Dave's shortshift

[chris.t]

The shifter is fitted and it is all that everyone has cracked it up to be. Much more precise and solid shift with shorter throw. My only problem is blipping needs to be far more accurately timed due to stiffer action and shorter time in neutral but i'll get that in time. Thanks Dave for a really beneficial upgrade.

[ratman]

The shifter is fitted (I bought it in November!) and it is all like it had to be. Really much more precise and solid shift with shorter throw. My only problem is that the fith gear is hard to engage. Dave as I have the standard cables, what have I to see to improve the engaging?

[DeeAitch]

The shifter is fitted (I bought it in November!) and it is all like it had to be. Really much more precise and solid shift with shorter throw. My only problem is that the fith gear is hard to engage. Dave as I have the standard cables, what have I to see to improve the engaging?

Hard to say without more info. I'm assuming it was OK before so sounds like some cable adjustment is req'd - do you have the service manual which tells you how to do this? If not PM me and I'll go through it in detail.

Can you select reverse OK or is it the same as 5th? If the same as 5th then the cross gate cable probably needs adjusting (the lever will be hitting the end of its travel before the selector shaft is in the right position).
Best way is to put the box in 5th by hand, loosen the cable adjuster, move the gearlever so it is away from the end of its travel and tighten the adjuster. Re check lever position for 1st / 2nd.

Also worth checking the clutch adjustment as this may have moved if you took the selector box off for the install.

[abmunro]

Hello Dave

Do you do a fitting service?

[ratman]

Hard to say without more info. I'm assuming it was OK before so sounds like some cable adjustment is req'd - do you have the service manual which tells you how to do this?
Can you select reverse OK or is it the same as 5th? If the same as 5th then the cross gate cable probably needs adjusting Best way is to put the box in 5th by hand, loosen the cable adjuster

before it was ok, is the same for 5th and reverse gear, it is a cable adjustment problem for sure, I have the manual, but... is not really easy to loose the cable adjuster! how do you make it??

[John_W]

... is not really easy to loose the cable adjuster! how do you make it??

Spray the plastic serrated twist-locks behind the engine with plenty of WD40 and leave it for a day, then just keep working at it. They only move half a turn.
John

[DeeAitch]

... is not really easy to loose the cable adjuster! how do you make it??

Spray the plastic serrated twist-locks behind the engine with plenty of WD40 and leave it for a day, then just keep working at it. They only move half a turn.
John

Thanks John

It makes it a bit easier if you move the Water header tank to one side for access (Make sure it is cold first!)
Reach in and feel / grab the plastic adjuster just behind the bracket - you will feel some serrations to help you get a grip. As John says it only moves a little - more like 1/4 turn IIRC. Clockwise (as you look at it from the side of the car) to loosen. Section FF page 6 of your service manual has a pic.

[DeeAitch]

Hello Dave

Do you do a fitting service?

I'm always open to negotiation , I would even consider travel to California if the expenses were covered
Warning: getting south of the river constitutes International travel for me

A lot depends on how / where / if you buy it

[Doug]

Hello Dave

Do you do a fitting service?

I'm always open to negotiation , I would even consider travel to California if the expenses were covered
Warning: getting south of the river constitutes International travel for me

A lot depends on how / where / if you buy it

Dave, you'd better update your profile with where you're based so we know what airport to get the tickets for

[abmunro]

Hello Dave

I am currently bidding on one of your Kits on Ebay.

I live in Chester le street, So must be only about 10 miles away from you.

I would normally buy stuff and just take it to a garage to fit.

But I thought that you would be a better more knowledgeable option....

I would like to Help/ watch the fitting.

I understand it would bew best to change some other bits while having this kit fitted. Is there a long delivery time on these other parts.

Cheers


Tony

Hello Dave

Do you do a fitting service?

I'm always open to negotiation , I would even consider travel to California if the expenses were covered
Warning: getting south of the river constitutes International travel for me

A lot depends on how / where / if you buy it

[DeeAitch]

Dave, you'd better update your profile with where you're based so we know what airport to get the tickets for

Strange one this. It all used to be there
I'll get it updated before anyone jumps the gun and buys tickets!

