Now that we're all clear on the differences between our lower pivot point assembly design and those of the competition, I thought I'd turn my attention to cable actuated shifters and the benefits of using aluminum shift assembly bushings.
First, just so we're all starting on the same page, there are currently two commonly used systems for front wheel drive manual transmission shift linkages. Rod shifters, like the Protégé shifters I discussed last time, are connected to a solid rod which leads to the transmission where it connects to the shift actuator. A cable shift system is similar but rather than using a steel rod to connect the shifter to the transmission a sheathed steel cable is routed from the passenger compartment to the shift actuator. Some key differences between these two systems are as follows:
- A rod shifter is mounted directly to the floor pan of the car and its lower portion hangs beneath the car where it is connected to the shift rod. Because the cables used in a cable shift mechanism are flexible they can be routed through the firewall allowing the shifter to be mounted in a shift assembly inside the car (in most cases).
- Generally more vibration is transmitted to the driver through the shifter in a rod actuated shift mechanism.
-Cable actuated shifters often feel more spongy or vague because there are multiple points between the shift knob and the shift actuator on the transmission where large rubber bushings are used. These bushings are very flexible and their give is transmitted directly to the shifter.
It is this last point that is our focus when discussing shift assembly bushings. Have you ever pushed on your shifter while it is in gear? Do you find that it moves forward by a substantial amount even though it is solidly engaged in a gear? A large portion of the flexing that you feel comes directly from the rubber bushings which mount the shift assembly to the floor pan.
One thing that we do a little differently which makes a HUGE difference in over shift feel is include aluminum shift assembly bushings with our kits when possible. This added bonus replaces the stock rubber bushings under the shifter assembly with solid CNC machined aluminum bushings. Because the aluminum won't flex like rubber your shifter will feel MUCH more solid and precise. The "H" pattern will be much more well defined and locating and selecting gears will be easier than ever before.
So as you can see, including 4 little aluminum bushings with our shifters, something that very few of our competitors do, will make a huge difference in creating a better overall shift. There's a lot more than just making shorter throws when you're trying to improve the shifter in a car…the throw is just one part of a larger group of variables which effect how positive or negative shifting is in your car. Whether it's the use of bearings to make a smoother shifter or bushings to take the slop out of your shifter, we take pride in examining and improving on every aspect of every shifter we design…
More to come next time,...
Cheers,
K. Wegert
TWM
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K. Wegert