Shift Location

[TampaFla]

I have both the bent and straight shifters for a custom toploader (4 speed wide ratio). ERA recommends a distance of 17" from front flange to forward bolt of the shifter housing. This toploader is 19 1/2" comparable. I'd prefer a functioning "reverse" lockout (both shifters have that) but it looks like I may have to use the "bent" shifter turned backwards (w/o the lockout) or use the straight shifter and accept the fact its further back.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. On the "wait" list and just trying to fill the time by getting the engine (351W - somewhere over 400hp) and transmission ready for the "big" day.

Thanks

[jschiller]

Is this going on a ERA 427SC or the FIA? The reversed lever is only used on the 427.

If you are getting the 427, which shifter will you be using? There is no provision for a lockout on the recommended Hurst Competion Plus, only the original Ford shifter supports it.

When you follow the ERA instrictions, you dtill have a "functional" lockout on the handle in that it moves against spring resistance when you pull the T-lever but does nothing on the shifter itself.

[TampaFla]

Building a 289FIA, but the toploader is "unusual" in that the location of the shifter housing is 19 1/2 inches deep, not 17" as ERA recommends. Moving it forward 2 1/2 inches will be a major job if not impossible since the tail housing has no place to drill or tap the "adjustment plate" sold by ERA to relocate it forward.

It looks like I'll need to use to 427 shift lever (backwards -lockout no longer functional) or use the 289 shift lever "between the seats" if I want the original "lockout" to work. Toploaderheaven shows the transmission as a small block Mustang Custom unit, rather than either of the transmissions shown in the ERA builder's manual.

[jschiller]

Then what you do is use an adapter plate.

The plate mounts directly on the tailhousing and the shifter mounts on the plate 2 1/2 inches forward of the plate mounting screws.

Here's a photo of one that has been moved BACK several inches. You just need a similar plate to move it FORWARD.

[TampaFla]

Just got a reply from Bob Putnam at ERA. Funny mistake in their manual. The toploader I have won't work in their car and can't be adapted. Guess I'm out $1000+ unless I can get a toploader that fits the ERA (maybe they'll put that in the next edition of the owner's manual so other customers won't lose that much money as a result)?

[strictlypersonl]

Why not give David Kee or Dan Williams a call. I don't think the tailshaft conversion is too major, especially if you don't have to change the output shaft.

[TampaFla]

Thanks, the guy who actually rebuilt the transmission just emailed me that he can fix it (replace the tailhousing). Could have avoided the whole added expense if the ERA manual said "only toploaders (diagram) exactly like the one shown will work in the 289 kit; do not buy any others - they won't work.