Tricky and I have been tossing this idea aroudn for a bit. But I just want to look into mounting the gearshifter mechanism nearer to the steering column. I figure if we can't have a flappy paddle gearbox we might aswell have the next best thing (a gearstick 6 inches away from the s/wheel).

For those that have already driven a 4efte powered mini, what was the gearshift like? How hard do you think it would be to change gears if the shifter was shortened significantly/mechanical advantage decreased substantially?

I'm thinking something like this...

I have no idea how hard or how easy it would be to change gears, but if it was easy enough to change the gears id would certainly make for a little more of an entertaining drive. I still have to get around to doing the starlet steering column conversion though

_________________
If you want more inches, stroke it
Life's a garden.... Dig It!
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20746

Hey JC

I got a Corolla gearshift from pick a part the other weekend. Its very similar to the starlet one except its made of steel not plastic and therefore easier to modify. I have to flip the forward back axis which I will do by mounting the ball end above the pivot point but I was thinking of lengthening the distance from the pivot, thus shortening the throw.

If you modify the shifter (or just get a ready made short shift), and then extend the gearshift up closer to the wheel you will get a similar rally-type feel.

My 2c.
madmorrie

The pic that you have posted JC is of a motorbike engine conversion. All bikes have solid linkages for gear changes (it's just peg sticking out of the side of the bike really) so it would be easy to mount a shifter like the one pictured.

I think the biggest issue you'll face is that the Starlet gear shifter does not used solid rods, but rather cables. Gear shifter cables aren't really that flexible and that would be your main problem. Being in Perth and never seen a 4EFTE conversion (except for pics), I'm not sure how much room there is to play with either.

Oh and as long as the fulcrum of the gear lever itself does not change, there should be no loss in shifting feel. I wouldn't expect the length of the cables will not affect the shift feel.

_________________
-Alan
I blame my dad for my love of minis. I think I was conceived in the back seat of one
I also blame my Dad for me being 6' 1" - not really the optimum height for driving a Mini.

is that legall?

_________________

Ah - there's a good point

_________________
-Alan
I blame my dad for my love of minis. I think I was conceived in the back seat of one
I also blame my Dad for me being 6' 1" - not really the optimum height for driving a Mini.

I can't imagine a law that would state the gear stick must sit in its factory location.......

Cables wouldn't present a problem.

And even if they did, we could go to solid rod actuation with bellcranks and spherical bearings.

_________________
"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"

The legal problem would be more on the lines of having a hard implement where it will cause you injury in a crash . If you can mount it in such a way that it breaks away on impact and has no sharp edges you should be ok .

_________________

850 has hit the nail right on the head there.

I have already had this discussion with my engineer & he confirmed it was fine so long as it was safe & ergonomic.

Another one of my "unique" ideas stolen!


<edit> Oh, and I must have the shift pattern clearly marked, but that might not apply to others as mine is treated as a CBU Vehicle

_________________
Too many cars, and too little time.