I just got my latest upgrade; the Alta short shifter for my 2005 MCS. One problem, the cover over the "lower shifter base plate" is not exactly like the picture in the intructions (see www.outmotoring.com) and I spent an hour trying to pry it off with no luck. I've tried searching the threads on installs for an 05 with similar results. Judging by my 2005 MCS and the install pics, it looks like it has different plastic clips that hold it in place. Has anybody done this upgrade for a 2005 and has some hints an getting the stupid plastic cover off !!!

Thanks...

 

there are two different shifters, an 02-03 1/2 and 03 1/2 - 05, make sure you have instructions and a kit for the 2005.

 

When I ordered it, I got the version for the "2004 and newer" models. Again, I don't think it's the fit or anything (of course I can't get the cover off to find out), but the instructions. The plastic cover underneth the heat shield is "a pain in the ***" to try and get off. What's the trick?

 

I want to know also as this is my next mod.


Mobster, is your shifter housing black?

 

Contiued... The instructions I'm using I printed from the web, not what came with the shifter, which is what they assume you are going to do due to the fact that the included instructions are pathetic (no images and 1 page long).

 

Yes, the housing is black (unlike the housing in ANY instructions or how to online).

 

pry it off, it just pops off, it might take a bit of effort. the 05 ones are hard to break, just do go overboard.

 

Call Alta's Tech support @ [font=Helvetica]503-643-4677.[/font]

 

I have installed the B&M Short Throw Shifter on my 05 MCS, and for me, the best tool for removing the lower shifter base plate was a weird little flat heat I found in my toolbox. I can describe a way to make one... find a fairly thin flathead screwdriver, and clamp it in a vise or Vise-Grips right near the tip (leaving the blade part only on one side, and the rest of the shaft on the other). Here is the tricky part of the bend... you need to bend it so that the edge of the blade (the part normally IN the screw) is parallel to the shaft. Thus, if you were looking at the screwdriver from the handle, the tip would now stick directly to the left or right.

I think my screwdriver was a part of some sort of bicycle toolkit, but it worked like a champ. I'd just hook the blade behind each clip and give a little twist, and the clip would pop, and I'd move to the next one.

Its not easy, but it does happen eventually! And trust me, its soooo worth it. :-)

RM2k5-

 

that is on my mod list, please tell me if it really helps shifting more accurate or in other wods better? thx for the input

 

Once you pop the cover off can you put it back on?

 

That weird screwdriver you have sounds like it would do the trick. The biggest problem is getting into the small space between the body of the car gearbox in order to get at the tabs. I'll take a run to Home Depot and see what they have and give it another try tonight. Thanks for your help.

 

The cover does just pop off and i know on the B&M SS you swap it for there box being the throw is longer below the pivot point. ( to get a SS they make the lower part of the pivot point long to induce a shorter throw above the pivot. )

WARNING.....i cant stress this enough....It sounds dumb but it happened b4 and i called B&M on it b/c there instructions dont warn you about it either..... When you pop the 3 tabs to take the white pivot cup out make sure you re-install it FACING DOWN ( closed side up )....It will go in either way and i heard of this happening . Trust me ull know....The shifter will be at a 45deg angle when you put the shifter cables back on.

And yes........it was me......let the flaming begin........:impatient

 

I used a small tool that looked like a pick with a curve at the end. I was able to catch and pry them away from the locking tabs.

I did have another problem and will start a new thread as not to high jack this one.

 

Thanks everyone for your help. I won't have time until the end of the week (tornado warnings here in SC today and most likely tomorrow...not fun when I do my car work outdoors) to give it another go at it. I'll keep you posted on the results.

 

One thing is for sure, stay away from Asseal MINI...................

 

Well I finally installed it on Friday and I'm still getting used to it. I'll post some pics and results next week. For those who have an 05 MCS, don't rely too much on instructions (included or posted) when installing a short shifter. I can't tell you how many times I looked at the instructions while installing and said "well that looks nothing like the picture on these instruction."

 

I dont know about Alta's instructions but B&M's were perfect except for not noting that the white center bushing can be installed either way.