Vette X 3

Has anyone modified the stock shifter in an '82 to have full manual control of 1-2-3-OD using the B&M shift kit and the optional shift package? I have the lame Drive-3-2 shifter so there is no way to select and hold first gear. The B&M package sounds nice to be able to have full control of all upshifts and down shifts regardless. If it can't be done with the '82 shifter, could another year Vette shifter be employed and still maintain stock-looking appearance?

Bill
'82CE

Desertdawg

I thought the shift kit added the 4th détent to the shifter, most of the early 4 speeds had the same setup as we do. only 3 postions...

Call and talk to them, they probably have an answer.
Also let us know how it works. sounds like a cool upgrade for autoXing...

TLChydraulics

Well I can't offer any assistance yet, but I'm about to do my 76 so let us know how it goes!

Loren :cheers:

Shark Racer

Any modifications you make to the tranny itself will NOT make first gear selectable. Some people have had luck with grinding out the detent. Otherwise, check Ecklers or Bow Tie Overdrive for the Shiftworks 4-speed auto conversion kit. I know you AREN'T running a conversion, persay, but this is what makes first gear selectable. The shift pattern in the 82 vette is the same as any prior year's 3-speed auto... 1st gear in the 700R4 is one detent below 2nd(82) or 1st(TH350/400).

-Steve

carl a

i bought that kit when i put my 700r-4 in my 73.. all it is is a plate you bolt in which gives you another position so you have all 4 gear positions on the shifter---------

mrvette

I just looked at a 3 speed auto shifter I picked up when I did my conversion to 700r4, I kept the stick shifter with the Hurst bar and the 8 ball on top instead, just for looks.....

the stock shifter can be easily modded by cutting out a 1/4 inch section off the stock plate....I see no problem wit that.....

GENE

Vette X 3

Thanks to all that responded. I think I am going to do this mod in any case. I did read a thread somewhere about doing this and thought it involved drilling out some rivets and adding a new detent plate. Can't be too difficult. Do I infer from these postings that one really would not need to buy the optional B&M kit and just take a dremel tool to the original stock shifter plate and add an extra "notch"? What year bezel plate window would have the correct
OD-3-2-1 indicators on it and fit our '82 console?

Bill
'82CE