Anybody know how to move Tremec shifter?
 

I'm about to buy a TKO and would like to have the shifter located in the forward position. Has anybody done this themselves. Does it require special tools? Fortes wants $300 to do it. Should I pay them and be thankful it only cost $300, or can I do it myself. I am very capable mechanically and have plenty of tools. Pictures would be great.

Just a couple of months ago there was a thread (FFcobra???) by an Ausie who did all the work himself. I would guess that he had at least 10 hours in the project, and he was a machinist. It just depends on how much you value your time. **)

$300 is cheap for the amount of work that the aussie put into doing it. What make of cobra do you have that wants the shifter farther forward? Don't like the bent forward shift arm either?

Bob,

Thanks for the response, but Aussie Mike was working on a T56. The amount of work he did was way more than I'm willing to do given all the other work remaining on my car. I was hoping that a TKO would be easier than a T56. Anybody Know?

Ausie Mike moved the shifter on a T56 6 sprrd, not a Tremec. Never moved one on a tremec myself, but thet are set up to do that from the factory. Should be pretty straight forward.

Fixit,

My B&B doesn't require that the shifter move forward, I just like the look of the ones I've seen. Kind of surprised more people don't move theirs forward when they use a Tremec, since it allows for multiple locations, where other trannies don't. I'm not as attached to the classic look of the bent handle when I'm able to use newer technology. Too practical minded, I guess. Sort of like using a different make of engine than the original used in a Cobra. Who would do that?

Jeff,

That's what I was thinking. The Tremec is set up for multiple locations, how hard can it be? Just not willing to launch into it until I hear from someone who has done it. Too many other things to finish on the car.

I guess since my legs are too long, I always sit with the seat all the way back so the shifter ends up being in a comfy spot, without the handle. Heck, maybe your motor is just set back further.

All the shifter handle does on a tremec is slide the centre shaft (which is visable under the gold covers) forward and backwards, and rotates it slightly to the left/ right. If you can relocate the cup which the shifter ball sits in, onto the shaft under the middle cover instead of the rear cover, then just get the new cover plates so you can bolt the shifter assembly onto the middle plate. I don't get into the guts on trannies, so moving the "cup" is probubly the hard part, buying new cover plates is easy but not free.

Hi Dave,

The forward shifter location is an option for the TKO and 3550. The shifter is available from Tremec, I'll try to find out the part number. One of the speed shops down here brought some in and I think he was selling them reasonably cheap.

Cheers.

Dave,

I've been saving a while now for one of Forte's shift kits. It was a little cheaper if you install it yourself. That part should be pretty easy. The internal rails of the Tremec requires precisely machined parts, not something you would want to machine yourself.

I am pretty used to the bent over shifter and the up/down shift action. The only problem is hitting my elbow on clipboards or things sitting on the back of the tunnel. When my synchros wear out, I'll buy the shifter, too. I am just thankful that Mike is around to supply it. Since Butler Racing quit stocking them, I looked a long time before I found Forte's.

Paul

Fixit,

I don't even have my engine in yet so I don't know where the rear shifter position will be relative to my body position in the car. If Fortes has to do it, then I will need to decide before it is shipped to California. Now that I've said that, I realize that it is another reason to do it myself other than cost savings, which is to wait until I get it installed to see if it needs to be done, then do it myself. I will say that I have short legs, so that probably favors a forward location. When you say you are using it in the rear position, do you mean with or without bent handle?

RallySnake,

I didn't even realize that parts were required. I just assumed that the shift "ball" as Fixit describes needs to be re-inserted in a pre-machined location forward. I'm not looking to machine any parts. Too much else to do and determined to finish. How much is the kit?

The Tremec has three shifter locations on top of the case. Each position has a different plate shape and bolt pattern. Mustangs use the rear shifter location. I believe that the S10 Pickups use the center shifter position. I bought my Tremec used with the mustang setup. The Mustang handle has two bolts that hold it to a short vertical shaft coming out of the rear position shifter. I replaced the original "S" shaped shift handle with an old straight Hurst handle using one of the bolt holes. I made a triangular steel plate with three holes to mount the Hurst handle at a 45 degree angle forward. The round shift knob is about 8 inches back from the steering wheel and you have to move it in a vertical arc to shift gears. This is very easy to get used to, but sometime I bang my elbow on things. I would like to have the shift handle closer to the steering wheel for faster shifts. This only matters when in a drag or road race situation.

I was told that to replace the rear shifter with a center shifter you have to partially disassemble the trans and remove the old shifter rails and install new shifter rails. This should not be hard, but if something is not installed right, you may have to pull the whole trans out of the car again.

My engine is set way back. The rear of the engine is about at my knee. If your engine is farther forward, this may not be a problem.

I believe that the quote Mike gave me 6 months ago was $250. But that's parts only. If he's going to install it for you, it's well worth $50 in peace of mind.

I hope this helps,
Paul

I have a TKO with the shifter at the mid shift location. I did not do the change myself, but can tell you that the cost of the parts required were $275 and it did require some disassembly in the trans. they told me what was involved,but I really don't remember.
If you do not like the normal shift operation and do not mind the less than authentic look, do it. I have a Tremec shifter and it is OK, a little notchey. I wish that I would have gotten a modified Pro 5.0 instead ($299.00). Pricey to say the least and that doesn't include the handle, but probally the best money can buy. I was told it will accept ANY Hurst handle. I am using a fake handle for a 68-82 Vette from Ecklers in Fla.
I will try to post a pic of the shifter installed.
Bud

Forgot to include Halon's address!
www.hanlonmotorsports.com

Each of the three locations uses different hardware. You'll have to buy the parts appropriate for the location you choose. Here's a link to Tremec's site for the 3550, you can navigate from there for additional info.
http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...R-3550.asp#Car

Most online discussions I've seen regarding these parts has mentioned Forte's as the source. Also, Don Scott recommends Swaar Auto, 760-963-0352, as a reliable and economical source.

Swaar Auto is a Tremec dealer. It's now run by Jim Swaars son as Jim died about 18 mos ago. Good shop.

Roscoe

Found these cool pics on the FFR Forum.

Here's another one.

Well, I called Hanlon Motorsports to get a quote on Pro5 mid shifter and the line is disconnected. Anybody know if he is out of business?

Dave,
I tried their number and didn't get an answer,but it was after 5:00. I also did not get a recording stating their line was disconnected. Try again. (610) 469-2695.
Bud