Avenger007

I am trying to decide between either auto or manual 97-02 console. Eitherway, i want to install an aftermarket shifter (b&m megashifter maybe) Ive heard stories of some cracking. Does anyone know of a combo that works.

Seems to me that the manual console would work better for aftermarket shifters. This way shift indicators (from the new shifter) would work plus the manual consoles have the spot for the power windows near the shifter and not up at the radio pod like the auto ones do.

Avenger007

notice the difference in the consoles. Circled areas show how much more room and design allows for easier fitting of shifter instead of cutting up an auto console. Arrow shows placement of possible power window switchs (vs down by the cigarette lighter)

omnipotentgoku

iTrader: (1)

NO!!!! I am one of those stories. My megashifter cracked the coveted Firebird "4 cup holder" console. Needless to say, I was pissed. It cracked when trying to get into first gear. If you don't mind never using 1st (manually) thats fine, but it defeats the purpose of the shifter otherwise.

omnipotentgoku

iTrader: (1)

oh... and I had the manual console.. the one you show on top. Try this if you'd like, perhaps you will have better success than I. Let me know if you do.

CraZ-28

What about using a Megashifter for a 4th gen? Not sure if it will bolt to a 3rd gen but with some creativity it should work. Just a thought.

Avenger007

Ya i noticed that B&M has a 4L60E compatibility with the megashifter. It might be a custom kit install. However, its for a floor shifter. B&M only offers console shifters for 3rd gens and mustangs up to 2000.

omnipotentgoku where did yours crack? Did you figure out what the cracking was due to...IE position of console was too far up or it wasnt bolted in right? I think i saw your story in the 4th compatibility thread. I wish there was a way around this.

im going to call B&M and see. My guess is that i would need the 700R4 megashifter, but maybe they have insight as to a different kit that would support a 4th gen console.

IHI

iTrader: (1)

I wish at the time I could've found a manual console, but back then all my digging only found auto consoles. You can get away from shifter throw problems by using a B&M Quick Silver or B&M Pro Ratchet shifter (like mine) as they are always centered no matter what gear your in. Only thing I wish mine had was a lighted gear indicator instead of just a strip of sticker with an arrow. But, if your playing around you learn to know what gear your in anyways, just makes it a littler tougher on buddies that dont drive your car alot when you let them pilot it.

<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/824085/Birdpre-trackdebutwithnewdrivetrain004.jpg' width=500 height=375 >

<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/824085/Misc.carpics005.jpg' width=500 height=375 >

omnipotentgoku

iTrader: (1)

Mine cracked right in front of the ashtray. I did not have it set back far enough, yet if I remember correctly, their was just not enough room in the shift area to shift down into 1st. Its something I will try again one day, but I've a feeling it will require various modification with the current console.

CraZ-28

Well that sucks. B&M used to offer a console version of the Hammer shifter. I guess they don't anymore. Oh well.

Avenger007

IHI i really like your setup. How has your auto console done with the proratchet?

I think what i can do for the megashifter is trim the console around the plate so that its a bigger opening around the back (cigarette lighter) and front where the ash tray holder/power window switches would go. Then sort of fab the original megashifter plate into the top.

BTW B&M still sells the hammer for our cars but only mustangs get the console ones

IHI

iTrader: (1)

When i first installed the 4th gen interior/console I had a B&M star shifter out of a parts car I had, so I had to open up the console alot to be able to get a full throw for that shifter from P-1
When I installed the Pro-Ratchet the hole was PLENTY big enough. If I had a new top I could probably trim it tighter to fit alot better, but for now it's going to work until i can get back to finishing up the small details. It was just alot of fitting with the shifter housing to get it front/back and side to side so it lined up with the hole in the console.

This shifter is alo very nice since the only moving part of the whole thing is the shifter arm/know and it's only a quick 1" or so pull to get to the next gear, and it always stays centered so I did'nt have to worry about how far the shifter arm moved from or back engaging gears. Should also mention this Pro-Ratchet and Quick Silver are both 4 speed compatible for anybody looking at shifter options.

stage20

iTrader: (3)

here is my 6 spd console with B&M shifter. its one of my favorite mods to the car.

TheMysticWizard

iTrader: (1)

How did u do it? What shifter is that?

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

this is my 88 Formula with a 6 speed console and a B&M Megashifter when the car was an auto.

stage20

iTrader: (3)

its a B&M quicksilver, all cut to hell and back. i have a 6 spd stick welded to the actual ratchet mechanism after the B&M shifter handle was cut off.
the quicksilver is a full ratchet, so there are no levers anywhere. just boot and ****. i fool people pretty good at the local cruise ins.

vindeezl

iTrader: (2)

Smoke much?

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

Just a little. I use the floor board as a trash can.

stage20

iTrader: (3)

where do you put the ashes?
no ashtray.

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

out the window.