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| How To Modify Corvette 700R/4 Shift Gate |
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| Background The stock shift gate provides no means of "feeling" which of the first three gears selected. This makes it nearly impossible to upshift with conficence and can be disasterous on downshifts. |
| Solution One solution is to modify the stock shift gate so that it has steps between gears. Then it's necessary to depress the shift button for each lower gear selection. This also gives positive tactile and an audable "click" feedback on upshifts. |
| Shifter Removal Remove the main dash bezel, the DIC bezel and thei shift console cover, including the shift button and knob. Remove the retainer clips that hold the cables connected to the shifter. Unbold the electrical assembly on the right of the shifter and move it aside. Remove the four bolts holding the shifter in place, lift it up and remove the switch from the right rear of the shifter assembly. |
| Shifter Modification Clean the shift gate of any oil and grease.. Use a fine pencil to outline the shift gate steps, shown in figure 1. Do this on each side of the shift gate. Use a Dremel cut the new steps. This effectively removes the material in Section B of Figure 1. Clean up any metal filings and apply some grease to the shift gate.. |
| Figure 1 - 700R/4 Shift Gate |
| Drawing Details The area A depicts the stock shift gate opening, notice there are no steps between the lower grears. The area B depicts the modified shift gate opening with steps for each lower gear. |
| Drawing Dimensions The length of area 1,2,3 is about 5/16" and the step height is about 1/8". This allows about 1/8" of material at the thinest point, between "D/OD". |
| CAUTION This mod has ONLY been verified on the shift gate in a 700R/4 from a 1988 Corvette. |