Gated shifters?

"BaconSandwich is tasty." (baconsandwich)
12/14/2015 at 10:21 • Filed to: None

So, having never driven a car with one, can someone describe to me why they are a big deal? Do they just make a cool metal-on-metal sliding noise when rowing through the gears? Do they just reduce side-to-side play? Is it just because they look cool?

In toying around with the idea of building a lo-cost (Caterham-like kit car), I’ve been thinking about transmission options. Supposing a person was to use a Miata for parts, how hard would it be to make your own gated shifter? I’m just taking a shot in the dark here, but I’m guessing it wouldn’t actually be that difficult.

DISCUSSION (11)

BringBackTheCommodore > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/14/2015 at 10:29

I would recommend a 1/2” thick aluminum plate cut to the shape of the shifter hole in the transmission tunnel, it would be easy enough to cut the pattern out of and thick enough that it would be sturdy under daily shifting duties.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/14/2015 at 10:34

I’ve never driven a car with a gated manual so I couldn’t tell you too much about that.

But if you’re looking at building a Caterham 7 type of car, have you looked at http://www.locostusa.com/ yet? Their discussion forum is fantastic. I’d bet there is someone in there who’s done a gated manual and can help you out.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Snuze: Needs another Swede
12/14/2015 at 11:28

I really should get on there. Thanks for reminding me!

BaconSandwich is tasty. > BringBackTheCommodore
12/14/2015 at 11:28

That’s sort of what I was thinking. Make a cardboard mock-up first, then do something out of particle board to make sure the fit is just right. Then cast it out of aluminum.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/14/2015 at 12:48

You’re welcome. I love their non-traditional build logs, seeing all the weird trikes and middys and stuff people build. I could spend hours perusing and getting ideas.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/14/2015 at 12:48

I’ve read that modern transmissions define the gates for you within the gearbox, so the shift lever does not need its own gate.

The cars that had shift gates did not have the needed slots within the gearbox, so the gate serves a purpose.

Since just about zero transmissions today have an open gate, you would be adding a redundant definer of the shifter positions. In that case, they had better be aligned very precisely!

BringBackTheCommodore > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/14/2015 at 12:50

I spotted this making the rounds not too long ago, it’s where my suggestion originated from:

Kinja'd!!!

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Snuze: Needs another Swede
12/14/2015 at 13:18

It’s great to see people wrenching on stuff, not afraid to try new things. I think I’ll certainly have my holiday reading cut out for me. :P

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
12/14/2015 at 13:19

That does make sense. I do suspect that half the reason everyone here on Oppo loves them so much is just the look.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/14/2015 at 13:59

Look great. Sound great.

Nauraushaun > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/16/2015 at 04:52

I think the tink-tink of metal on metal would get annoying. It sounds like a design flaw.