I am getting ready to install my TKO but I currently don't have the money to buy the mcleod shifter, so I will have to leave the factory shifter on it. My question is can I remove the shifter, install the trans and later switch to the mcleod. It will be next spring or early spring before I get to drive it and I just want to go ahead and install everything and get it ready for winter for right now. If I can install it later do I have to drop the transmission some to install it or can I get to the bolts from up top without any other work? The camaro is a factory 4-speed car so I already have the cutout there. Thanks for any help.

Read this from CC5Speed. http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/tremec_transmission_1969_camaro_wu.htm
I used longer grade 8 bolts and washers to move my hurst shift lever over a bit and used the shifter that came with trans. If I drop the rear cross member, I can (barely) access the shifter- tight fit there.

tumper
Yes you can install the McLeod shifter later. When the time comes you just remove the tranny mount and lower the tranny on to the cross member. This will allow enough room remove the bolts and replace the shifter. The four front bolts are accessible from the top through the shifter hole with a flex socket and the back two from under the car with a ratchet wrench. It's a little tight but I've done a few and didn't have a problem.

Then that is what I will do for now. Thanks GMJIM!! By the way BNZFIXR how do you like the factory shifter and did you not have to cut the tunnel a little to get that shifter to fit? Thanks for the help guys

I really don't see any need to change the orginal Tremac shifter. They may be tight when new. but after 1k miles ,, its like stiring butter. I , like you, wanted to do the same and used a custom shifter on my 500. Now with a 600 and over 1k miles,, I saw no differance. I really like the positive glide of the stock tko shifter stub. All I did was attach my stock non console shift lever , using those grade 8 metric bolts. Slicker than inside a hogs belly!

Then that is what I will do for now. Thanks GMJIM!! By the way BNZFIXR how do you like the factory shifter and did you not have to cut the tunnel a little to get that shifter to fit? Thanks for the help guys
I did not have to modify the hole at all. And like ZDLD17 said, the stock shifter is very smooth.:thumbsup:

If you have a '67 w/the console, the shifter is going to be too far over to the right and rear. You may have to open the hole just a little bit.

I did this but got tired of the factory shifter bumping up against my console everytime I went to 5th or reverse. This couldn't be fixed w/longer bolts b/c the shifter is what hits the colsole, not the lever.

Changing the shifter was a piece of cake. It was tight but I did it w/out even having to remove the tranny mount. My advice would be to take the shifter off the tranny and put it back on before you put the trans in your car. That way, the bolts and seal won't have to be broken loose the first time w/you on your back.

Make sure you get the right shifter if you have a '67

This is one of the best mods I've made so far. Good luck!

Well this has answered another one of my questions. I will just leave the factory shifter on and give it a try before spending that $300 for the mcleod shifter. My only concern was cutting the opening which I really didn't want to do. Since it seems that you can use the shifter after spacing the lever over I will give that a try. $300 can be spent other places than on a shifter after spending $2000 on a transmission. Thanks guys for youor input. Hopefully mine will be together sooner than later and I can help on such things as these.

I ran the stock shifter for a bit and didn't like the second to third shift , I missed it a seven grand , changed to the Mcleod shifter and like magic it shiftes like crazy . The best $300 I spent .
Mark .

Mark
Glad you like it!

And it Was signed by Red Roberts Himself . I would recommend it to anybody .
Mark .

I ran the stock shifter for a bit and didn't like the second to third shift , I missed it a seven grand , changed to the Mcleod shifter and like magic it shiftes like crazy . The best $300 I spent .
Mark .


Mark, everything that could happen to you , happens as 7 grand. I think the manufactures need to start sending parts to you first for testing.