So I decided I wanted a short shifter... But I decided I didnt want to pay for it. So here is how you turn a stock shifter into a variable setting short shifter.

Tools needed to do this mod

Drill
Vise
1/4" drill bit
12mm -1.50 HEX DIE
Hack Saw 24T blade
Vise Grips
13mm socket
10mm socket
1" socket *deep socket is preferable*
Allen keys
Two 10mm spanners

1. Remove the shifter, Pretty easy and self explanitory.

2. Take the Aluminum L shaped shift sleeve off of the shifter. Use 2 10mm spanners or any combination of 10mm sockets.

3. Place Shift sleeve in Vise and drill 2 1/4" holes on the same line as the stock hole.

4. Use Die and ratchet to add more threading to the stock shifter where the stock **** mounts. I used vise grips to hold the shaft of the shifter while I used a long ratchet to turn the DIE and cut the new threads. This requires some effort. Check periodically to make sure you are doing it right. The die has 2 sides one says "start this side", make note of that and use the correct side.

5. Cut 1" of excess threading off from the end of the shifter.

6. Re-install Shifter sleeve onto Shifter using 10mm Spanners. (select desired shift length) you will have normal throw, short throw or lazy bum throw.

7. Place required spacers between shifter mount and longitudinal adjustment bracket mount screws.

8. Re-install the short shifter into the car. Self explanitory. If you cant figure out how to take it out, this mod isnt for you.

9. Adjust neutral position using the hex keys to slide shift sleeve inside the shift cuff that goes to the transmission. Also the Longitudinal mount has a hex (same size) that allows about 1" of forward / backward adjustment.

10. Cut the spacer cuff on the shift boot. Early models have a white plastic one, Later years have a black plastic one. Use the hack saw to cut it down by the same length that you cut the threading down by. 1" removed from threading = 1" removed from the boot height spacer cuff.

11. Tighten it all back up and enjoy! You have now shortened the shifter height and the throw by a considerable amount. You've also spent $4 on a DIE rather than $200 on a short shifter.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44061/p1010061.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44061/p1010062.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44061/p1010063.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44061/p1010064.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44061/p1010065.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44061/p1010066.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/44061/p1010067.jpg">

MAKE SURE YOU USE THE DIE outside of the car. I did mine with the sifter installed and OOPS be damned if I didnt break that little ****ty plastic thing. I actually thought that there was metal inside of it and that it would hold. Yes I too make mistakes. If anybody wants to buy me a new one of those I'd be very appreciative. It has a part number and everything.

 

Worked out well and I can shift as fast as most of my friends with short shifters and blown out 3rd gear synchros ; )

-st