Shortened 6MT Shift Lever DIY

[NoSlushbox4Me]

My goal was to shorten the shift lever 1.5" but ended up 1.125" after I got into it.

I started with a spare shift lever and started doing some Dremel work. There are several rubber isolators that connect the transmission end of the lever to the knob end of the level. I ended up cutting and shortening the upper section, then cutting the upper rubber bushing loose from the shaft and moving it down the shaft. With a wood block and a BFH, the top section was driven onto the lower section as far as it would go. Then I riveted the top 3 places around the lower end to secure it from working loose over time.

The trim with the boot separated pretty easily, starting at the front and working back. The rubber boot for the shift lever is secured with 4 screws. The rubber cap over the shift housing lifts up. The shift lever is held in with a spring and locking collar. Pushing down on the collar and turning count clockwise releases the shift lever. I was able to do that by hand for the removal. For installing the replacement, I needed a tool to turn the locking collar while pushing down on it. I made a tool out of 1" PVC. After many frustrating attempts, I learned an important lesson. Make sure the transmission is still in neutral when reinstalling, otherwise it will be a lot harder to install the locking collar. Maybe even impossible if it's not in neutral.

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[AmbyBomb]

So shorter height but not shorter throws?

 

[NoSlushbox4Me]

Shorter height also results in a shorter throw distance. It also slightly increases the lever force.

From the end of the lever to the middle of the big pivot ball was 13". My shortened lever is now 11.875".

 

[AmbyBomb]

Hopefully someone releases a shifter that shortens throws as well by changing the fulcrum point.

 

[BLtheP]

Hopefully someone releases a shifter that shortens throws as well by changing the fulcrum point.

That’s gonna be difficult since the shift tower is an extended version on this transmission. I donated one to the guy at Core Shifters but nothing has come of it yet.

Honestly, I love the long throws personally. But I get why some don’t.

 

[lauren01]

Great idea, mod came out fantastic. Looks like a ton of fun. Come over and do this to my hot hatch.

 

[NoSlushbox4Me]

Great idea, mod came out fantastic. Looks like a ton of fun. Come over and do this to my hot hatch.

Have you looked for a kartboy shifter for it?

 

[lauren01]

Have you looked for a kartboy shifter for it?

Haven’t done a thing other than change the knob.

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