All other manual transmissions I’ve had over the years, the shift handle was loose when in neutral. As in the shaft would float easily between the gears. My Fiero, however, is very stiff. Takes a lot of pressure to slide back and forth before putting into gear. It’s been like that since I’ve had it so I’m wondering if it’s just how these cars are or if something needs greasing. I’m almost positive it is the Getrag 5 speed. Putting in Rodney’s short shifter, so the easier it is to shift, the better.
‘88 Fiero GT... I’m almost positive it is the Getrag 5 speed.
Unless it's been swapped out, it'll be the Getrag... and the select (side to side) cable on them is notorious for internally corroding and becoming difficult to move.
Unless it's been swapped out, it'll be the Getrag... and the select (side to side) cable on them is notorious for internally corroding and becoming difficult to move.
probably a dumb question but what's the difference between the cables? like can a 4 speed cable be used on a 5 speed or is it to short? I know people take 84 4 speed shifters and use them as short throws alot but is there actually a difference in cables,
Swapping in a shorter shift lever won't make shifting easier. To the contrary, it will make it harder. Less leverage to the fulcrum point. Imagine trying to lift a concrete block with a 4 foot 2 x 4 with the block on the long side of the fulcrum point.
The Getrag is a "notchy" gearbox when compared to modern cars. Don't expect miracles even with all the new parts. It will still feel like an 80's Porsche gear change when done!
Good suggestion on the shifter rebuild kit. It’s on the way. I think the shifter itself is probably ok, want to grab whatever I can from Rodney while I can. His stuff is always an upgrade. Boy will he be missed when he’s gone!
As for the shorter shifter, I realized it was going to make shifting harder, which made me think about the lack of float between the gears. With shorter shifter that might be really hard to manage. The reason for the shorter shifter is to lower its profile because I’m installing a touch screen stereo and wanted easier access/visibility.
I have a very short shifter in my 86 and due to good cables, I like it. Feels tighter between gates. More precise. It's a much different feel than my 87 that has a lever from an 84. It's about midway between the stock Getrag and shorty shifter. The 87 has a much more loose feel but is easier to shift.
As for still driving like an old car - well, that’s the fun!
Is that center console skeleton one of the printed aftermarket ones I've seen on eBay? I bought one of those (have the whole thing in a box somewhere). I haven't used it. How is it working for you? Has it been pretty rigid?
Got mine from the Fiero store, so don’t know how it will compare with yours. Seems pretty solid, but I just put it in. Had to get it in before the stereo because the console skeleton was beyond repair. The nice thing about it is that it’s in sections so I can remove just the armrest section to install shifter cable.
There is many things that can contribute to inaccurate shifting feel on the Getrag (because this is the transmission we are referring to) The cable is a biggie. Old, stretched, and heat damaged cables can cause this. Old cables can develop play because of wear in the cable (ball and socket) at the transmission linkage. The shifter bushings can cause a sloppy feel, so is the selector cable bushings on the transmission. Both front and rear, Rodney has bushing rebuilt kit for this purpose. I have all this on my 88GT. His cables are the best available. No guess work involved. I can’t confirm, but I don’t know if TFS cables have heat shielding on them. This is a must upon installation.
Finally, the adjustment procedure must be followed. The select cable isn’t adjusted, only the shift cable.
The getrag shift cable adjustment can be found on here if you need that info.
