Thread: Aftermarket shifters

This is a pretty unpopular topic (have only seen it a few times), but I would like to replace the factory shifter in my '98 GTP with a ratchet or gated shifter.

Now, I know it's electronically controlled, and this won't improve performance. That's not something I really care about. The problem is that the stock shifter is a flimsy piece of garbage and I'd like something particularly solid and metal.

This fellow here:

put one in his 2000 Bonneville, so it is possible.

Thoughts?

Also, let's preclude the following thoughts shall we:
"You're a ricer if you think this is cool"
"rice rice city"
"So much rice, it could be an independent exporting nation"
"I guess it's cool if you're a card-carrying commie import lover"

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

If it's possible on the Bonne..it's possible on the W body. the shifters themselves are basically all the same.

Althought I'd wonder where the need is for a serious shifter like that. It's just a matter of setting the space between the gears properly. Seems like that couldn't be tough to measure and setup when both shifters are out and side by side.

For me, the stock shifter is just not solid enough. It's too plasticky, too cheap. I like to rest my hand on it while I'm driving (old habits die hard, etc.)

Plus, have you ever tried to shift from 1st through to D while you're dicking around, only to find that the stock shifter's detents are so soft a slight breeze would push it into the next gear?

do it.

Originally Posted by NinetyEightGTP

Plus, have you ever tried to shift from 1st through to D while you're dicking around, only to find that the stock shifter's detents are so soft a slight breeze would push it into the next gear?

No, because my PCM does the shifting for me.

Originally Posted by matt5112

do it.



No, because my PCM does the shifting for me.

You've never put your car in any of the lower gears? I find that very hard to believe.

I have, but after a short period of time, I changed the trans shift settings and never looked back.

the ratchet shifter should only be used for downshifts... The upshifts should be combined with going wideopen, but "shifting" the trans well before the shift point should happen so that the proper electronic settings can be applied to the valvebody/engine.

I would fully support someone putting a ratchet shifter in a gtp... probably one of the biggest upgrades in transmission longevity you could make.

Originally Posted by darkhorizon

the ratchet shifter should only be used for downshifts... The upshifts should be combined with going wideopen, but "shifting" the trans well before the shift point should happen so that the proper electronic settings can be applied to the valvebody/engine.

I would fully support someone putting a ratchet shifter in a gtp... probably one of the biggest upgrades in transmission longevity you could make.

Something tells me you're being a facetious tool, but I can't put my finger on exactly what it is.

Originally Posted by SlowNA06

Golly, if anything, I'd want a shorter shifter. I don't think anyone else here rows through their gears because that's an odd thing to do. However, I do emergency downshift about once a year for things like... SUDDENLYAPACKOFDEER). Having a shifter long enough to punch my stereo into park doesn't appeal to me... already a pain to get stuff in/out of the box under the stereo while in park, too.

If you feel lazy/cheap, maybe replace plastic knob with a leather-wrapped one and call it a day.

I don't row through the gears constantly, but once was enough to make me realize something about late 90s GM interiors.

they're poop.

Somehow, that doesn't seem like the best of ideas, SlowNA06

So I'm thinking about putting in the same B&M Quicksilver the guy in the video used, but putting on a t-handle instead.

Any other shifters you would suggest instead?

Originally Posted by Rico

He agrees that you couldn't possibly manually up-shift better than the PCM at WOT due to the valve body being electronically controlled.

Up shifts during normal driving will increase the longevity of the transmission; like preventing skip shifts, 2 to 4 with respect to throttle position.

More accurate down shifts can be achieved with the ratchet.

I think it looks absolutely ridiculous but it makes sense - mechanically. You need to be driving a '70 Chevelle for that to be aesthetically pleasing.

Aesthetics are subjective.

Your explanation seems rational but I know darkhorizon is a prominent troll on subjects he disagrees with, in fact, I've seen him lambast this very idea before.

That's how I know he's being a ****head.

Originally Posted by Rico

Sometimes dark's a peckerhead but wuteva, I agree with his post and it's alright if he's being a wisearse.

About the aesthetics - If you could shorten that thing to about half it's height....?

I could get a much shorter one, yes.

If I go with a B&M Hammer (and some others) over the quicksilver.