356 'Quickshift'

[Neil Bardsley]

Reawakening this thread. Just completed a hill climb in my 356 a. It has a later 741 gearbox. The road gear ratios are all wrong for a hill but that is a bigger problem for another time. The car shifts well but the distance from 2 to 3 is too far. I was wondering what options I have for a short shift kit? How, do I know if I have A or B/C shifter/linkage in the car? I'm guessing it might of been upgraded with the gearbox

[John Clarke]

Well done Neil
We need more info on this conversion. Ours (61 T5 B Coupe) has the 741 Box (2 mounts) but think we have the later T6 gear change linkage ! Fitted by a previous owner. Don't know what I need. And it is A Short Shift that is required. NOT a Quick Shift.
Nice this topic is back. Cos I think a lot of guys would like them.
Kind Regards Jay

[Vic Skirmants]

Be really careful with any "short shift", "quick shift" set-up. Too short and too quick shifting can cause a 2-3 shift to become a 2-1 shift with resulting major engine damage.
There is no rev limiter that can save you from a mechanical over-rev. Think 6000 rpm in second, off the gear chart in first. My racer boys of course shift at 7000 or more, so....

[Martin Benade]

Vic, for racing do you use stock T6 shifting parts, or some kind of upgrade?

[Vic Skirmants]

Vic, for racing do you use stock T6 shifting parts, or some kind of upgrade?

Completely stock 1961 roadster bits. Same parts through 1965.

[John Clarke]

Hi Vic

Good Point from a racing angle. Never thought that the First Gear Selectors would allow a high rev change down.
Cheers Jay

[Vic Skirmants]

Hi Vic

Good Point from a racing angle. Never thought that the First Gear Selectors would allow a high rev change down.
Cheers Jay

They can't stop a determined driver!

[Martin Benade]

I’ve always thought that with the stock T6 shifter I could shift quicker than I’d want to torture the transmission with, so I don’t see the value in an upgrade.

[Vic Skirmants]

I’ve always thought that with the stock T6 shifter I could shift quicker than I’d want to torture the transmission with, so I don’t see the value in an upgrade.

+1

[Mike Wilson]

John Willhoit has a short shift kit for the later transaxles. It's very well made and easy to install.

Mike

[David Jones]

It just means you will have a better chance to beat the synchromesh when shifting.

[John Clarke]

'Short Shift'.Doesn't have to mean Forced Shift !
Just a more Positive and Precise Change rather than the long throw stock change. You really don't like that? Do You really !
Jay

[Greg Bryan]

I’ve heard the short shift requires higher effort to shift - there’s always a trade off …
However I have no first shift-hand experience

[Mike Wilson]

The short shift did feel notchy. Some like it; others prefer the original feel.

Mike

[Martin Benade]

It’s for making your shifter feel more like an MG. I’d say that other than higher effort, it’s no better and no worse than stock- just a different feel. Some people like it, and would therefore claim it’s better.