Im still trying to work out the best way to set up the shifter in my swapped 3800 and I don't mind having the reversed shift pattern for the time being until I can fab something up to correct it, but the problem I have is that unless the car (not the transmission, the actual position of the selector) is in park, I can't remove the key. So I either don't get to take my key with me (not ok) or I I have to leave the trans in gear (dont like this idea either).

Any way around this?

If I recall correctly, it's relatively easy to remove the locking mechanism that is tied to the auto shifters (primarily a cable that runs between the shifter and the steering column). Its been a while since I've done it, but I recall it not being too difficult when I made an auto to manual swap. I don't recall exactly how much work there is to do (sorry) but I remember it being pretty easy.

If you are looking for a really quick fix I guess you could just disconnect the cable from the shifter side and find a way to hold it in place (tape perhaps) and out of the way (wire ties) so that the key isn't locked in place. I would just remove the entire mechanism though. I find it annoying even on cars that have autos although it does serve its purpose I suppose.

[This message has been edited by GraterFang (edited 12-28-2011).]

On the ignition switch, there is one small screw holding the cable to the switch, just remove the screw and pull off the cable, and either remove it or put it up out of the way.

It's very easy to modify the shift cable bracket and transmission selector arm to allow for the standard shift pattern.

All it takes is a hacksaw, a measuring tape, a welder and about an hour.

PM me with your email address and I'll send you some pictures.

Joe

I don't Weld I had someone modify the shifter and weld it for me in the past but I couldn't seem to get it to work right. it's been a good 6 months since i've been able to do anything to my fiero so I could just need to play with it a bit more, but this will at least get me taken care of for now.

quote Originally posted by mattman134: On the ignition switch, there is one small screw holding the cable to the switch, just remove the screw and pull off the cable, and either remove it or put it up out of the way.

1. Two very small screws attaches Cable to ignition switch.
2. Carefully remove cable and put the end in a bag and tie the bag.

If you don't then end will break and likely loose the pieces.
see my cave, auto shifter in trans section.

Really the cable is attach to the end piece w/ a clip on cable itself but the clip is hard to press and breaks clip or end piece... You can try it but screws can be a easier ever if the glue fails... (See cave article)


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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 12-28-2011).]

I have used a smaller shift lever, pointing the opposite way and that works well. No welding required. I went to the junkyard and starting grabbing levers.

I am going the other way on a new swap. A car that has a 4 speed stick will now have a 4T60e. Does anyone know of a way to rig up the Park position lock up without changing the column? Probably not worth the trouble to do this but if its just a matter of adding a cable we can easily do that. Has anyone gone from stick to auto and hooked the Par lock up?

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "