79 and 80 SA Short shifters ?
05-11-09, 12:53 PM
#2
A ribcase 5 speed shifter from a '76-'78 is the perfect upgrade on a '79-'80 tranny. I put this combo in the GLC and it's almost perfect as stock. The throws are stock length but very presice. All I gotta do is shorten the length a couple inches and it will net me a true short throw shifter. It works because the distance from the big pivot ball to the small lower ball is long on a ribcase shifter, and the housing is up higher to make up the difference. It's the same idea as the aftermarket FB and FC etc short throw shifters.
If you know anyone who still has a good ribcase 5 speed shifter with housing, it bolts straight in. All you have to do is shorten it a little to the same length as a 79-80 and it will feel like a short throw shifter. I may wind up doing this in the GLC if I don't like the stock length lever and throws. I must say however that it felt pretty good on the first test drive the other day.
If you know anyone who still has a good ribcase 5 speed shifter with housing, it bolts straight in. All you have to do is shorten it a little to the same length as a 79-80 and it will feel like a short throw shifter. I may wind up doing this in the GLC if I don't like the stock length lever and throws. I must say however that it felt pretty good on the first test drive the other day.
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12-28-11, 09:39 PM
#10
Rotary Shack made some a couple years ago for SA's. They raise the pivot point 3/4 or so to reduce the throw. They are kind of notchy in feel but bolt right in. I've also just shortened the stock level before with good results. I have an extra Rotary Shack one, if interested PM me.
