter for that very same reason. Just to have one that doesn't make me feel like something out of an Ed Roth cartoon.

I'd like to see how this is done. I haven't had my shifter apart yet, but with the button on top I guess I figured it not possible to do that.

Talking about the shortening? Yeah it's super easy, and all you need is a small pip cutter, a cutoff wheel, and dies to thread the rod and shaft.

Basically, I'll measure an inch down the tube, and use the tube cutter to cut it. Then thread it the same depth as stock. Next, measure an inch down on the rod, and use the cutoff wheel to cut it. Thread it to stock depth.

The rest is reassembly, and since the button and ball are thread on, and the spring just sits under the button, it'd be a simple process.

I think it could be done without even taking the shifter assembly out of the car. I am going to have it out to change the gate though but I don't see a reason why the cutting and threading couldn't be done where the shifter sits as long as you have the room to spin the pipe cutter and dies.

[graphicjunki]

Yea, that's gonna have to be on my agenda now.

Thanks!

[phantomjock]

Originally Posted by iburke

The only thing I would consider a preformance shifter for an auto would be a ratchet shifter. Which is a pull, pull, pull to down shift, and a push, push, push to up shift. B&M some good ones. I have one on a 700R4 that works very nicely.

Iburke - Which B&M are you "liking best." in your set up?

Cheers - Jim

[yello 76]

The b&m pro stick shifter is very light to use and has neutral and reverse lockout, ime leaning towards one of these but would be great to hear from anyone that has installed in c3 console and if so did it fit without cutting n modifying ?

[iburke]

Originally Posted by phantomjock

Iburke - Which B&M are you "liking best." in your set up?

Cheers - Jim

Dang I have had it so long I will have to check.

But I guess it would make no difference as it is a 4 speed would not fit a 350.

It has rev and neutral lock out. back up light and neutral safety switch. Also has button on T handle for roll control or trans lock. it has worked flawlessly for about 5 years...

[KacyC3]

I have the B&M mega shifter for a 82-92 Fbody in my vette and it did require modifying the console, it was done by the po and it was damaged anyway so no big deal. I havent found one that will work with stock console, so I am thinking about fiber glassing a console this winter if i have time.