Sloppy Shifter (944), 944 Turbo Options

[billy mild]

I was curious if anyone has done the sloppy shifter fix where they drilled out the shift rod and used plastic bushings to shim so the shiftlever would work properly? I am getting my car this weekend and will want to tackle this ASAP along with the Sunroof gears. Post up how it went for you or if you would maybe want to help out.

[sh944]

I did that years ago on my old '84 944. What I found out afterwards is that it doesn't actually work all that well, and considering you can get a brand new shift lever for well under $100 and have it swapped out in under 5 minutes, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me to spend better than an hour messing with the old one.

If I were around, I'd be glad to help out but I am busy for the next several weeks. If you still want help with it in mid august, let me know! Also, welcome to the KCWS!

Regards, ...Scott

[Doc]

I was curious if anyone has done the sloppy shifter fix where they drilled out the shift rod and used plastic bushings to shim so the shiftlever would work properly? I am getting my car this weekend and will want to tackle this ASAP along with the Sunroof gears. Post up how it went for you or if you would maybe want to help out.

Yeah, we can get you fixed up with a new shifter easy enough. Order one from Banger and we'll "bang" it out! Ha!! Have fun picking up the car!

[karl2bdc]

The shifter portion is easy, but if the rod going back to the transaxle is wallowed out, then a new lever won't fix anything. You can drill out the rod and insert 7/16" brass tubing with epoxy to hold it (i'd have to double check the size, but I am pretty sure that is it). I'd say it is better to swap in a newer condition rod, but you do have to drop the tranny to do so....

[billy mild]

So has no one really done this yet?

I was going to get a new shift lever before I go and drill the shift rod otherwise there isn't a point to do it. I was hoping someone on here had tackled this.

On a side note what are the deal with these wrenching parties. I will most likely be down for this.

[karl2bdc]

So has no one really done this yet?

I was going to get a new shift lever before I go and drill the shift rod otherwise there isn't a point to do it. I was hoping someone on here had tackled this.

On a side note what are the deal with these wrenching parties. I will most likely be down for this.

So you are sure the rod is wallowed out? Usually it is the shift lever that wears (turns into an hour glass shape), and replacing that does the trick. On occasion, the rod wallows out, but it is quite rare. You won't know until you disassemble it.

[billy mild]

I will give an update tomorrow thats when my little tune up happens. I am pumped to see this car.

[Mark]

So you are sure the rod is wallowed out? Usually it is the shift lever that wears (turns into an hour glass shape), and replacing that does the trick. On occasion, the rod wallows out, but it is quite rare. You won't know until you disassemble it.

Hour glass shape....I thought that woudl be at the connection between the shifter and rod.

If not, where would it be? I've seen only my car, so I have nothing to compare.

[Jim]

On a side note what are the deal with these wrenching parties. I will most likely be down for this.

we need to put one together - maybe next Saturday? who's in?

[SDPorscheFan]

So has no one really done this yet?

I purchased all the parts to do this fix but just replaced the shift lever and it worked pretty well so I didn't see any need to drill out the rod.

http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/tech-july-03.htm

[sh944]

I have done the shift lever mod before. I haven't had to drill out the shifter rod and resleeve it on any of my car. From what I can tell, the shift lever extension wears first, and I would guess if neglected over a long period of time, it would wear the rod, but like I said, I haven't experienced that. I would start with the shift lever first (brand new one, installs in 5 minutes) and see if that fixes it first.

Fair usage warning... Karl works on these things for a living, I don't, so he is well worth listening to. I have a ton of experience with 944's tho, well over 15 years worth, so I do know a little something about them.

[Jim]

I have done the shift lever mod before. I haven't had to drill out the shifter rod and resleeve it on any of my car. From what I can tell, the shift lever extension wears first, and I would guess if neglected over a long period of time, it would wear the rod, but like I said, I haven't experienced that. I would start with the shift lever first (brand new one, installs in 5 minutes) and see if that fixes it first.

Fair usage warning... Karl works on these things for a living, I don't, so he is well worth listening to. I have a ton of experience with 944's tho, well over 15 years worth, so I do know a little something about them.

beware, Scott knows about things most of us don't talk about...just FYI

[karl2bdc]

This is the shift rod I pulled out of my car awhile ago. I reinstalled with the normal looking shift rod. I had replaced the shift lever years ago which didn't help much (though usually that is all it takes). So like I said, it does happen, but is quite rare.

[Greenlawnracing]

we need to put one together - maybe next Saturday? who's in?

Lets do the weekend after.

[karl2bdc]

Lets do the weekend after.

You already missed the A/C party. You are out until next summer.....lol.

[billy mild]

I would be down for a wrenching party.

[Chris]

Me too. Well, I'm ready to sit around and drink some beer at least.