Jump to content

gear lever removal


MNlotus

Recommended Posts

Not sure how you remove the gear shift boot on the top of the tunnel on a Caterham, but once you do it's just three bolts to remove the gearshift lever from the top of the gearbox. It's on the left side of this photo where the yellow cover is.

IMG_9500.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On my Caterham build, the gear shift gaiter was part of the tunnel top. Take the shift nob off and remover the whole tunnel top to get to the shifter. Tom

 

ok thanks for the response, what is the best way to get the tunnel top off?

i have a 2003 s3

Edited by MNlotus
Link to comment
Share on other sites

MNLotus

As stated above - remove the shift knob (if I remember correctly there is a set screw holding it in place), remove the parking brake grip and pull the brake up as far as you can. Move both seats forward as far as they will go and pull up on the rear of the tunnel cover - it should come up and give enough clearance to slip it over the brake handle.

Drew...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ok, just installed it. First thing i notice is it extremely easy to put the car into any gear, you barely have to push on the shift knob for the car to go into gear which is pretty nice. The other thing i noticed is that the length of the gear throws has increased. Its faster to shift but the throw is longer now. I did like how short the throws were on the old shifter so I'm gonna have to drive it for a while and see if the faster shifting is worth the longer throws.

other than that, the installation was simple after your guys help, thanks again!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I drove the car today and love the new shifter. the shifts are effortless, its extremely easy to change gears. Reverse is also easier, i think they have a less stiff spring in the new shifter. I am really surprised at how smooth and quick you can shift now. The only thing about the new one is it does have the slightly longer shift throws. After driving for a while it didn't seem to mind the added length in the throw, i thought the smoothness and the quickness of the new shifter outweighed that. I would recommend this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have to agree with Turbowood that I am confused too but still very interested in knowing more. I cannot see what changed to make it smoother other than it may be better engineered? How does it compare to the original part removed?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the height is the same as the stock unit. What makes it faster is the socket? Where the lever meets the circular joint. It is much easier to move than the stock unit even when out of the car. It that joint under the spring that is much easier to move resulting in a faster shift

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To anyone removing the tunnel cover, I recommend that once off you pull the vinyl of the right front edge and cut about an inch off the aluminum, then glue the vinyl back on. You will find that future install and removal of the tunnel cover is now much easier and allows you to lift it up a bit and rotate it CCW and easily clear the parking brake handle. Also, it sure helps to have the pass seat out first and saves time overall. I finally learned this after about 3 tunnel removals and figured there had to be a better way.

 

On the subject of short throw shifters, it sure seems to me that my stock shifter is about as short as it can get. What is to be gained by an even shorter shifter ? Drag racing ??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To anyone removing the tunnel cover, I recommend that once off you pull the vinyl of the right front edge and cut about an inch off the aluminum, then glue the vinyl back on. You will find that future install and removal of the tunnel cover is now much easier and allows you to lift it up a bit and rotate it CCW and easily clear the parking brake handle. Also, it sure helps to have the pass seat out first and saves time overall. I finally learned this after about 3 tunnel removals and figured there had to be a better way.

 

On the subject of short throw shifters, it sure seems to me that my stock shifter is about as short as it can get. What is to be gained by an even shorter shifter ? Drag racing ??

 

it isn't a shorter shifter, the gear change itself is quicker because of the bushing? or whatever its called. You barely need any force now to change gear, its a lot less stiff feeling.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...