Selector Rod Question

[1990m3]

Does a shorter selector rod create a longer shift throw? Or is it the other way around?

I don't have the parts in front of me and I'm having trouble visualizing.

I have a short shifter and the feels is awesome except for 5th gear. I want to try to swap in different selector rods (or bend one to make it shorter) to create a more positive 5th gear engagement. Right now I have a stock e36 m3 selector rod and an e30 m3 shifter rod that is longer and straight.

Any tips?

Thanks

[flyboyx]

Does a shorter selector rod create a longer shift throw? Or is it the other way around?

I don't have the parts in front of me and I'm having trouble visualizing.

I have a short shifter and the feels is awesome except for 5th gear. I want to try to swap in different selector rods (or bend one to make it shorter) to create a more positive 5th gear engagement. Right now I have a stock e36 m3 selector rod and an e30 m3 shifter rod that is longer and straight.

Any tips?

Thanks

all that changing the length of the shift selector rod will do is move the shift pattern forward or back.... a longer rod will move it ahead. if you want to make the pattern shorter, you will have to add length to the shifter where it protrudes below the carrier.

since you are trying to get a better engagement into 5th, more than likely your problem is with the shift linkage design you are using more so than the actual length. i am assuming you are using a modified shifter with the getrag 260. if your shift pattern is centered where you like it in the car, then likely there is some design flaw in the way your shift selector rod was modified.

[1990m3]

all that changing the length of the shift selector rod will do is move the shift pattern forward or back.... a longer rod will move it ahead. if you want to make the pattern shorter, you will have to add length to the shifter where it protrudes below the carrier.

since you are trying to get a better engagement into 5th, more than likely your problem is with the shift linkage design you are using more so than the actual length. i am assuming you are using a modified shifter with the getrag 260. if your shift pattern is centered where you like it in the car, then likely there is some design flaw in the way your shift selector rod was modified.

Thanks for the reply...I am using a ZF box from an e36 m3. I am also using an e36 m3 short shift kit -- one that has the shifter cup welded above the stock shifter cup, changing the pivot point of the shift lever up by about 1" - 1 1/2" (never measured it, that would be an approx.)

My shift carrier looks like the one in this image about half way down the post: (Pic stolen from Pioneer416 on bimmerforums)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=15513167&postcount=22