B&M Pro stick install...Help needed

[coach]

Hey Guys,
I am trying to install a Pro stick...so far score is about Pro Stick 5, Coach zip...
When installing an aftermarket shifter, is the Z-bar looking lever that is mounted to the bracket on the side of the tranny eliminated? If so what else needs done to do this? Can the factory cable bracket be used and the Z-bar left alone?

Thanks
Coach

 

[TurboDave]

This may be hard to explain.

First of all you need to have the stock stuff left intact so the ECM knows what gear etc. you're in.

Now, On my B&M I first installed the B&M lever on the stud, then installed the stock lever on that and installed the nut. Now, there didn't seem to be a lot of threads left over on the stud for the nut to grab so I had my tranny guy put a tiny weld bead on the two levers (just enough to hold them together) and tightened the nut as much as I felt safe.

This way, all the stock stuff stayed intact and mounted up.

I'll see if I can scrounge up a picture.

 

[coach]

So far I see it this way. I dropped the z-bar rod out of there as per Bruce at Perf Xtreme Trannys. I now need to move the hole where the shifter cable comes thru the floor so it lines up better. I have to run 2 wires from the back-up switch to a micro switch on the shifter to have back-up lights. I then need to build a floor mount to hold the shifter at the correct height and location. This is a real PITA. Someone else tell me am I doing it right. I have stopped until I hear a few opinions.

Thanks
Coach

 

[TurboDave]

Here's a picture of how I mounted the levers on the tranny.


Click on picture to enlarge



Inside the little red circle is where the little weld was made to attach them together to remove sloppyness.


If memory serves, the reason you want the stock linkage hooked up as I have it, is so the ECM knows what gear it's in, AND so the likage up to the steering column works the backup light switch on the steering column.

I basically mounted my shifter to the stock mounting brackets on the floor. The cable was too long so it makes a big loop under my foot pan and comes around into the tranny cable mount. Has a little screw with one of those cable mounts on it screwed into the floor from underneath to hold the cable up. Works pretty slick

 

[coach]

That helps. Did you have to drill a new hole for the cable to come thru the floor? My cable is very bound and I cannot put the shifter where it should go. I was thinking a longer cable, but that won't due either. I reall did not want to drill a hole, but if I have to, I will.

Thanks
Coach

 

[TurboDave]

No, everything fit as if it were stock. But then again, my B&M was made as a bolt in kit for the G body's (no longer produced).

 

[Slow91z]

Also if you don't hook up the stock linkage you can pull it out of park without the keys in the ignition.

 

[coach]

Hey Guys,
Found a bracket off of a column shift Buick and modded it to fit. I had to grind the thickness down until it lined up better and then welded it so it aligned with the stock linkage. Here is a photo of it installed. Used a lock washer with a 10mm jam nut to hold. Works great and I still have lock-up and rev lights.

Get this bracket and do this if you swap shifters. It is pretty easy.

Thanks
Coach.

 

[MSDGN]

Are you sure that works OK?...the stock piece doesn't appear to lined up correctly with the B&M piece...here's pics of mine..first the 2 pieces seperate stock and B&M...then welded together...I just put some blue loctite on the threads and although the nut didn't grab a lot threads it hasn't come of in many years...many 1/4 mile runs...

 

[MSDGN]

Nevermind...I just realized that the stock piece used is different than mine...

 

[coach]

Don't need quite so much weld. I tacked on the bottom and 2 spots on the back.
I made a shaft with the flats on it before welding them together. The angles are the same as yours, but I did use a Buick bracket off of a column shift 200r4. I have it working in the car and it works great. I have not driven the car, but it goes in every gear and I can take out the cable without any binding which says the travel length is correct. If it binds up you need to keep adjusting. I hope to drive it tomorrow. Then modify the console to fit around it.

Thanks
Coach

 

[jpwalt1987]

I had to make a new hole for the shifter cable to come through. For the mount in the car.... I took the stock piece that bolts to the floor and gutted it to where it is just a shell. Then I tack welded the shifter body to it. It took a few tries to get it lined up jsut right but it fits perfect. Top it off with a console plate from TR Custom Parts 84-87 Turbo Regals, Olds G-Body Cars, S-10 Blazers/Pickups and you are good. hope this helps I will try to find some pics of the inside.