Make a 4-Speed C3 Shift Like a Sports Car

I am not sure if this mod is available for all 4-speed C3 Corvettes, but it's worth finding out, as it truly turns manual shifting into true sports car mode.
The original shifter throw is quite long, and when you make the change it truly feels like previously you were shifting a truck instead of a Corvette.
In most cases, the change is straightforward without any additional adjustments needed. However, if shifting is too "notchy" or you find difficulty getting the car into gear or back to neutral, some of the rod links may need to be adjusted.
Thank you for watching! 🙂👍🏻
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DISCLAIMER: Even though I like to wrench on my Corvettes and most of my videos are of a how-to nature, I am not responsible nor liable should you decide to follow my musings on the subject.
The repairs and other work I do are for my own benefit and entertainment, and even though my videos may sound and appear to give technical how-to advice, that's not my intention.
Working on a vehicle is inherently dangerous. If you're not confident, qualified, or lack the tools to do the job correctly and safely, hire a licensed mechanic.
#corvettec3 #c3 #c3corvette

[@lylejohnston4125]

My friend bought a '69 427 car years ago and the shifter hit the console at both ends of the throw. I did this simple mod and what a difference! Made it feel almost as good as my '67 427 car.

[@63wagon327]

Great tip. I'd like to offer one suggestion. At the 2:10 mark of your video, take a look at your retaining clip. You need to shove it farther through the hole in the rod. Once its installed all the way, it's captured. The way you show it, the clip can still work its way out. That clip is designed to never fall out if it's installed properly.

[@76vette]

Okay. I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for taking the time to mention this, I always manage to learn something. And thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@tangledline]

Nice! Thanks and subbed.

[@76vette]

Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@200horsepower]

amazing change!!

[@76vette]

Great! Thank you for watching! 😊👍🏻

[@200horsepower]

@@76vette do you ever think about make it 5 speed?

[@76vette]

I would love to, but it's quite an involved process and don't really have the money for it. So, I'll just keep rowing through the original four gears. lol 😆

[@200horsepower]

@@76vette better that automatic lol

[@bennybarker6673]

Just picked up a super clean 1980 w/built 350,4 speed.

[@76vette]

Sweet! Congratulations 😊👍🏻
Guess they didn’t make as many 4-speed 1980-1981 C3s? I haven’t researched the exact production numbers, but they seem to be hard to find, at least from what I usually see for sale.

[@bennybarker6673]

Got it from my mechanic buddy that built it for his wife, he switched it to a stick ,added cam, heads, long tubes. Ripping up the back roads in Michigan.

[@76vette]

@@bennybarker6673 Enjoy it! 🙂👍

[@robnamowicz8073]

Sir, is that a Borg Warner or a Muncie transmission? thanks, eager to get my mechanic to try this,,,,good handwork!

[@76vette]

It’s a Borg Warner 4-speed. 😊👍🏻

[@jt6bhgfgvujnnjjh]

😊

[@roelrivera2782]

Is that a BW Super T-10? The reason I ask is because I have an 80 vette with the 4 speed BW Super T 10 Tranny and it doesn't have those additional holes on the levers. So I was wondering if they were somehow interchangeable. My car has the long shifts right now, and as you say would like to liven up the gear changing by shortening the shifts.

[@76vette]

My 76 is an L-48 so, AFAIK, they only came with the wide-ratio BW. The L-82s had the close-ratio BW trans. Not sure what the differences are between Super T-10 and std., but I’m guessing the gear ratios.
Your only option may be to install a Hurst shifter for a shorter throw. I drove a ‘71 with one of them and the difference is pretty incredible but it takes practice getting used to it. They are kinda notchy, IMO. A place like Summit Racing (for example), may be able to give you better options and/or suggestions. Just a thought. 😊👍🏻

[@Maakyuhlinsky]

Could always drill new holes.

[@ayelexi]

Have you replaced the reverse lever? If so do you have a video on it?

[@76vette]

If you mean the spring-loaded lever that’s part of the shifter, then no. And the same goes for the lever on the tranny.

[@ayelexi]

@@76vette Yes where you have to lift it to go into reverse and it also keeps you from going into reverse when switching gears... Do you have any advice on attempting to replace that part?

[@76vette]

@@ayelexi If I’m understanding you correctly, all you need to do is remove the shifter ball by turning it counterclockwise. It is threaded.
Once it’s off, remove the spring and the reverse lever will slide out of the shifter.
It only fits one way so installation is easy.
Hope this answers your question.

[@ayelexi]

@@76vette So I have done that, but it is very lose and it will still go into reverse without having to lift then go over into reverse. So I was thinking something else has to be wrong. I can make a video and send it if that will help

[@76vette]

@Lexi Robinson What happens if you hold down the reverse lockout lever? Does it still go into reverse?
If it does, then it would be safe to assume the lockout release rod is damaged (broken) and the best solution is to replace it.
Check with CorvetteGeneration.com as they will probably have a good original replacement part. They specialize in C3 and C4 corvette parts.
If you order the lever, might as well also get the spring and the chrome knob if yours is damaged.