Quickshift

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bash
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Quickshift

Post by bash »

Some years ago I used to have a tvr Vixen and then a tvr3000m, both of them had a stubby little gear lever that was like a switch to operate. When I got the Excel ( over 20 years ago ) the gear lever seemed like there were two long knobs in the car ( Im 6 foot 3 ). Anyroadup, I came across my spare lever in the garage to look at the rubber thingy that had been highlighted on another thread when I noticed that the upper ( shiney part ) was spot wlded to a smaller shaft. So I ground the spot welds off and seperated the two bits with an imperial 2lb vernier adjuster to reveal a nice stubby gearlever, so Ive just fitted it.

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I havnt tried it in anger yet but Ive been up to 100 in self made engine noises in the garage, but it feels really good if heavier to use as you would expect. I'll keep you all posted if its worthwhile or not.


Bash
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.

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shaunw
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Re: Quickshift

Post by shaunw »

I'd be interested to see how you get on with that Bash, looks like a good mod and i have a spare gear lever 8)

Shaun

Pete Boole
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Re: Quickshift

Post by Pete Boole »

It will be interesting to see if you notice any more transmission noise transmitted into the cabin without the rubber insulation in the lever.

Pete

AndyC
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Re: Quickshift

Post by AndyC »

My, that is a short one sir.

I remember that in my youth I used to rest my hand on the carpet of the mk2 Escort, and so change gear using thumb and finger movement, this may be a little more remote but not much more.

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Lotus-e-Clan
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Re: Quickshift

Post by Lotus-e-Clan »

Interesting mod. Much easier to operate the radio cassette? More cigar lighter access too by the looks? :D
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Phantasm
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Re: Quickshift

Post by Phantasm »

Curious, I just sat in a 95 Espirit yesterday and noted how much stiffer left to right the shifter felt and also notchier. Granted it's an entirely different gearbox, but I wonder if the shorter throw had anything to do with it? Curious to know how yours feels now.
-Bill
1991-92ish Lotus Excel SE Silk Red
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bash
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Re: Quickshift

Post by bash »

Well, I've driven it now. Upsides, very nice short action if slightly notchy....a very slight amount of gear noise, and when I say slight no one would notice it bar us because you get very familiar with every noise that your own car makes. Downsides... you end up having to reach around the handbrake lever when its on to put it in first. Sit in your car with the lever on and see what I mean by guessing the very low position shown. When the handbrake is off and driving my arm tends to slide along the top of the handbrake lever when changing gear, which is sligtly annoying. So, I am determined to cut it down but not as severely and I will keep you updated.

Bash
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Re: Quickshift

Post by AndyC »

Phantasm wrote:Curious, I just sat in a 95 Espirit yesterday and noted how much stiffer left to right the shifter felt and also notchier. Granted it's an entirely different gearbox, but I wonder if the shorter throw had anything to do with it? Curious to know how yours feels now.
The Excel is a nice straight-over the gearbox setup, whereas the Esprit of that age uses two long bowden cables so lots of additional resistance.

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bash
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Re: Quickshift

Post by bash »

Right, out with the disc cutter again, I decided to cut the shiney art of the gear lever apart. Inside it there are two rubber pieces, the bottom one where I ground the spotwelds off is a metalistic bush, one nearer to the top of the stick is just a rubber bung as far as I could see. I ended up cutting 35mm off the stick, which feels much more than it sounds ( Im sure you will have heard that phrase before ! ), I drilled the upper bung as far as I dared to allow the stubby bit to go as high as possible in the centre of the stick and I cut the central part of the metalistic bush out, repositioned it in the base of the cut off gearstick and stuck it in with some silicon. Thiswas then welded back to the stubby lever. Whats it like.... I wish Id done it years ago is the answer.
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Just to put a little image in your heads Ive decided to christen this mod bashies knob.

Bash
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Lotus-e-Clan
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Re: Quickshift

Post by Lotus-e-Clan »

How's the handbrake situation this time?

Do you live on a farm? Nice views! 8)
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bash
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Re: Quickshift

Post by bash »

Handbrakes ok. I live in the middle of nowhere where I let the tone of the neighbourhood down.

Bash
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.

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