GRP Short Shifter Install Notes and My thoughts

[virtualmacho]

I would just make a mental note of how many turns it takes from initial engagement to fully inserted and maybe not back off more than 40% of the turns so that there is plenty of thread remaining engaged.

Thanks for the advice. Knowing how much thread is left should lighten mental stress contributing to the shifter stalk ED

You are asking for trouble. The stud that the GRP eyelet mounts to is fixed in place by the same nut that holds down the eyelet. So if you remove the eyelet, that stud may fall out?

I did consider that, but think the stud will be trapped in place if the nut is removed after the unit is pushed on to the bell crank. However, since it is cold the chances of nut fumbling and nut loss increase. I dunno, guess it will depend on the weather and how I'm feeling that day. I'll figure it out. As you have pointed out, the important thing is to make sure your stalk stands proud before reinstalling the cotter pin.

 

[GRP]

As mentioned above, I do the same and adjust it visually by looking through the rear window at the shifter and then verify by sitting in the car and giving it a little test before locking everything down.
Having the shifter in the 100% exact position isn't critical but you want it as close as possible.

 

[RyanGphoto]

Man.. Wish I knew all this before doing the install. I messaged Greg on FB, but didn't hear back and didn't think to message him here.. Prob should have.

I think my friend is fine with where it is for now.. He hasn't complained yet.. so I won't be bringing it up, but if I do my own then I am def going to be looking through the window to check where the shifter is and adjust that way.

Thanks for all the info guys.

Ryan G

 

[GRP]

Man.. Wish I knew all this before doing the install. I messaged Greg on FB, but didn't hear back and didn't think to message him here.. Prob should have.

I think my friend is fine with where it is for now.. He hasn't complained yet.. so I won't be bringing it up, but if I do my own then I am def going to be looking through the window to check where the shifter is and adjust that way.

Thanks for all the info guys.

Ryan G

I dont use FB messenger for business, sorry. Email is the way.

 

[virtualmacho]

Thanks to @RyanGphoto for starting this informative thread. I have learned a lot. Other than dropping the OEM eyelet into the abyss (will have it retrieved next visit to the dealer for an oil change), the install went smoothly. Attached is my contribution to those who are worried about "messing up the neutral position". Worked perfectly for me.

I can fabricate these for $500USD each + shipping for those interested. Yeah, the cost may seem steep, but there's a lot of manual work involved in the manufacturing process...

 

[Stiffarm]

You are asking for trouble. The stud that the GRP eyelet mounts to is fixed in place by the same nut that holds down the eyelet. So if you remove the eyelet, that stud may fall out? It's easy enough to kind of put the short shift adapter in place without installing the cotter pin, and take it off to unscrew it a few turns to adjust. I would just make a mental note of how many turns it takes from initial engagement to fully inserted and maybe not back off more than 40% of the turns so that there is plenty of thread remaining engaged.

Another adjustment point would be the shifter stalk attachment. You can maybe back off a few turns there. These few millimeters will add up and hopefully get to the right length to cure the shifter stalk ED.

Can GRP weigh in here and provide some professional advice to those of us who have purchased this product??!!

 

[Stiffarm]

Thanks for the advice. Knowing how much thread is left should lighten mental stress contributing to the shifter stalk ED


I did consider that, but think the stud will be trapped in place if the nut is removed after the unit is pushed on to the bell crank. However, since it is cold the chances of nut fumbling and nut loss increase. I dunno, guess it will depend on the weather and how I'm feeling that day. I'll figure it out. As you have pointed out, the important thing is to make sure your stalk stands proud before reinstalling the cotter pin.

My stalk used to stand proud before my prostate removal.....now it just droops.

 

[seriously]

Thanks to @RyanGphoto for starting this informative thread. I have learned a lot. Other than dropping the OEM eyelet into the abyss (will have it retrieved next visit to the dealer for an oil change), the install went smoothly. Attached is my contribution to those who are worried about "messing up the neutral position". Worked perfectly for me.

View attachment 56346
I can fabricate these for $500USD each + shipping for those interested. Yeah, the cost may seem steep, but there's a lot of manual work involved in the manufacturing process...

I mean it’s meticulously hand crafted.

 

[seriously]

Thanks to this post I revised my install to return the shifter to neutral. I ended up having to back off screwing the eyelet in ALOT.

At first install I tried to screw the eyelet in all the way to match the OEM green markings. Then I noticed that the shifter was indeed rear biased.

I took the short shifter unit off completely and ended up only screwing it in 5 turns before locking it with the nut. A very different length and now my gear level is in the middle of the gearbox. Still a bit shifted to the right but I think that’s for another reason. North south at least it is centered. And I find that the shifting feel is ever so slightly improved. Enjoying the shirt shifter even more now. Thanks for highlighting this!

 

[GRP]

Can GRP weigh in here and provide some professional advice to those of us who have purchased this product??!!

When installing I prefer to leave the assembly together as we ship it and spin it onto the cable so there is no risk of dropping the bolt out of the short shifter body etc.
Thread it onto the cable, place it onto the bellcrank and check the shifter positioning -- remove and loosen or tighten further on the shift cable as needed before final install with the circlip.

