Does anybody else know this? I was comparing my 84QV shift knob height (9 1/2") to my friends 79 GTS (6 1/2") My friend said his knob has been like that since he bought the car brand new and I know mine is also stock. I wonder if they made the height adjustment from carb to FI. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
My 1976 fiberglass GTB shifter is the shorter version with a slight dogleg at the gate: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Mike, here's Bullfighter Jon's shifter. It looks like the 328s got the longer one: Image Unavailable, Please Login
My wife graciously adds an inch for me too -- but shouldn't that be 8 1/2"? The part numbers in the SPCs do show that the change occurred between the carbed 308 and the 308-2Vi, and that the 308-2Vi, 308QV, and 328 all use the same shift lever (although I'd be very surprised if you couldn't use the 308 carbed part in the later models if you wanted to).
There is about 3/4 or a full inch of thread on the rod. The lock nut at the bottom of the knob can adjust both the orientation of the numerals, and in essence, the height of the knob. A 47mm diameter knob (shown) will obviously sit taller than an stock plastic (43mm?) knob.
'80 GTB, 6 3/4 from shift gate to the top of the knob. This is the way this one came to me. I always thought it was short compared to many of the other ones I have seen. I prefer this to a longer shifter. Image Unavailable, Please Login
If you REALLY want to go to a 'short shifter', you can drop in one from a GT4! You see it here used in a QV. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Any advantage to the shorter shifters? I've found my stock one drops nicely to the hand, and it's not like the box is a speed-shifter's dream.
Steve, I didn't know the changed the length between the carbs and FI. And yes I don't see why we couldn't use the earlier shifter should be the same. I have set my lock nut to its lowest position and even with the stock plastic knob it's still seems high. Mike, I like the way yours look, that's more like the height I'm looking for. I might have to do the same thing if I can get one from a GT4. Thanks.
Actually I think the advantage is to the longer ones. This thread sparked a memory from a Ferrari DVD I have in which the driver progresses through the model years and he makes a comment that they raised the shifter (328) to shorten hand movement from steering wheel to shifter. Or at least I think that is what he is saying, his (wonderful) Italian accent was very thick. And no, this DVD didn't have subtitles. Rick
Actually, I didn't like it, so I went back to stock and sold the GT4 shifter assembly some years ago. Shorter gives a faster throw, but not nearly as much leverage. That's likely one of the reasons Ferrari changed it.
I thought you'd like to see the short GT4 and stock shift rod (though this photo has a larger shift knob) side by side.... And yes, it DOES make quite a difference in the speed of the 'reach' in getting from the steering wheel to the shifter. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Second thought, I think I'll just keep mine stock it's actually easier to shift due to the extra leverage
my euro '83 QV's shift is about 9 1/4". A shorter shift would equal shorter throws, that would be nice, but the distance from the wheel would increase. Trade off IMO but this video, could add an inch or so LOL Still love this vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED732L3ggWM
