LocostUSA.com

So, I've searched this and other forums and the links provided in related posts here for an indication of the typical way a middy build incorporates a shifting linkage to a FWD gearbox. If I was to get a VW GTI or Civic donor, mount the engine/gearbox out back, how do I connect the stickshift in the cabin to the actual shifter of the donor? I've seen the cable linkage of the middy Del Sol, but it's not clear to me, nor from the Kimini build site. Perhaps there isn't an accepted way to do this, or maybe it's a design-it-when-you-get-there deal, but seems to me that with all the conversations about FWD donors that this aspect would be more prevalent? Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance, and please forgive the dumb question if it seems I'm missing something obvious.

From JonW's Atom-ish build...
http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... &start=150

McBearen
http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... ft+linkage

Of course the man you need to talk to....
Kurt (or buy the book) http://www.kimini.com/book_info/

Oct 13, 2002 - Nov 3, 2002 he talks all about shift linkages with photos
http://www.kimini.com/Diaries/Pre2003/

Of course there is some discussion over at the Honda k20 forum too...
http://www.k20a.org/forum/
(must register to search)

_________________
I'll keep an eye out for you!

To err is human...
I am more human than most.

Many transmissions are shifted using push-pull cables. The easiest way to do what you want is to simply make the cables longer.

Of course, doing that means they'll have to turn 180 deg at the front end of the shifter... so you can turn it around so it "points" backwards. But now your shift pattern is inverted and reversed. You can fix that with bell-cranks at the transmission end.

That's the short story.

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Midlana book: Build this mid-engine Locost!, http://midlana.com/stuff/book/
Kimini book: Designing mid-engine cars using FWD drivetrains
Both available from https://www.lulu.com/

As with most everything in life there are two or more ways to accomplish the same thing. On the McBearen build I didn’t want to change the cable connections at the transmission assuming that Honda engineers had arrived at the best solution and the adding of bell cranks simply seemed to be too much work requiring too much stuff being attached to the area where every other cable, tube and electrical bit would eventually be connected to the engine and transmission.

I eliminated the need for bell cranks by taking the cables back from their stock connection and then beneath the engine (forward) toward the firewall. Fortunately for me the cables extended exactly to the firewall and I was able to connect the cable housings to the wall using the same cable fasteners for each. From the firewall to the shifter mechanism I used straight connecting rods. I modified the shifter mechanism and located and backwards giving me the correct shift pattern. Beyond having to cut and modify the original shifter frame (which had more to do with the narrow space I had between the seats) I had only to heat and bend the shifter shaft to create the right grip angle.

You can read and see my original description(s) of this process beginning at UPDATE 11/19/05 at:

http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/showthre ... aking+buck

I hope this is helpful.

Dick Bear

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www.marketpointproductions.com

Okay, if we're bearing our souls here...

I started with the stock Honda shifter, cut off the shifter shaft, turned the assembly over, and welded the shaft back on. I then rotated the assembly so that it pointed toward the rear of the car. Problem solved, no bellcranks, rods, or pivots.

I just offered the solution in the post above as a way to save time doing what I detailed here.

_________________
Midlana book: Build this mid-engine Locost!, http://midlana.com/stuff/book/
Kimini book: Designing mid-engine cars using FWD drivetrains
Both available from https://www.lulu.com/

Or leave as is, and have a cheap and effective way to thwart car theives from driving off with it!