Any way of using the stock console shifter with a TH-400 reverse manual VB?

[Intercooler]

The stock 4 speed OD shifter or a 3 speed shifter out of a normal Regal? I will be doing the TH-400 in a bit and want to keep the stock console and shifter if possible. Any mod, plate, etc... I can do to make it work? TIA

[GNVAIR]

The only thing that is different netween the 4 speed vs 3 speed is the shift gate on the shifter mechanism. But if you do the swap, you will probably want to go with some sort of after market shifter as most valve bodies that are set up for a trans brake are manually shifted. I cant see the stock shifter being very accurate or durable. I broke mine twice before I installed a quarter stick.

[325DR]

Originally posted by GNVAIR
I broke mine twice before I installed a quarter stick.

I heard that ratchet-type shifters aren't a good idea to use because the shifter may pull the cable and leave the linkage between a gear rather than "in" the gear. I also read on here that a gate-style shifter should be used (like the Cheetah). Have you had any problems with your Quarter Stick?

I am planning on going to a 400 so I would like to hear more on this too.

[GNVAIR]

The Hurst Quarter Stick is not a ratchet shifter like many of the B&M models such as the Megashifter, Quicksilver or Proratchet. It is gated as is the B&M Pro Stick. The Quarter Stick is not sold as a universal "one size fits all". You have to specify which trans you have as the gates on the shifters are unique to specific transmissions. I have had mine for over a year and love it. I removed the reverse lock out to make it easier when street driving.

[Chuck Leeper]

Any shifter, including the stocker, can leave the trans caught between gears if not adjusted properly. [A SURE way to toast the tranny ]
As for the ratchet type, I use the B&M Pro Ratchet w/ my T-400. I use it because it can be set up to trigger my Innovative electronic boost controller**. It's a hi quality piece, that has presented ZERO problems. It replaced a modified stocker that was a headache from the git go.

As mentioned, when a trans brake is put in a 400, the pattern is reversed, and it has to be shifted manually....

**. the Innovative allows me to set a boost level for each gear, and also allows me to "ramp" up to the next level without blowing the tires off when I shift gears....

[GNVAIR]

Hey Chuck,
Do you drive your car on the street a lot? I was curious how it drives with the th400 as I was also thinking of going the same route with mine. I think I could tolerate the 3.42's without overdrive as I had the same gear in another Malibu that I drove everyday for 2 years. My GN is not a daily driver so I dont think it would be a problem.