Hi everyone,
I like to post when I've have the chance to try something new, and this seemed like a topic that comes up fairly often and could be of some use to someone.
I sometimes like to just cruise the topics and get what I can - and I think everyone would agree that tactransman has a wealth of info that he by no means needs to share but does.
I've had my eye out on shift linkage, specifically for the 904 Torqueflite that backs the 318 in the Cuda.
Like many, she has the typical hop up items, including an Eddy intake and Holley carb.
That coupled with the fact that the linkage had already been "hacked" by previous "mechanics", the trans was shifting, but not properly.
I opted to look into an aftermarket shift cable, fitting the other modified equipment seemed to be the best fit in this case.
I then had to choose - Lokar or BPE
The Lokar had a cheaper cost and was made in America
The BPE cost more and the cable came in with a made in Mexico sticker
The BPE came in with such a recommendation, and I believe the Lokar still required some cutting to fit the specific app, I went BPE.
I bought 4 items:
#3350 - cable kit
#3395 - mounting plate
#3349 - accelerator stud & nut
#207 - Holley carb bracket
#1 - the cable kit came with everything you would need to install if you wanted to use original parts as much as possible.
#2 - the mounting plate gave and additional adjustment point, but after getting it, I question if I would have bought it again. What I mean is it mounts on the corner of the carb, and can be adjusted front to back A LOT, but for many regular 4 barrel carb apps probably is not needed. It is a very nice, thick gauge, laser cut, zinc plated piece, but if you were looking to cut costs, at around $30 you could have cut here. Other "exotic" carb or intake combos may require this.
#3 - The accelerator stud could be cut and re-used if you had one, But I went with it for ease of install.
#4 - This was an error on my part. Read their site all the way and they say if you have not modified your Holley carb you do NOT need it - I didn't need it.
The package arrived a couple of days after ordering, and they were very friendly.
Not being very auto trans savvy, I read the instructions a couple of time through, and even went out and looked the car over with the instructions in hand just to make sure I understood the ops.
The instructions said the install would take about and hour and a half depending on skill.
They cover such a range of carbs and apps sometimes I would get a little turned around on the instructions, but after a little while got it all figured out.
Not wanting to rush such an install, I opted to take my time and spend a couple of evenings after work getting it done.
I started by removing all the old linkage and brackets first, then started on the bottom ( trans ) and worked my way up.
The instructions stated that only A bods would need a little help fitting, but even in this app was a tight fit.
But it did all fit, and the new cable was long enough to go in a route nicely where ever needed.
Like any other trans/under car work would have been great to do on a lift, but got the job done with it up on jack stands.
After all installed, ( took me more like 6 hours, but not all straight and if your understanding is better than mine you would be quicker - I wasn't trying to "race" it in ) I was eager to test drive.
After 2 quick and very easy adjustments, I had the trans shifting great, both up and down depending on the case.
There was no cutting and with buying their offered mounting plates no modding original parts.
I could easily change back to the original stuff if I wanted, and the only effect of the new cable that even lets you know it's there is the slight additional gas pedal effort needed as you "stomp" the gas.
All said and done the cable works great - installed nicely - and the people were friendly.
If I had to do it again I would buy from them all over again
