Shift rod angle

[pato2002]

I am in the middle of a 5spd conversion and am currently cutting down the shift platform and shift rod. I was thinking that there may be some benefit to putting a small twist angle (10-15deg) in the shear pins on the shift rod to slightly angle the shifter to the dirvers side and maybe make the throw to 5th gear a small bit easier. Has anyone done this?

 

I have a short shift kit from IE that I had used on the 4spd and it appears there is a small twist in their dogbone rod (not sure if this was on purpose) but the original rod appears to be squared up.

 

Photo of proposed twist:

 

[TobyB]

I do it that way. 

 

I also make it just a little (1/4"?) shorter than the support base, so it's angled back a bit more.

 

I find it helps me get the seat back farther, which is good for the pedals, and then I use

a deeper steering wheel setup.  Makes for a better driving position for me, 5-10, with a 32" inseam

and a preference for a more Italianate torso angle.

 

t

[pato2002]

Thanks Toby. For future reference, I used the shank of a 7/16 bolt as an interior pin for strength and alignment prior to welding. My setup at the vice wasn't great so I got a little less twist than planned. I wish I would have thought about the shortening... oh well, it will be fine.

 

Also, for shortening the shifter support, I used a 4in piece of 3/4in square tube for interior support. Sorry, no photo.