Shift Lever Offset

[Steve Cassani]

I haven't, Rick. Levy Racing offers a T-5 with the intermediate ratios my calculations (tire diameter-25", final drive ratio-3.31) show will have the gear spacing and performance I'm looking for: 1st: 2.95, 2nd: 1.85, 3rd: 1.31, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.80.

LightNFast mentions a shifter location 'much further back' if I elect to use the T-5. This is a consequence I had not considered.

My builder usually works with a Tremec. Part of the sour experience I came to know owning an SPF resulted from the Tremec 3550 having a balky second gear synchro, along with an uncomfortably wide drop from first to second. The SPF had a well-tuned 351 Windsor. First gear had the car out of breath before I reached 40; the first to second shift was most comfortable at 25 mph and then the drop into second nearly lugged the engine. The drop may have seemed worse than it had to be, given the reluctant synchros.

My reluctance to go again with a Tremec may be a case of 'once bitten...' If so, I should acknowledge the problem likely stemmed from a hasty or weakly tested build-the condition I knew is not systemic to Tremec transmissions and there were many other problems with the car, all of which could have been rectified in South Africa, by the SPF dealer or the final builder. Sometimes lemonade is not enough to chase a sour taste from your mouth.

I welcome further discussion of the subject. LightNFast has hinted the T-5 has a problem of its own, at least when it is used in a Kirkham slabside. There's time for a frest start and you guys are helpful.

Thanks!