[Mr_GTO]

Cool. I notice lots of people using really short shifter handles on their cars. Anyone use a stock GTO handle that sits up towards the dash height?

[Tripower455]

Originally Posted by Mr_GTO

Cool. I notice lots of people using really short shifter handles on their cars. Anyone use a stock GTO handle that sits up towards the dash height?

Like this?



Mine is not a stock handle. It is one of the flat Hurst deals, but is the closest on to a stock size, shape and offset that I could find. Feels great in the car.

I am using the Tremec offset shifter, but it is waaaaaay too high for console use. I am going to order the McLeod unit, but I have to know for sure if it will fit with a '66 console! I want pics! ;)

[Mr_GTO]

Yea, like that. I plan on using a late model Trans Am/Camaro console in my car instead of the original one.

[jwcfbd]

I went with Keisler when I put a TKO 600 in my 67 Firebird a couple of months ago. I also ran into a few problems with them but in the end it all worked out and I am very happy with it. Here is the link to my install. http://216.178.81.108/forums/showthread.php?t=434702

[jeffmort]

taalltheway-
Installing a TKO into a GTO, regardless of who you buy it from, will require cutting the tunnel. Do not let anyone tell you anything different.

Tripower455 & everyone else who may be interested:
The McLeod Slik Stix shifter with the 2" offset will give you stock shifter positioning in the GTO console. In case you have a special situation like a custom console or if you are just concerened for whatever reason, th eMcLeod shifter can be produced to put the stick just about wherever you want it, for example:
2" left offset / straight up
2" left, 1" back
2" left, .375" back
2" left, .625 back
1" left, 1" back
1" left, 2" back
.625" left, straight up
.625" left, 1" back.
etc. etc. etc. etc.
There are over 100 different combinations of shift stub positioning that you can achieve with this shifter. basiaclly, just draw 3" circle around the stub of a stock Tremec shifter (in either of the two positions the Tremec shifter can be positioned in) and you will have an idea of the range of possibilities of shift stub position.
To put it another way, there is approximatly a 9" x 6" area around the center of your tunnel in which the Mcleod shifter can position the shift stick. The 9"x6" rectangle starts from a point that is 13.75" back from where you transmission mounts to your bellhousing and works it's way back from there. additionally, by installing your shift stick on one side of the shift stub or the other, you can fine tune the location even further.
So if you are concerned that the 2" offset version of the shifter may not put the stick within your GTO console (which it will - we have confirmed it), there are many different variations of the Mcleod shifter that ar eoptions for you.

Here is an exploded image from our website that gives a good look at the shifter details: http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/TK..._positions.htm.
When looking at the diagram, envision the offset arm of the shifter stub being available in multiple offsets and set backs.
I was at McLeod's today helping to assemble a few shifter s for our inventory. At the "shifter building" station in the warehouse, there is about 25 different bins containing offset stubs of varying lengths just waiting to be assembled so there is a position that will work for just about any application. I will be there agian onsaturday and if I remember i will take a picture of the shifter station to give you a visual idea of the program.

Well, probably more than you care to know, but I thought you may be interested.

[Tripower455]

The main reason that I am skeptical that the McLeod shifter will fit the stock consile is because the stock '66 shifters were so tight, and even a later, bolt on or bayonet mount handle Hurst shifter will hit the bezel. It's not as much a function of stick position, it's bolts and nuts hitting the bezel. The offset Tremec version puts the stick in the right place. I just can't position the console to a place where I can select all the gears without hitting the bezel.

I am probably going to order the shifter anyway, but I really want to use the console....

[jeffmort]

If the Tremec 2" shifter positions the stick correctly then the 2" Mcleod will also fit properly.
As far as fitting under the console, I know exaclty what you mean. When we we were helping Red with the design of the shifter we told him it needed to have a lower profile than the Tremec 2" offset specificcaly so it would fit under tight consoles. The McLeod shifter is much shorter than the Tremec unit and has proven to fit under the tighest of consoles

[Tripower455]

Originally Posted by jeffmort

If the Tremec 2" shifter positions the stick correctly then the 2" Mcleod will also fit properly.
As far as fitting under the console, I know exaclty what you mean. When we we were helping Red with the design of the shifter we told him it needed to have a lower profile than the Tremec 2" offset specificcaly so it would fit under tight consoles. The McLeod shifter is much shorter than the Tremec unit and has proven to fit under the tighest of consoles

The problem isn't the height in my case. It's the amount of metal on the stick/stub itself that is the problem. The Tremec offset one will center in the hole and clear the bottom of the shifter. With the console secured in this case, you will not be able to get the car out of neutral, as the handle, where it bolts to the stub, will hit the bezel.

I am going to order one and see if I can make it work. If not, at least I will have a superior shifter in my car!