A lot depends on how / where / if you buy it Laughing

By this I meant if you buy them here I might be willing to do the install FOC or maybe a or three if you can get the car to me.
However at the price they are fetching on eBay ?????????????

Strange how the virtually hand made Mk1's were snapped up (and followed up with some incredible support from those that bought them. :A big clap: to you all) However now that I've taken the plunge on the laser cut Mk2's the market on LEC has dried up. I guess the LEC market is pretty much saturated.
This is not a moan, just a fact of life. I took a chance which hasn't worked out, maybe a lesson to be learnt for anyone else thinking of investing in future projects.
This is why I've decided to clear them out on eBay and move on.

Sorry about this but I'm having to take a hard line after sticking with the project through some difficult flak. It has been hard to maintain motivation at times

abmunro, if you win on eBay send me a PM and we'll work something out

[abmunro]

OK Dave

I certainly dont expect to have it fitted free of Charge.

I have read all the hard work you have put in and Im sure you hoped at least to break even and possibly make a small profit. Everyone has benifitted from your hard work and endevour.
Your problem is, same as anybody else making stuff for the Elan, There is only a very small market. ie only 4000 made

Could you give me a list of other parts I should purchase to make the gearchange as sweet as possible.

[Dico]

Tony, I take it you have the standard/stock gear cables?
At some point these WILL break. Most folk go for the uprated AB cables which are cheaper and better than the later Elan S2 ones. Ah, i'm assuming you have an SE? If you have an S2 they shouldn't need changing.
The Short shift can be carried out with your standard cables without any problems, maybe source some AB cables for the future. Will B is the supplier in the UK.
I think Dave would require quite a few beer tokens if he was to fit your cables as well.

edit- just read your signature -se it is.

Message for PaulP -

At least it would stop you pestering me Sorry Dave

A lot depends on how / where / if you buy it Laughing

By this I meant if you buy them here I might be willing to do the install FOC or maybe a or three if you can get the car to me.

Ah, but you bought an ebay cheapie didn't you

[lotusesprit]

Dave,

I sent you a PM about my interest in the short shift kit. I live in San Diego, CA and would like to know how to obtain this kit.

Thanks,

Eddie

[tigerdog]

Dave,

I sent you a PM about my interest in the short shift kit. I live in San Diego, CA and would like to know how to obtain this kit.

Thanks,

Eddie

I think you'll appreciate the difference, Eddie. You can check out the Green One for feel if we ever get together.

[lotusesprit]

I would like to try it, if you have this installed. I'm in Miami for a few days, but when I get back, I'll give you a call.

I just wish Dave would answer my post....

-Eddie

[tigerdog]

Dave,

I sent you a PM about my interest in the short shift kit. I live in San Diego, CA and would like to know how to obtain this kit.

Thanks,

Eddie

There's one on ebay UK.

Seems I read in an earlier post, Dave was selling off his remaining kits in this way. Maybe Dave's in Miami, too? Or Majorca?

[GeoffSmith]

Maybe Dave's in Miami, too? Or Majorca?

Sunny Whitley Bay actually.

[DeeAitch]

Sunny Whitley Bay actually.

And very sunny it has been and about time too
Sorry, been away a few days. I did see various posts but need to check up on shipping costs etc. Will answer all enquiries tomorrow as I'm off for another glass or two in the garden while it lasts!

[DeeAitch]

Your problem is, same as anybody else making stuff for the Elan, There is only a very small market. ie only 4000 made

Could you give me a list of other parts I should purchase to make the gearchange as sweet as possible.

Lets say 2500 survive, that makes another 2450 ish potential customers out there Come on guys, what are you waiting for

As for other parts you might need, how about a hacksaw and some M10 dies
Really depends on the wear you have in other parts. How many miles on the car? If high mileage best bet would probably be a new acetal balljoint for the lever - if you can find one Otherwise you might consider a set of these if there are any left.
Probably best if you can wait until I check it out during the install