Jake Lamata

Hey! Just getting back into American Scene again so the 4th gen F cars are new to me. I now own 2ea. 98 cars: a 3.8 auto camaro and a m6 trans am. My question is what is necessary to change the stock shifter in the v6 out for say a B&M Quicksilver ratchet shifter. I believe the tranny is 4L60E. The mechanical part is not a problem but is there a deeper problem with the management. Saw some pictures on here of folks using the manual console that looked real sharp. Would appreciate any and all help. Thanks

MonmouthCtyLS7

iTrader: (6)

Whats the reason u wanna change the shifter?... Btw your V6 doesnt have a 4L60E, thats V8 cars.

Jon@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (18)

I put a ratchet shifter in my car a while back and it took a good amount of work. I had to build a plate to raise it up off the factory tunnel and then a lot of trimming and fitting to make it look like it belonged there. I have seen some jobs that get them in but look terrible. Just depends how clean you want it to look.

Jon

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

V6's have 4L60E's too.....

Jake Lamata

Once again I am far from an expert but my research said that the V6 cars of '98 had the 4L60E trans. The reasons for doing such are 1) My son thinks it's super cool. 2) The car may not stay a V6. My local Guru has since told me that a 4 speed auto shifter should work fine on the 4L60E. The computer reads off the plate that is actuated by the cable arm. Any comments or corrections? Thanks!

NC98Z

iTrader: (1)

Unless you buy a Stage 3 tranny with the manual valve body the car will still be shifted by the CPU. You can buy all the shift kits you want but its not going to shift until the CPU says so. By the way 98 CPUs are the devil.

Jon@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (18)

You can put the car in gear and change gears with it no problem. The auto is still run off a cable gear selector. However, you won't be able to accurately shift the car under WOT with a rachet shifter.

Jon

Jake Lamata

Jon, I think you have the answer I have been zeroing in on. The car will still be under ultimate control of the CPU but my son will still have the neat factor of the shifter. He is a new driver and better not be racing anything for a while. If he really wants to race later I will revisit the manual valve body tranny deal. Thanks to all for the info!

Jon@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (18)

haha... I know how that is. Don't worry, it won't go anywhere fast if he tries to shift it manually. If you really want to slow him down, you can tune the computer to have a 6000 RPM limiter and 90mph top speed. I've seen people do it before!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Jon