Help me find third gear!!!!

VIPER1996 · Dec 7, 2002

Does anyone else have trouble with third gear, I even put in a B&M ripper shifter. I went out last night to try it out and I'll be damned if I didn't find 1st instead of 3rd. This time the tach hit 7 grand before I could get the clutch back in. It didn't hurt the car but man is this frustrating. I know you'll probably say driver error, but I have had a Zr1 and other manuals and have never had so much trouble with third. Any tips you can give me!!! I also have a shorter shifter knob from MOMO.

Lee Dove · Dec 7, 2002

Brett,

Maybe the problem is you are trying to find 3rd gear........

I have the ripper shifter also, and you should not have to try to find 3rd gear it should just go straight in. Just let it come out of second and naturally go to third(dont try). Hope this helps...Lee

Tom Welch · Dec 7, 2002

Check out the pistol grip shifter at my website. This device when mounted at a slight angle to the right, insures a straight shot from 2-3.

Also, you may want to check the alignment of what you have.

Tom

Gerald · Dec 7, 2002

The trick of getting into 3rd gear is kinda easy once you learn how....

When you're in second gear make sure when shifting to 3rd that your elbow is more tucked into the side of your body. Having it out more towards the passenger side will want to make it hit 1st gear again or just miss 3rd all together. Since I've been doing that I haven't missed 3rd for years..

Gerald

Tom F&L GoR · Dec 8, 2002

Somebody once said shifting to third is more like pushing a beer can... the idea being to have your palm behind the knob rather than on top of it.

Anyway, while installing a used short shifter (don't know the brand) the springs that keep the shifter in the middle 3-4 position were bunched up and perhaps only half of the coils were working to center the shifter. It did mostly center the shifter and normal shifting felt fine. Repairing it made it feel stiffer, but it certainly pushes the shifter over to the right when coming out of 2nd. Maybe repair or stiffer that particular spring?

SNAKOIL VA · Dec 8, 2002

I had the same problem for a while. Palm on the stick, elbow above and off the center console and push with the whole arm. Resting your elbow causes you to move your arm in a curving motion.

Try it with a pencil to see what I mean.

toddt · Dec 9, 2002

My experience with third:

Early on, it was a REAL problem, and I never knew if I was going to hit my 3rd gear shift or miss it.

I started flipping my hand and putting my thumb down to force me to bias the lever right when I shifted.

It's been a year and a half now, and I never miss anymore. It's automatic, as I suspect it will be with you if you just keep trying.

I have a stock (bus driver) shifter.

Help me find third gear!!!!

VIPER1996

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Lee Dove

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Tom Welch

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Gerald

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Tom F&L GoR

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SNAKOIL VA

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toddt

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