Enkiworks Tallboy shifter bushings for TWM Full Replacement shifter (GenWon)

Enki · 12:37 AM

When I first installed the TWM full replacement shifter, I wasn't terribly thrilled with how much tension there was against the shift cables. Shit was next to impossible to install due to this, and I'm pretty certain over time it was going to hurt the shifter cables due to the pressure on them. To give you an idea of what I mean, this is what the base plate looks like with the cables mounted to the base but the base not bolted down:

As you can see, bolting this thing down would be detrimental to the cables; previously, I fucked around and drilled out a stack of washers to go under the TWM shifter bushings that came with it, and that actually improved the shifter feel a noticeable amount.

Not satisfied with that, I took the next logical step: I had my gunsmith make me some huge ass shifter bushings. Here's a comparison:

Those with a keen eye will notice that the bolt hole on the spacers is offset; I had this done like this to allow for more solid contact with the bolt, which is 6mm in diameter, rather than going the easy route that TWM did and having the bushing drilled out to 8mm. Since the TWM base plate uses oval holes for the bushing to rest in, there's no harm in going this route. The only thing I'd change about this setup is using studs instead of bolts to make the actual installation a little less annoying, but that's about it.

This is what it looks like with the base plate sitting on the 15mm bushings:

And the 20mm:

And installed:

Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until the transmission is back in the car before I'll know if I'll need to modify the cover plate, as going all the way over has it contacting the plastic boot bracket, which might prevent shifting to 5th/6th:

SofaKingAwesome

Good stuff!

Shwaykid

If you have another set, and want another test car let me know. (I.E. I want a set...)

I definitely remember the struggle getting the cables in place. IIRC, I put the cables in first, then used used a screwdriver to pry the mounting holes until they were lined up.

Enki

I'm not using my 15mm set at the moment, so I can send those to you for short term testing if you like. If they work out for you, and you want me to get you a set made to your specs I can do that. I might need the 15mm ones back if I can't make the 20mm ones work, however.

Edit: I'll need to get some more washers and drill them out before shipping.

Shwaykid

Originally Posted by Enki

I'm not using my 15mm set at the moment, so I can send those to you for short term testing if you like. If they work out for you, and you want me to get you a set made to your specs I can do that. I might need the 15mm ones back if I can't make the 20mm ones work, however.

Edit: I'll need to get some more washers and drill them out before shipping.

Sounds good man. I'll PM you my addy.

SofaKingAwesome

Can vouch for @Shwaykid; if you do end up looking for a tester.

Code Monkey

I need something that will lock out the 6th.

Enki

@Shwaykid;

Shipped, they will be there Tuesday.

Conditions:
1. You can hang on to them for 3 months (~end of May).

2. No money needed unless you want to keep them longer than 3 months, in which case, we can discuss how much you want to donate to me. If they don't turn out good, just ship them back and we will call it square.

3. At some point, be as hard on these as you feel comfortable. Need to know how firm they are (specifically the longer bolts) when being abusive.

4. Nudes.

Shwaykid

Originally Posted by Enki

@Shwaykid;

Shipped, they will be there Tuesday.

Conditions:
1. You can hang on to them for 3 months (~end of May).

2. No money needed unless you want to keep them longer than 3 months, in which case, we can discuss how much you want to donate to me. If they don't turn out good, just ship them back and we will call it square.

3. At some point, be as hard on these as you feel comfortable. Need to know how firm they are (specifically the longer bolts) when being abusive.

4. Nudes.

Cool. Weather is just starting to get good in Central Texas. Now I have a good reason to do the Devil's Backbone, for science

Enki

There's always science to be had.

Shwaykid

Got 'em

They'll most likely go on tomorrow after work.

Shwaykid

@Enki; And in today they did go.

Just got back from the initial test drive. And I must say, I'm sold. The tension or tightness I had felt in between gears is gone. The shifter WANTS to change gear now. Further testing will see if that they also fixed my 1st gear lockout I get every once in awhile. 6th gear felt a little extra 'notchy' but I'm pretty sure I can fine tune that away with the adjustment cable.

I really liked the additional height. I have the TWM Type R knob, so it's nothing tall or bulbous. That extra 15mm made all the difference. It feels like a more natural shifting position. Especially going into 5th; I didn't feel like I was reaching.

Bonus, my cup holder and center console got a much needed Simple Green cleaning... That was kinda gross.

TL;DR - How much $$?

Enki

For the set you have, a $30 - $35 donation will suffice (half my cost for both + ~$5 shipping). I'll send you my PayPal through PM should you want to go forward with that.

Oh, and there's one last thing I'd like you to check for me: clearances between the boot bracket and shifter rod in 5th and 6th gear? Keep in mind I'm running 5mm taller bushings than you are (and they should improve feel further) and some clearance information would be beneficial to the both of us.

You can probably make do by pulling the cupholder section out while leaving the boot and bracket in and taking pictures with a cell phone camera or something of the sort; I'd do this myself, but I don't have a transmission installed so I can't really tell where 5th and 6th would be.

I don't think people would mind having to mod the boot bracket (I don't), but knowing that it is necessary would be beneficial, I think.

