DIY Short Throw Shifter
DIY Short Throw Shifter Since I'm not about to drop $180 on a Hurst T-5 Short Throw, I decided to make my own. I bought a spare shifter in case the project didn't work out or I just don't like the new one, but so far I like it. I've yet to test drive it though to see how much of a difference it is.
I put the spare shifter in a vice, cut 1-11/16" off the top and re-tapped it for the stock shift ball (16mm x 1.5). Now I need a new shift boot because I hate the way the stock boot goes all the way up to the shift **** now. But 1 project at a time.
Pics:
I put the spare shifter in a vice, cut 1-11/16" off the top and re-tapped it for the stock shift ball (16mm x 1.5). Now I need a new shift boot because I hate the way the stock boot goes all the way up to the shift **** now. But 1 project at a time.
Pics:
I like it! I may do this to the 3 spare handles I've managed to accumulate over the years. I like my Hurst because it's angled toward me but it's still a mile tall. I had a short stick in my LT1 and loved it.
And I did take it for a test drive to night and it made a WORLD of difference. I no longer have to take my arm off the center console lid to shift. It's just a flick of the wrist. Now all I need are my Poly engine and trans mounts to stiffen everything up a bit.
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From: Watertown, WI
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Verdad Gallardo I agree it's not a "true" short throw shifter, but it works for what I'm going for. The shifts are definitely shorter. I can tell a HUGE difference when driving. And after a bit of looking around I see that a proper short throw shifter works by moving the fulcrum point up, thus decreasing the travel above for the same amount of travel below. TWM Performance has an excellent diagram that explains this. http://www.twmperformance.com/faq/
If I really wanted to try and make my own true short throw shifter I'd have to space the stock shifter up off the trans, then extend the ball back down to reach the receiver inside. That's a lot more work than I'd feel like putting into it and at that point I would just order a $180 shifter. But for a nice, quick, cheap, and fun fix for my DD, I'm very happy with the results.
If I really wanted to try and make my own true short throw shifter I'd have to space the stock shifter up off the trans, then extend the ball back down to reach the receiver inside. That's a lot more work than I'd feel like putting into it and at that point I would just order a $180 shifter. But for a nice, quick, cheap, and fun fix for my DD, I'm very happy with the results.
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Spearfish, SD
the way you did it is still going to make your hand travel to shift a shorter distance, so yes, it is a shorter throw. only draw back to yours and a hurst is yours is gonna be physically harder to move because of the lack of leverage, but not by much
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To be honest, its far from what a short throw shifter does. You could buy a a short handle for $25 from most places that do the same thing and give a direct feel.
A short throw shifter changes the leverage point angle to make it that less movement on the upper part provides the same movement on the linkage. The difference in leverage points of the stock vs the short throw is huge.
A short throw shifter changes the leverage point angle to make it that less movement on the upper part provides the same movement on the linkage. The difference in leverage points of the stock vs the short throw is huge.
To be honest, its far from what a short throw shifter does. You could buy a a short handle for $25 from most places that do the same thing and give a direct feel.
A short throw shifter changes the leverage point angle to make it that less movement on the upper part provides the same movement on the linkage. The difference in leverage points of the stock vs the short throw is huge.
A short throw shifter changes the leverage point angle to make it that less movement on the upper part provides the same movement on the linkage. The difference in leverage points of the stock vs the short throw is huge.
Again, I get that this isn't a true Short Throw Shifter, but it IS an improvement from stock.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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I switched to a WS6Store Short stick, the direct bolt on compared to the rubber mount + adapter of a stock piece made a difference, BUT it was not as big of a difference as changing the shifter. Yeah you lowered it a bit and "shortened" the distance, but the overall travel from 1st to 2nd is huge still compared to a short throw.
I then went to a true short throw shifter and haven't looked back. Yeah, its an improvement, but what you gain from a short throw is FAR more substantial. Those who have gone from stocker to short throw (Pro, Hurst, MGW etc) know just how big of a change. It's worth the investment if you like to drive your car a lot.
I then went to a true short throw shifter and haven't looked back. Yeah, its an improvement, but what you gain from a short throw is FAR more substantial. Those who have gone from stocker to short throw (Pro, Hurst, MGW etc) know just how big of a change. It's worth the investment if you like to drive your car a lot.
nice job man!
lol ditto, right now I'm running a hurst stick on a pro 5.0
Ok, so I cut 2" (basically the c section) out of one of the stock ones and welded it back up today at lunch. It looked sweet till I realized the stub that sticks up out of my Hurst is wider than the stock shifter. It won't fit. Looks like I'm gonna hack about 2" out of my Hurst handle tomorrow.
You could buy a a short handle for $25 from most places that do the same thing and give a direct feel.
Why not just get an ebay short throw for the T5. they are around $50 and its actually a short throw, not a short stick.
My buddy with a 95 mustang got a short shifter from american muscle for $65 and its actually really nice. Looks like the ones they sell on ebay. Feels great though
Your hand is gonna hurt after a few hard 2nd gear shifts when you bash your hand against the console.
My buddy with a 95 mustang got a short shifter from american muscle for $65 and its actually really nice. Looks like the ones they sell on ebay. Feels great though
Your hand is gonna hurt after a few hard 2nd gear shifts when you bash your hand against the console.