I just did a swap from auto-manual and my B&M shifter fits very badly. There is no way I can get to the front two bolts on (Im even using hex wrench cap screws) even if I use a prybar to move the transmission. I did the test drive with only the two back bolts tightened but I obviously dont want to drive around like that.

Is this a normal thing for aftermarket shifters? I really dont want to gring away at the trans tunnel but I guess I'm going to have to.

 

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/rubbing-grinding-noise-found-how-do-i-fix-302692/

 

Hmm that seems like its talking about side to side adjustment. Im pretty sure i have good clearance on each side and the shifter housing is centered in the trans tunnel. My problem is that it is just slightly too far forward. Just enough that the bolts what to go in diagonal so i cant get the threads started.

It seems to me that the transmission wouldn't have any front/back adjustment because of the ppf. Am I wrong?

 

It should be a little under the tranny opening, but not far enough that you can't get something like a open ended wrench on it. You probably won't be able to get a socket on it. Those flexible ratching wrenches usually work great for these types of areas.

 

you sure you don't have it in backwards? I've done 2 B&M shifters in FDs and neither gave me any trouble.

 

I had the same problem with my replica. Some people said realigning the trans fixed the problem. I ended up cutting a notch in the corner to allow the hex bolt to go strait down. I'm actually bummed I did that even though it's never seen but I wasn't able to do it any other way. Maybe you can try loosenin the PPF bolts and pry the trans over temporarily enough to get the bolt in and tightened?

 

No problem's with the B&M i had in my FD, hope you get it fixed/figured out.

 

My guess is that your engine is leaning to far foward, loosen up the bolts on the PPF (at the transmission) and pull down on the end of the transmission, then tighten them back up. The PPF has a little play in the bolt holes and you should be able to get the clearance you need to insert the screws.

 

I had the same problem with the top right bolt. Just keep working it with a flexible wrench.