B&M Shifter: AAAaaaaarrrrrgggghhhh!!!!

Groucho · 03-23-2006, 09:18 AM

OK...so I've got more miles on a B&M shifter as mounted in our cars than anybody. I've had it on and off the car four times since installing it last year. It has always been installed per the latest, greatest instructions and hardware from B&M...and yes, Loctite is always used. My growing hatred of this poorly-desiged (only two machine screws to hold it down? WTF are they thinking?) pile of steaming feces is well documented in these pages.

Tired of fecking with it, the last time I had it installed professionally (along with the latest B&M bandaid fix)-- that is to say, someone with a lift rack and lots of sport-shifter installation experience. I work 10-12 hours per day not counting my 220 mile RT commute-- I don't have time to play. Yes, they used Loctite.

I noticed a tranny fluid leak a couple of weeks back while I was changing my oil and tried tightening down the shifter...the bolts seemed tight.

This morning, as I left my neighborhood, the entire assembly came off of the tranny housing-- in my freaking hand. Ironically, I was going to drop the car off at Guldstrand to have them tweak the alignment and see if they could tighten the shifter base down.

Luckily, I was able to get it into 2nd so that I could limp home.

To reiterate, before I hear "I have 8k miles on mine, no problems," "Use Loctite," and other predictable posts:

1) I have well over 40,000 miles under the wheels, much of it in shift-heavy LA traffic, with this shifter mounted (65,000 total).

2) Loctite has always been used. Always. Silicone as well.

3) I love the way the shifter feels...too bad it was rushed out of the door far too early and apparently designed by a team of retarded monkeys.

4) DO NOT PUT ONE OF THESE ON YOUR CAR.

You've been warned.

ftlfirefighter · 03-23-2006, 10:17 AM

Hey Groucho I feel your pain man. I recently replaced my B&M after the leaks continued and 3 re-installs later with a GMM Ripshift. I dare say bite the bullet to anyone and switch to what works and don't leak.

Groucho · 03-23-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftlfirefighter

Hey Groucho I feel your pain man. I recently replaced my B&M after the leaks continued and 3 re-installs later with a GMM Ripshift. I dare say bite the bullet to anyone and switch to what works and don't leak.

Tell me about it.

Did you get yours from Geoff at JHP?

ftlfirefighter · 03-23-2006, 10:23 AM

Speed Inc.com

Groucho · 03-23-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftlfirefighter

Speed Inc.com

Cool- they'll have some soon....

Groucho · 03-26-2006, 07:39 PM

Ordered a GMM Race Ripshifter from JHP in Australia, $309 delivered.

SilverGoat · 03-26-2006, 08:07 PM

Let us know how this one goes. I've had my stock replace once for a rattle and its rattling again, so I'm looking for something aftermarket. If the GMM can withstand the rigors of your drive then it must be good.

Groucho · 03-26-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverGoat

Let us know how this one goes. I've had my stock replace once for a rattle and its rattling again, so I'm looking for something aftermarket. If the GMM can withstand the rigors of your drive then it must be good.

The rattle may be the knob itself....replacing the shifter does NOT fix this.

A good reason to swap pout the OEM shifter is that it's a rubbery, vague embarrasment.

CrabhartLSX · 03-26-2006, 10:41 PM

i've heard a piece of electrical tape put over the handle will fix this.

SilverGoat · 03-27-2006, 10:59 PM

Sorry for the thread hijack. The shifter only rattles in 2 and 4. It doesn't move when I try to move it. The dealer couldn't explain it the first time and I haven't had it back for this yet. I'm sure that I'll upgrade this year, just want to see how the latest shifter holds up to Mr. Roadwarrior. Thanks for the advice I'll see if I can find a place for some electrical tape to quiet it down in the meantime.