Ghetto Short Shift...

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 3:02 am

I recently had a problem.

I had worn clear through my stock shift knob. Plastic was showing, and it would hurt my hand and leave it black from the leather flaking off.

So, I bought a Greddy TRUST knob off of a friend of mine. I REALLY like how heavy it is and how it fits my hand. It feels really nice.

But there was a problem. The new knob didn't screw all the way down. It bottomed out on the threads and the knob sat about an inch and a half higher than it SHOULD.

I drove it like this for about 4 months.

Yesterday, I decided to fix it. The Momo Shift boot I bought off of Art back in February came with a collar to hold the boot up. The collar is SUPPOSED to screw onto the bottom of a MOMO knob. I was planning on getting a leather Momo knob.

I paid $20 for the TRUST knob vs. the $80 for the Momo joint.

So, I FINALLY decided to get into gear. I bought an M12x1.25 metric die, and got to work.

I added about 3" of threading to the stock shifter. This allowed me to bottom out the knob to where it is SUPPOSED to sit, and have enough room left over for me to screw an M12x1.25 bolt onto the shifter and snug the boot retension collar up against the knob.

Took about 20 minutes to die all of the threads onto the stock shifter. It was elbow grease abusing work due to the confines of the car, but it got done. I didn't have any cutting fluid, so I just used Motor Oil, and went slower than usual.

Looks pretty good. Didn't notice any difference at all in shifting, except for the minor hand position change and the more effort required to shift. I like it. The one thing I DO notice is that now my shift boot stays up and looks a LOT better.

legacy92ej22t · Post by **legacy92ej22t** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:32 am

TTIWWP!

Hell, I'm still waiting to see pics of your new wheels!

90LegAWD · Post by **90LegAWD** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:26 pm

now, cut another 1" of threads, and cut 1" off the end of the shifter. then screw the knob down even more for a true shorter throw

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 5:21 pm

Nah, I'm not that ghetto.

legacy92ej22t · Post by **legacy92ej22t** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 5:20 am

Still waiting....

That's cool that you got so crafty Phil. You get ...uh...35 GG points.

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:07 am

Lol, you know me better than THAT Matt. I should have like 10 bazillion GG points by now

I'll get you pics this weekend!

boostjunkie · Post by **boostjunkie** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:53 pm

Phil, I actually did this to my shifter yesterday. Bought a 12mm 1.25 die and that tool. Trust me, the tool make cutting the threads into the shifter VERY EASY!! Only took me 2 minutes to cut the threads down an inch and a half without cutting grease. I recommend this to anyone trying a ghetto shifter.

Made the shift feel more like my Kartboy shifter in my old GT. Very precise!

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:36 am

Which tool Jason?

We gotta meet up man! I'll be free on Thursday night, after 5. We could meet up for some foodstuffs.

boostjunkie · Post by **boostjunkie** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 4:52 pm

Tomorrow night? Depending on when I finish up with my parents I should be able to meet ya.

There's a tool for the dies. It's a twin-handled piece that the die fits into. Makes for cutting even threads into the metal. I'll show it to you tomorrow.

Oh yeah, if we meet up tomorrow, remind me to bring all that random subaru stuff I have lying around.

professor · Post by **professor** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:04 pm

I'm working on ghetto shifter improvements involving the afore-mentioned threading die, a hacksaw, a WRX leather shift knob, black dye, a Nerf football, and some glue ... total investment $10

details forthcoming, even if a total failure

boostjunkie · Post by **boostjunkie** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:44 pm

Nerf football?

Ghetto shift boot as well?

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 6:08 pm

OH, I know what you are talking about! I used those at work!

I'm a lazy bastard, so I just used a wrench and that worked OK. It's not the easiest thing cutting threads in 28 degree weather.

I should have pulled the lever out of the car again and done it inside, lol.

legacy92ej22t · Post by **legacy92ej22t** » Wed Nov 17, 2004 8:11 pm

I wish I could meet up with you guys too. Damn, I miss it down there with you guys.

boostjunkie · Post by **boostjunkie** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 7:50 am

Matt, wish you could join us!

Phil, if only you waited till this week to make the shifter! It's been in the 60s these days. Give me a call tomorrow night if you feel like meeting up.

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 8:10 am

I don't know if I still have your number?

I work until 9pm in Rockville. We could meet at the same place if you want, but it'll be cold as shit, so we might want to move inside, lol.

boostjunkie · Post by **boostjunkie** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 5:08 pm

BAC5.2 wrote:I don't know if I still have your number?

I work until 9pm in Rockville. We could meet at the same place if you want, but it'll be cold as shit, so we might want to move inside, lol.

I think I still have your number. I'll give you a call after 9 tonight.

BAC5.2 · Post by **BAC5.2** » Thu Nov 18, 2004 11:08 pm

I got off work early, let me know when you wanna meet up, just give me a call. Can't hang out long, but long enough to catch up on old times.

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Ghetto Short Shift...

Ghetto Short Shift...