shifter location help

[Pete Munroe]

Jo,

According to the ERA 289 FIA manual the Tremec TKO and T-5 stock shifter stub is about 19.5" from the front of the transmission. A stock Toploader stub would be at about 17.8" back from the front of the trans.

The new shifter turret from Mike Forte moved the shifter forward about 2.8"...now about 1.5" ahead of a stock 289" Cobra Toploader location.

I assume the 600 is the same, but you would have to verify this.

http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...ts/TKO.asp#Car

Just looked at my car and the shifter is maybe 1 inch behind the steering wheel...keep in mind on the ERA cars the steering column can be moved in/out for adjustment.

Originally the "bent forward shifter" came with the 427" Cobra's, the "straight" shifter was used on the 289" cars...

I THINK the either the 427 engine/trans/tailstock is longer or set back compared to the 289" and the forward shifter was needed to keep the driver from being crammed by the shift lever too far to the rear.

The "bent forward shifter" is actually a normal Mustang shifter turned around. It gets the shifter knob forward, and I find it awkward also...but you get used to it.

I am going to try to post a photo of the steering wheel/shifter in my album as I can never get the pixel count low enough to post at CC...here is a photo in the normal "worthless" postage stamp size.

Ask the guys at Shell valley for some reference points on shifter/seat/steering wheel/pedal locations...possibly from some fixed spot like the rear of the engine block or front of the transmission.

Whether or not it "looks" original, you should be able to get the shifter of your choice in about the best spot for your comfort.

Pete

Originally Posted by jojoegen

Hey Pete,Zoera and Don,Thanks for the response.Pete's setup is what I'm looking for.Don,why do you like that angle forward?I drove one ,it seemed weired to me.Kept wanting to follow the shifter angle instead of the "H" pattern .Pete,I guess I need to really have the shifter stub come out even with the steering wheel ,is that what I'm getting from the pic.