Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Modified Stock Shifter

I just modified the existing shifter by cutting 2" off the end and rethreading it. This is the poor man's short shifter kit and since I am now unemployed, I qualify. I also shortened the reverse lockout mechanism so that it would work on the shortened shifter. The main reasons I kept the lockout was that it helps in the 5 to 4 downshift and it looks like this car will eventually become my wifes. The feel is improved and noticibly shorter throws. One thing to note is the thread is metric (M12x1.25) not standard 1/2x20 as I've seen mentioned. If anyone wants more details let me know.

Henry

'00 SVT Contour
'78 308 GTS
'89 Katana 600

Welcome to the poor man's club

I've been performing this mod on all the stock Contours I see for the last couple of years. Looks much better than stock, works a bit better than stock. Not bad until you try a real B&M.

3.5 inches is better

But it doesn't work if you feel like keeping reverse lock-out...

hehehehehehhehehehehe

Even better- Heat the B&M with a torch and bend it back and to the left about 1 1/2 inches.

that wouldn't work if you want to keep the reverse lockout.
but if you don't care about that it definately would make the B&M more 'user friendly'

Did you torch it while it's on the car? Wait, I only have a handheld torch...

hacksaw
safe
mmm
safe

Take it off and put it gently in a vice and a hand torch will do the trick.