Enki

This just in, gunsmith says he's down to make more.

markos213

Originally Posted by Enki

This just in, gunsmith says he's down to make more.

I'm in pm me donation info I would love to give this a try.

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Enki

Further kits will be premade and sold properly via the forums.

bryantyper

Originally Posted by markos213

I'm in pm me donation info I would love to give this a try.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Same

Enki

@Shwaykid; how are they holding up? Still feeling good?
Any chance to take a couple clearance pics?

Shwaykid

Originally Posted by Enki

@Shwaykid; how are they holding up? Still feeling good?
Any chance to take a couple clearance pics?

Amazing so far. And I Suck... pics this weekend. I promise.

Enki

No problem; I don't mind. It's the others that want to buy them that are gonna get upset with you.

Shwaykid

I have had them on for 200 miles now, and I will say, the 1st gear lockout I used to get is pretty much gone.

My issue was rolling to a stop without slipping into 1st before coming to a complete stop. If I rolled to a stop in neutral and then just sat, more often than not, going into first would get ridiculous. A couple times I just took off in 2nd because it would NOT go into 1st.

Now, with dem Tallboys, that doesn't happen anymore. The worst that happens is 1st is a little extra notchy.

Pics will happen this weekend, as well as replacing my junk front sway bar endlinks. Then hopefully a nice little cruise through the twisties.

markos213

Update??i want some enkieworks tallboys to

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Shwaykid

And finally, here they are

I left off my shift boot, so I can take quick pics if you need a different angle:

Neutral:

5th:

6th:

Side angle in 6th:

Under Panel closeup in 5th:

Various Under Panel closeups in 6th:

Enki

Any idea how close everything is to the plastic retainer on the shift boot?

Shwaykid

Originally Posted by Enki

Any idea how close everything is to the plastic retainer on the shift boot?

I can fit my finger tip in the space

Enki

So chances are my taller ones will be very close but might not touch.

Cheapspeed

Originally Posted by Shwaykid

@Enki; And in today they did go.

Just got back from the initial test drive. And I must say, I'm sold. The tension or tightness I had felt in between gears is gone. The shifter WANTS to change gear now. Further testing will see if that they also fixed my 1st gear lockout I get every once in awhile. 6th gear felt a little extra 'notchy' but I'm pretty sure I can fine tune that away with the adjustment cable.

I really liked the additional height. I have the TWM Type R knob, so it's nothing tall or bulbous. That extra 15mm made all the difference. It feels like a more natural shifting position. Especially going into 5th; I didn't feel like I was reaching.

Bonus, my cup holder and center console got a much needed Simple Green cleaning... That was kinda gross.

TL;DR - How much $$?

Sounds like you touched on all the same problems I have with my twm. Stiff throws and a far reach to 5th. It took slop out of the shifter when shifting aggressive but when cruising lazy it felt arduous.

silvapain

Hmm... I'm liking this idea.

I'm in for a set @Enki;

Enki

Just need clearance info before I have more sets made; if there's room, the taller ones are by far better for reducing strain on the shifter cables than the shorter ones.
@Shwaykid; I know I've already asked a lot of you, but could you remove the shifter boot from the plastic rack thingie it mounts to, reinstall that and check clearance with 5th and 6th when you have time? If there's at least 5mm clearance, I'll have a set of the *really* tall fuckers made for you and everyone else that wants them.

Shwaykid

Originally Posted by Enki

Just need clearance info before I have more sets made; if there's room, the taller ones are by far better for reducing strain on the shifter cables than the shorter ones.
@Shwaykid; I know I've already asked a lot of you, but could you remove the shifter boot from the plastic rack thingie it mounts to, reinstall that and check clearance with 5th and 6th when you have time? If there's at least 5mm clearance, I'll have a set of the *really* tall fuckers made for you and everyone else that wants them.

You talking clearance from the top of the perch to the lip of the shift boot panel, thingy?

Shwaykid

For science:

Enki

That's in 5th/6th?
Looks like there's room for another 5mm lift without the shift arm (the bend in it specifically) hitting the plastics that normally hold the shift boot in place.

Edit:
I'm weary of having 10+ sets of these made if plastics have to be modded.

Edit2:
This is the measurement I was looking for, but with the plastic part of the shift boot present (shift boot fabric/leather removed, just 4 screws):

Shwaykid

Threw the boot assembly back on for a couple quick pics. I don't think it'll fit... could be wrong, but it's basically touching

on to the pics (Most in 6th)

Here's a couple with the boot on:

Enki

So just barely touching with the 15mm version, meaning the 20mm version will require a modification to the plastics, which ultimately shouldn't be a big deal.

I'll work on cutting mine up today and see how it impacts the boot and whatnot. Would anyone still be interested in the 20mm version even though a permanent modification is required or do you guys think the 15s are enough?

Shwaykid

Originally Posted by Enki

Would anyone still be interested in the 20mm version even though a permanent modification is required or do you guys think the 15s are enough?

I'm definitely good with 15mm. Daily driving is a vast improvement and that's pretty much all I do.

That shift boot assembly is so flimsy and thin, personally, I wouldn't want to modify it.