Steeda Tri Ax shifter

Bobcat · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2011, 11:56 AM

Have any of you ERA 427 SC guys put a Tri Ax shifter on a TKO 600 transmission in an ERA ? Specifically , how does the shift lever line up ? I`m currently using the backwards ERA shift lever and want to know if I have to use a different shift lever , boot etc and/or locate it differently ?

Bob

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-2011, 04:14 PM

The Tri-Ax, in my opinion, is one of the very best shifters for a TKO.

The shifter portion will be between the handle and the transmission. The shifter will come with a short handle, but for a 427 style shifter position, it won't be right.

You can, however, reuse your existing shifter handle, trim ring, boot, etc.

flaflier · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2011, 04:23 PM

Bob,
I have one in my ERA, see pics. It was installed before I purchased the car, but it does look like you have to cut the center tunnel just a bit to fit. FWIW, I LOVE the shifter!

Jim

Bobcat · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2011, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the feedback .... Brent , if I understand you correctly , looks like the original shifter , boot etc will work on my tunnel . Looking at the pictures that flaflier posted , the shifter housing looks like it is taller than the standard Tremec housing ???

Dimis · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobcat

Thanks for the feedback .... Brent , if I understand you correctly , looks like the original shifter , boot etc will work on my tunnel . Looking at the pictures that flaflier posted , the shifter housing looks like it is taller than the standard Tremec housing ???

This is also something I'd like to know... thanks

My problem is between the choice Steeda Tri-Ax shifter combined with dog-leg original shifter, and the Kirkham billet shifter mod.

blykins · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-2011, 04:12 AM

Bob,

Do you want me to see if I can get some dimensions to compare against?

Dimis, I sell the Tri-Ax for $190....how much is the Kirkham piece?

flaflier · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2011, 07:22 AM

All,
I am going to be redoing the carpeting in my car in the next couple of weeks, if you are not in a hurry, when I pull everything out, I can get you any measurements you need.
Jim

Dimis · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blykins

Bob,

Do you want me to see if I can get some dimensions to compare against?

Dimis, I sell the Tri-Ax for $190....how much is the Kirkham piece?

Blynkins,

If I buy the Steeda it will be from you... Don't worry about that, you've already help me out enough, I figured it's the least I can do

My mind's-eye wants the original "dog-leg" shifter look.
But most reports advise that this unit is... well a "dog" to shift.

My tiny mind is thinking that the Steeda Tri-Ax matted with the "dog-leg" shifter would hopefully give me the shift I want with the look I want.
Your thoughts? Has anyone else tried this combo?

The kirkham unit is a sweet piece of billet but it is a straight rod, thus not quite the look I was hoping for, but still a quality piece.
Kirkham swear by it... which is a good enough reason for me.

I'm just grappling with the form vs function debate in my tiny mind...

blykins · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2011, 04:13 PM

Dimis,

Please don't think that I was trying to solicit a sale. I was trying to let that be one of the deciding factors in a purchase. The Steeda Tri-Ax is a well made shifter and it's under $200. I just didn't know how much a Kirkham billet shifter was.

The Tri-Ax will work just fine with the dog leg shifter. Spring loaded 2nd to 3rd, adjustable stops....a very nice piece.

RET_COP · #10 (**permalink**) 10-25-2011, 04:38 PM

Brents is right,it is a solid shifter, strong spring, positive 2nd to 3rd movement, and great stops, with a nice short throw.
If I would have known you were selling them Brent, I would have bought it from you. I'll keep you in mind in the future, still haven't bought any heads yet

Lou

Bobcat · #11 (**permalink**) 10-31-2011, 08:09 PM

Update ... Bought the Tri Ax shifter from Brent and just finished the install this afternoon . The shifter is a direct replacement for the Tremec unit with a few exceptions . If I had used the Steeda furnished shift lever , it would be an exact interchange , but I wanted to use the ERA lever and boot . I had to cut about 5/8" off the stub to clear the ERA handle where the tab was welded to the handle . The bolt hole centerlines in the ERA tab do not match up exactly with the tapped holes in the Steeda stub ... off by about .090" and the ERA handle uses 3/8" bolts while the Steeda unit uses smaller bolts . An end mill elongated the shifter tab bottom hole .090" and I changed the holes in the Steeda stub to 3/8" x 24 and used AN hardware with a locknut as a backup . Overkill , yes , but I know some on here have had the shift lever bolts loosen up on them .
All in all , an easy change .... I`ll get to drive the car later this week .
All the above applies to an ERA 427 SC .... I can`t guarantee it will apply to anything else .

Bob

Dimis · #12 (**permalink**) 10-31-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobcat

Update ... Bought the Tri Ax shifter from Brent and just finished the install this afternoon . The shifter is a direct replacement for the Tremec unit with a few exceptions . If I had used the Steeda furnished shift lever , it would be an exact interchange , but I wanted to use the ERA lever and boot . I had to cut about 5/8" off the stub to clear the ERA handle where the tab was welded to the handle . The bolt hole centerlines in the ERA tab do not match up exactly with the tapped holes in the Steeda stub ... off by about .090" and the ERA handle uses 3/8" bolts while the Steeda unit uses smaller bolts . An end mill elongated the shifter tab bottom hole .090" and I changed the holes in the Steeda stub to 3/8" x 24 and used AN hardware with a locknut as a backup . Overkill , yes , but I know some on here have had the shift lever bolts loosen up on them .
All in all , an easy change .... I`ll get to drive the car later this week .
All the above applies to an ERA 427 SC .... I can`t guarantee it will apply to anything else .

Bob

Now we just need them pictures... please

fordracing65 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-31-2011, 08:55 PM

Next time just buy the 6 speed that comes with an upgraded shifter from tremec (magnum t-56) save the money on the after market shifter and enjoy the extra gear. Only a $400 difference.

Dimis · #14 (**permalink**) 10-31-2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordracing65

Next time just buy the 6 speed that comes with an upgraded shifter from tremec (magnum t-56) save the money on the after market shifter and enjoy the extra gear. Only a $400 difference.

I'm no expert, but if I understand it correctly this is a bigger box, and may need some chassis fabricating to fit in some cars...

Can anyone verify?

blykins · #15 (**permalink**) 11-01-2011, 02:48 AM

Bob, why is your stuff different from everyone else's?

Was it a Toploader shifter handle for a Hurst by any chance?

Dimis, you are correct. I would never recommend the T-56 to anyone. The extra gear isn't that much of an added benefit in a Cobra (or really anything else) and they are much heavier, longer, and bigger around than a TKO. Not to mention, they are $$$$.

Bobcat · #16 (**permalink**) 11-01-2011, 06:27 AM

Brent ... it was an ERA supplied/modified handle that they make by cutting off part of the handle and welding a tab with the bolt holes to it . Also , reverse lockout doesn`t work , but the "trigger" is still there and moves up and down . There is enough clearance in their bolt holes that if you use a standard full threaded bolt, I could probably have made it work , but would have still have had to take the mounting holes in the Steeda stub out to the next size .
The guy I had take out the holes works for a professional race team and gets pretty picky on the way things fit . I said I could use a file to open the holes up and he just looked at me . They also insisted that I use AN bolts with a shoulder so there would be no threads in either the stub or handle and clearance between parts would be reduced .
As I said , overkill ... but that`s what they do on their race cars .
I can get some pictures this afternoon ... posting them will be another story as I just got a MacBook Pro and it`s a real experience adjusting to it .