Moving T-56 shifter forward

[boodlefoof]

Hi folks, (sorry this is a little long)

I did a search for "move shifter" and came across a few mentions of D&D and Kiesler kits to move the T56 shifter forward. Most of the other threads I found were about moving the console or trans tunnel hole to accommodate the new shifter location.

I am building a highly modified Datsun 240-Z. I have a 2006 GTO LS2/T56 combo that I plan to put in the car. However, while mocking these in place today I found that the shifter location is going to be a bit too far back. I need to move the shifter forward at least 5'' to be comfortable (otherwise my elbow is hitting the rear bulkhead). Moving the entire engine and transmission forward is not an option, nor is moving the seat back (cockpit is pretty small).

On this transmission, the shifter sits on a small pedistal back over the tailshaft. The shifter has a ball and socket pivot at its base. Connected to the shifter is some bracketry that links it to a second ball and socket pivot about 3'' forward. The two move in unison when you move the shifter. It seems like this design was made to move the shifter backward these 3''.

So, the questions...

#1: is it possible to move the shifter location forward to the place where the forward ball/socket pivot is? (i.e., remove the rearward ball/socket and just place the shifter in the forward of the two positions).

#2: has anyone here "flipped" this shifter bracketry 180 degrees so that the shifter is 3'' forward of the second ball/socket? It looks like there would be some interference with the transmission housing... but perhaps it is doable.

#3: Looking at both the Kiesler and D&D websites, I was unable to find the kits to move the shifter. Does anyone have any experience with these kits or know if they ever were actually made?

Thanks for any help guys. I'm excited to get this thing in there!

[EFI69Cam]

It might take swapping the tailhousing for the one used on the aftermarket and ford t56s. Check with D and D performance in MI. They know all the interchanges on the t56s

[jsconiers]

You want a Mcleod slik stix shifter. It will cost you 300 but you can place the shifter any way you want. four inches forward or back two inches side to side on any angle:

http://www.mcleodind.com/