Re: Short Shift Lever for Spiders

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi:

Since there really isn't any linkage to change, you're pretty much out of 
luck.  The lower end of the shift lever on a non-transaxle Alfa acts 
directly on the shift rods inside the gearbox.  If you've got a shop 
manual, take a look at a cross-section of the gearbox, and you'll see what 
I mean.

Having said that, the shifter on my '87 Spider feels quicker and has 
shorter throws than on my '74 Spider.  Why?  The shift knob on the '74 is 
taller by a few inches.  The knob is closer to the steering wheel, but 
since the lever is longer, the throws are longer, too.  Try a shorter shift 
knob, or if you must, you can cut the lever itself.  Mike Valant has built 
a remote shifter for one of his race cars, his GTV TS I think, but there 
isn't that kind of room in a Spider cockpit, and few of us have Mike's 
talent for fabrication.  There are some pics on his site, but you'll have 
to hunt for them yourself.

http://mev4474.home.texas.net/index.htm

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's


At 01:31 AM 3/24/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 21:29:43 -0800
> From: OPS@domain.elided
> Subject: Short Shift Lever for Spiders
>
> Fellow Alfisti,
> Does anyone know of a short shift "kit" or lever or modification to the
> 5 spd gearbox in spiders?
>
> A Savage
> 1977 Spider
> San Diego
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