Twist Machine Shifter Stick

[JEFFTATE]

I've always had a little trouble fast-shifting my TKO transmission from 2nd to 3rd .
I first made sure the clutch was adjusted properly, and I made sure I was using the correct fluid ( Synchromesh )
I also practiced extensively with my shifting techique.

Part of the solution was to change the shift lugs inside the transmission .
Another part of the solution was to change the stock Tremec shifter to a Pro 5.0 Shifter with a shorter throw.
The final improvement was one of Twist Machine's Shifter Sticks.

I was complaining about my shifting problem a while back and Steve Chryssos of Twist Machine suggested that I try one of his adjustable Shifter Sticks .
It really has helped.
I can actually find 3rd gear now when I shift fast !!
The ergonomics of the adjustable shifter stick is great.
And it's a light , strong piece ..
Thanks Steevo !

Here's some pics of the test fit on my workbench..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/today025-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/today028-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/today026-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/today027-1.jpg

And here's some installed pics in the car ..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/Picture013-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/Picture011-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/Picture012-1.jpg

[GeoffP]

Looks good Jeff!

[JEFFTATE]

Thanks Geoff.
I like the look and feel of the Twist Machine Stick !

[formula]

I forgot you were running a TKO Jeff--You're coming to RTTHs, right? if it's ok with you I'd like to compare the feel of yours against mine while we're up there, as I've been having similar troubles.

[Bill Howell]

TKOs just don't shift good from 2 to 3. Period.
However, I started out with a pistol grip on my tranny since, heck it is in a MOPAR and what else would you have??? While it looked great and had a good feel in your hand, it was just sloppy and there was no way you could make a decent 2 to 3 shift, just too loose. I too talked to Steve and installed his shifter. Man what a difference and I think it is as good as it will ever be now with his shifter. I can actually get a decent 2 to 3 now too. Still can't force it but do get a solid shift with the shifter. The ergonomics are right too, the feel of the knob in your hand is just right. Plus, in my situation, it cut out so much rattle that the other shifter had, so I am thrilled with the outcome of my swap.
Thanks again Steve.

[JEFFTATE]

I forgot you were running a TKO Jeff--You're coming to RTTHs, right? if it's ok with you I'd like to compare the feel of yours against mine while we're up there, as I've been having similar troubles.

Yes , Wes .
I will be at RTTH's.
I'll let you drive my car.

The TKO's have three shift rails in the transmission , and one shift rail connected to the shifter lever.
The shift lugs are like spring loaded gates/ or fingers that pop over and grab the next shift rail and allow you to pull into the next gear.
There is a lot of interference and play in the design of the shift mechanism in the TKO's.
(They were designed as a truck transmission first. No fast shifting was anticipated )
And a lot of the TKO's have shift lugs that were cast to the very outside limit of the allowable tolerances.
But they were shipped out anyway.
So , I got my hands on some better shift lugs from the guys at Classic Motorsports Group ( Now Hurst Driveline Conversions ) and change them .
It helped.
But , like Bill said , the TKO's are not the fastest shifting trans from 2nd to 3rd..

But , the lighter materials and better ergonomics of the Twist Machine Shifter Stick does help..

[The WidowMaker]

anybody tried the new shifter from keisler? i was quoted 35 bucks and they said it would help out a lot.

[JEFFTATE]

anybody tried the new shifter from keisler? i was quoted 35 bucks and they said it would help out a lot.

I haven't tried it , but Shafi and the guys at Keisler usually do their homework.
It's probably a good product..

[strtlegal]

Thanks for the input guys. I've never been super happy with my TKO600, I'll order this thing on Monday.

Should I also get one of these 5.0 shifter as well? I bought my TKO two years ago from Hurst DL. I thought they said it had the updated shifter, dont really know which one I got..Thanks

[1969CamaroRS]

Badass :)

[Vegas69]

I drove the bull run racer with that shifter and it was pretty damn hot to the touch.

[67 ls1 vert]

Hey Jeff, try holding your shifter with your hand wrapped around your shifter with your fingers tip toward your leg when you shift 1-2 and 3-4 but when you shift from 2-3 and 4-5 try to shift with you palm on the top on the shifter with your fingers pointing down. I know it seems lame but it tends to make your side shifting go in better. That way you tend to push away when shifting diagonally instead of back in to the last gear. We all know what happens when you do that.:scared:

[Steve Chryssos]

I drove the bull run racer with that shifter and it was pretty damn hot to the touch.

Our sticks have been redesigned to accept whatever shifter ball you wanna run. They will be ready to ship in a coupla weeks.

Thanks Jeff and everyone
/Steevo

[69clark]

I have one in my 79 mustang pace car and love it.

Don't mind the missing coin tray, it's since been installed, LOL.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/79PaceCar_Interior037-1.jpg

[GT500Eleanor]

Hi,

Does anyone know if these guys - Twist Machine - are still in business?
I have sent them an email and want to buy a shifter, but I don´t get any answers.


Regards
Morten

[Steve Chryssos]

Of course we're still in business. I'm sorry, I don't see any emails from a Morten. How can we help you?
Steve

[sjaroslo]

Not only are they still around but they make beautiful stuff. I cannot wait to get this installed in my car (someday, of course, I need to get it running, first). Shifter ball not included.63706

[Bill Howell]

I see this thread and thought I would update on my shifter. I finally gave up on the TKO 600 and went with a ZF 6speed. With a little modification, I was able to retain the Twist Shifter and still love it. The feel is so natural, and makes shifting so direct. Over 15000 miles on mine and still working great. thanks again Steve.

[Steve Chryssos]

That's awesome! Thanks for the praise, you guys.

Morten,
I found your email in our spam folder. You are requesting our old style shifter handle with integral shift ball, which is no longer available. That part number has long been superseded by the product shown above, which allows you to run any ball desired while still getting the adjustability and style of our stick design. It will fit a TKO or any other manual transmission. Fitment depends on your shifter stub layout rather than trans make/model. As long as your shifter stub is flat and has two bolt holes that are .875" apart, our stick will work. We ship to Norway all the time. Sticks are in stock. For ordering:

http://twistmachine.com/shopping/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=32

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[JEFFTATE]

I see this thread and thought I would update on my shifter. I finally gave up on the TKO 600 and went with a ZF 6speed. With a little modification, I was able to retain the Twist Shifter and still love it. The feel is so natural, and makes shifting so direct. Over 15000 miles on mine and still working great. thanks again Steve.

Bill , that ZF is still holding up to all that punishment in the Charger ???

[BonzoHansen]

those shifters are a thing of beauty

[GT500Eleanor]

Hi Steve,

Thank you - I got your email now.
I will put up an order soon.
Thanks again.

Morten