 

[allenyao09]

Just installed the short shifter a couple of days ago. It was a pretty straight forward process, but I also need to Dremel the aluminum connector part off a little for it to seat properly.

I played around with the shifter cable length and adjusted the neutral position slightly forward to my liking. I haven't test drove the car yet, but based on shifting the gears stationary, the short shifter does make diagonal shifts much easier (2 - 3, 4 - 5).

 

[seriously]

Just installed the short shifter a couple of days ago. It was a pretty straight forward process, but I also need to Dremel the aluminum connector part off a little for it to seat properly.

I played around with the shifter cable length and adjusted the neutral position slightly forward to my liking. I haven't test drove the car yet, but based on shifting the gears stationary, the short shifter does make diagonal shifts much easier (2 - 3, 4 - 5).

Agreed diagonal shifts are one action now not up and over.

 

[allenyao09]

Agreed diagonal shifts are one action now not up and over.

Yeah that was nice but it also required a bit more effort to shift into gear. I wish the resistance could stay the same.

 

[RyanGphoto]

Agreed diagonal shifts are one action now not up and over.

My friend still has to go up and over for 4-5.. That was one of the reasons I am not sure I want to do the install myself.

 

[seriously]

My friend still has to go up and over for 4-5.. That was one of the reasons I am not sure I want to do the install myself.

Hmm. Mine is setup on the shorter side. If you’re on the longer side maybe the throw still feels up and over.

 

[Blackthought_]

I’m not sure if if I agree with the “up and over” being one motion. With the short shift kit, it’s a much a faster 3-2 or 5-4 shift but I wouldn’t say it’s one action. It’s so much better though once you master it

 

[hellasf1]

Good thread to read, would have been nice to find it before my install lol. I too installed the GRP SS at its shortest setting.

I did mine in 1st gear I believe since it was easier to reach. Idk if the cable length pulling matters much, when I did the install I pulled it out and in as I was trying to install the SS. Once it was on I attached it to bellcrank which was still in 1st gear, tighten everything up and was done.

The only thing I had was that the shifter N sits to the right more the OEM. Which I believe is normal right? I attached a picture of how mine sits. If we can adjust this I might do so, if not it’s no big deal.

Lastly I haven’t driven it a lot with the weather but the 2 small drives I took it out I definitely enjoy this shifter more than the sloppy stock. I have to get use to shorter length for sure, especially 1-2. But 2-3 is almost 1 action very very close, (again only driven it 2 short drives so I am aure it is more 1 action than not just need more drive time) 4-5 is not 1 action but better than stock. Also 3-2 is not 1 action either. Maybe it will be as it breaks-in?

 

[seriously]

Good thread to read, would have been nice to find it before my install lol. I too installed the GRP SS at its shortest setting.

I did mine in 1st gear I believe since it was easier to reach. Idk if the cable length pulling matters much, when I did the install I pulled it out and in as I was trying to install the SS. Once it was on I attached it to bellcrank which was still in 1st gear, tighten everything up and was done.

The only thing I had was that the shifter N sits to the right more the OEM. Which I believe is normal right? I attached a picture of how mine sits. If we can adjust this I might do so, if not it’s no big deal.

Lastly I haven’t driven it a lot with the weather but the 2 small drives I took it out I definitely enjoy this shifter more than the sloppy stock. I have to get use to shorter length for sure, especially 1-2. But 2-3 is almost 1 action very very close, (again only driven it 2 short drives so I am aure it is more 1 action than not just need more drive time) 4-5 is not 1 action but better than stock. Also 3-2 is not 1 action either. Maybe it will be as it breaks-in? View attachment 57491

that looks right to me. You also have it centered N/S which is good. I think the slight to the right neutral setting can't be resolved by the SS connection. Someone else had mentioned another cable that could be adjusted closer to the gearshift itself, that could center it E/W. I haven't seen anyone do it yet. I agree that the action is closer to 1 movement and improved over stock.

 

[djprov431]

Good thread to read, would have been nice to find it before my install lol. I too installed the GRP SS at its shortest setting.

I did mine in 1st gear I believe since it was easier to reach. Idk if the cable length pulling matters much, when I did the install I pulled it out and in as I was trying to install the SS. Once it was on I attached it to bellcrank which was still in 1st gear, tighten everything up and was done.

The only thing I had was that the shifter N sits to the right more the OEM. Which I believe is normal right? I attached a picture of how mine sits. If we can adjust this I might do so, if not it’s no big deal.

Lastly I haven’t driven it a lot with the weather but the 2 small drives I took it out I definitely enjoy this shifter more than the sloppy stock. I have to get use to shorter length for sure, especially 1-2. But 2-3 is almost 1 action very very close, (again only driven it 2 short drives so I am aure it is more 1 action than not just need more drive time) 4-5 is not 1 action but better than stock. Also 3-2 is not 1 action either. Maybe it will be as it breaks-in?

Mine sits the same after install using the GRP as recevied position -- I think it's great as is. I've had mine for approx 200 miles, love it but does take (more) getting used to. Today I received my Miltek controller and GRP cat delete -- good times ahead!