Shifter Extender

[TheCrazySwede]

Dear Forums,

 

I have a '77 280Z and I wanted to install an extender for the stock shifter to decrease the distance between the steering wheel and the knob. 

From what I understand, the original thread size is 8mm....is that correct? I can't find an extender that fits that size.

 

Anyone know of one? 

 

Thanks!

[Captain Obvious]

Yes, the shifter thread is 8mm.

 

Can't help you on the availability of any extenders though.

[TheCrazySwede]

Yes, the shifter thread is 8mm.

 

Can't help you on the availability of any extenders though.

 

Thanks CO!

 

I want to have the shifter sitting higher than stock....kinda mimicking the ol' Ferrari GT cars of the 60's and 50's.

[Captain Obvious]

Haha! Yeah, I was going to point out that while everyone else is trying to shorten their shifter, here you were trying to lengthen yours.

 

Gotta go against the grain, don't ya!

[Zed Head]

Might be easiest to build your own.  It will have some leverage at the junction so you'll want a good tight fit on to the existing shifter, and some thickness for rigidity.

 

You might also be able to find a truck shifter that's longer and cut it down.

[rossiz]

i get emails almost daily advertizing all kinds of extenders... how do they know anyway??

 

one thing to think about though - unless you raise the fulcrum point (where the bushings go in the ears on the tranny) your throw will get considerably longer. you can mock it up with a simple piece of pvc pipe stuck over the existing shifter and cut to approximate length to make sure you're ok with how much arm movement will be needed.

[TheCrazySwede]

i get emails almost daily advertizing all kinds of extenders... how do they know anyway??

 

one thing to think about though - unless you raise the fulcrum point (where the bushings go in the ears on the tranny) your throw will get considerably longer. you can mock it up with a simple piece of pvc pipe stuck over the existing shifter and cut to approximate length to make sure you're ok with how much arm movement will be needed.

 

Very good point.

The setup I was going for would include a short shifter + extender. I know MSA sells one and, in fact, the thread size is 10mm....making the available extenders compatible with it.

The only worry I had is the fact that the 5 Speed I plan on putting into my Z comes from a 280ZX and the short shifter kit offered by MSA is only compatible with tranny's up to '78.

 

I don't know too much about welding/cutting, etc. If I got a truck shifter, can it be made into a short-shifter (to decrease throw) while keeping its length? I'd have to ask a muffler shop or something to help out.

[gundee]

Take your ZX shifter to some one to stick in lathe chuck.

Have them turn it down at the spot you want to size 10mm.

Cut off old top piece and thread 10mm.

Screw on extender. Down the road.

 

PS. The Honda and most of the generic shift knobs on Ebay are

10mm and have the Datsun shift pattern on them if you want

a pattern type knob.

Edited May 26, 2015 by lumens

[gundee]

As a follow up, I would get the ZX gearbox installed first if that is

what you want to use. As it does use a different shifter, you

want to determine the overall length you can get away with

so you don't smash your hand into the dash when using first gear.