Tremec shifter relocation

Pete Munroe · #1 (**permalink**) 12-17-2003, 07:10 PM

I have a Tremec TKO in my ERA 289 FIA.

For me the stock shifter location is too far back...I have moved my pedals and seat mounts back, made a spacer block to get the shifter handle forward about an inch, but I am still wishing the shifter was about a 5 inches forward and I could sit a little closer to where the pedals started out.

I do not want to install a 427 style shifter, or goose neck handle...just want the shifter closer to the spot that a top loader linkage would have it.

I have seen some kits that allow the shifter linkage to be moved to the middle, (or forward, for that matter! ), "access plate" on the top of the transmission case.

Has any tried this...if so does the trans shift at least as well, hoepfully no worse, than the standard Tremec rear mount?

Thanks, Pete

mikeforte · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 04:27 PM

Hi Pete,
I sell a billet midshifter that comes up at 12.5 inches and another available at 16.75 inches. I have all of the related parts to install it on a Tremec 3550 & TKO. I can go over the installation on the phone.

Pete Munroe · #3 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 10:35 PM

Mike Forte,

Thanks for the reply.

You say the Tremec midpoint relocation is at 12.5 forward...is that measured from the standard shifter location...?

I assume that is the reference point...unfortunately that is about where the dashboard is on my 289 car...!...so that is about 6 or 7 inches further forward than I need...rats...

The original is WAY too far back, the fix is WAY too much forward, but could be fixed with a tilted back shifter...and a top-loader, about the right spot, has no overdrive....sooooo...my ears are ringing!!!!! on a long cruise....argghhhh...!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your input.

Next, is how to add some removable "SuperTrapps" to the side piped to cut the db's for everyday driving.

Pete

JL1924 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-13-2004, 10:41 AM

Pete,

Just browsing these forums, and ran across Mike Forte's answer to your shifter location problem. If you look at the following site:
http://www.gearheadracing.com/Refere...FordTremec.htm

I think you will see that Mike is probably referring to the measurement "A" which is the shifter location as measured from the front face of the transmission. 12.5 and 16.75 make more sense then since the stock location is 19.5. Probably worth talking to him about it to make sure, but if measured from the face, then it would probably do what you were looking for.

JL1924

Dubbs · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2004, 01:57 PM

Hi Pete,

Take a look at pic's in my gallery, of shifter relocation on my T56,
This can be done on almost any tranny, and, place the shifter exactly where you want it. Using rod-end bearings, this method
is both positive and precise, with no drag.
If you would like more info, or more pic's, on how make one up, it will be my pleasure.

Dubbs

cob289 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-13-2004, 04:36 PM

I find everything for Tremec on :http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...ice_Manual.pdf

Pete Munroe · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2004, 10:30 PM

JL, Dubbs, Cob,

Thanks for the input...I will check out your suggestions over the next few days, if I find a solution I will certainly post it.

MY car would be a LOT more fun to drive if the shifter was further forward about 3 inches or so...I haven't given up yet...short of going to a toploader...(hmmm...is there a overdrive 5th toploader in the future...? not likely.)

Pete

Tony Radford · #8 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 03:51 AM

Pete, here's a pic of the shifter in my Unique. I did a bit of research on various stick styles before I made my selection. The location is perfect for me.

Pete Munroe · #9 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 09:41 PM

JL1924 and Mike Forte,

I just checked the reference site JL mentioned and the shifter would come out 2.75 inches further forward, very significant.

19.5 - 16.75 = 2.75 duh...if the reference points are correct !

That would be worth the trouble...lots of little stuff to do, remove the seats, tunnel, cut and shape a patch, rerivet a section of the tunnel to accept the patch for the new shifter hole, etc, etc.

No one said it would be painless!!!

BUTTT...if you drop some retaining pin or whatever on the linkage into the the trans and can't fish it out with a magnet...remove the transmission!!!! That I have done three times... due to a leaking, early series, hydraulic throwout bearing...( the latest McLeod t/o bearing are excellent...another story! ).

Mike...!!!... if you are watching this thread, did we get the reference points correct...mainly, is the new shifter location 2.75 inches ahead of the stock rear position?]

Also, is there a BULLET-PROOF way to get the linkage installed and securein the car so that the little "drift-pins, ball-retainers or whatever" on the linkage do not fall into the trans guts?

Thanks for eveyones input.

Pete

Pete Munroe · #10 (**permalink**) 01-15-2004, 03:38 PM

Guys,

I called Forte's and discoverd the 16.75 location is correct...they use the front half of the rear most Tremec opening. I thought it used the mid opening, which is too far forward.

The kit, which was developed to allow Tremec trans to be installed in Camaros, moves the shifter forward 2.75 inches.

2.75 inches will about perfect, and I have a adapter block I made that could move it another inch or so, or back for that matter.

Dubb's T-5 external linkage...I have a friend with a T-5 in his FIA car, and he will be interested to see how you did that linkage.
Will probably get back to you in a couple of days.

Plan to try to photograph the installation and post the photos.

Thanks all.

Pete