I love my 1983 240 Turbo even in spite of all the internal problems, but right now I'm entirely broke. However, I'm still quite interested in working on my car.

I have all equipment necessary to do just about anything on my car available to me but I'm not sure what I should do that won't end me without a car and a load of parts to buy. I'm curious as to what other people do in terms of free or cheap upgrades/tunes. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Along the same lines, I've considered many a time shortening my shifter. I would just like to know if there are any tricks to it so the reverse will still operate without hiderance.

Thanks in advance.

Tim,

I've tried both versions of improved shifters. By far, the best mod is to lengthen the lower shift lever (below the ball) by 3/4". I brought the shifter to a local welder and he charged me $10. I spent 10X that much on a shortened upper and all I ended up with is a broken reverse ring lifter.

Skip

'80 242GT ProRally

'93 850GLT

Go to turbobricks, they have it all explained

If you want to fight with the ..umm.. "difficult" search software, this is archived somewhere.

> Along the same lines, I've considered many a time shortening my

> shifter. I would just like to know if there are any tricks to it so

> the reverse will still operate without hiderance.

I assume you realize that the shift lever is a phallic symbol,

and in shortening it you (in effect) reduce your manhood.

oh, and there's also the consideration that it would be more difficult

to change gears with so little leverage.

I, personally don't go for all this Freudian penis envy skat...

but, in fear of your doing something regrettable, I thought I'd

let you know.

--- the man with the tiny shifter ;-)

If your theory is correct, does this means that those who own 60's vintage Volvo's are "better men" than the rest of us?

Just wondering...

> If your theory is correct, does this means that those who own 60's

> vintage Volvo's are "better men" than the rest of us?

> Just wondering...

well, its as they say.. "the bigger the stick, the longer the...."

As I recall, this thread was to help Tim come up with some cheap mods he could do to his car. In light of that, I bet we could come up with some suggestions for you phalic gear-shift types.

That's funny.

Well: cheap mods include airbox and shortshifter. I think that's it.

I'm planning a shortshifter when I find a spare shifter to work on. I wouldn't actually shorten the stick, I would lengthen the part under the ball so that less travel is required at the shifter. Then you don't have to mess with reverse (except for adjusting the detent plate) or anything. You may have to bend the linkage slightly so it still clears the gearbox.

Rene