Rip shifter

[moylcgb]

I remember when we got our first Monaro that the forums were full of owners changing to a rip shifter. Is this still a mod that Monaro owners use?

Does anyone have a rip shifter fitted?

Any opinions either way for fitting one or not

[Lincsls1]

Rip shifter or not, the Monaro is never going to have a fast gear change, nor will the action be particularly great.
I find that if I don't rush the box, it changes pretty well.
If you have a CV8, change the actual stick for the shorter VXR one, but otherwise leave it at that IMO.

[mfp4073]

I found the original gear shift atrocious on my 6000 mile Monaro. I changed it to a street Ripshifter ( not the race version) and it was an improvement.
I then tried to get a shorter VXR gear lever in the uk but without success. I envtually got an equivalent short stick from Australia which needless to say cost a fortune. This again improved the shift action slightly.
I also fitted an LS7 clutch which transformed the gear selection, as my clutch was passed its best by that time.
Despite everything the gear change is still very slow to change even with a different gearbox oil. That's just how they are I'm afraid, you really can't rush them too much they are a very old design.

[vxr2010]

b and m in the us did one for half the price that works well , i’ve just googled them they are still for sale

[Lincsls1]

Yeah, I reckon with one of these modern trick boxes the my Monaro would hit 60 in 2 seconds!
Seriously though, the 'steady' nature of the standard box must cost at least 1/2 a second in the sprint to 60.

[vxr2010]

A 3.9 diff makes a big difference , the benefit of long gears you don’t change them as much , but a remap v a 3.9 diff , the diff mod is much more noticeable on an 04 cv8

[vxr2010]

adding to the above , the unrated shifters work very well and you don’t end up in reverse looking for your higher gears

[moylcgb]

Once again thanks for taking the time to reply. I have the VXR and just find the shift in to second gear a pain and you really have to force it home, after that it's not to bad. By the sound of your replies I'm guessing it's just something to get used to.

I found this one on Ebay at what seems a very reasonable price but not doubt after postage and duties could be close to £200.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-Speed-Manual-Short-Th...

[Lincsls1]

I don't have to force any of my gears, if I rush a change it can feel like the box resists a bit.
If you're really having to force it home, I would recommend that its time for the box to come off, so the clutch, slave and pilot bearing can all be inspected. It might be time to replace all 3 items, but certainly the slave and pilot. Its also worth changing the gearbox oil too.
AAS are your best bet, they can remove and refit a Monaro box in 4hrs, so not too expensive labour wise.

That being said, give the clutch fluid a good service first if you can. Certainly worth a try.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k7ChEcaCMY

Do you have any service history relating to the gearbox or clutch?

Be advised that ignoring gearbox issues like this can ultimately end up damaging the box internally which ups the costs significantly, after the car leaves you stranded when it refuses to engage any gear.

Edited by Lincsls1 on Sunday 13th September 09:38

[mfp4073]

As stated above, you should not have to force a first to second gear shift.
It may be a little notchy when cold but that's about it.
Before you do anything check the colour of the clutch fluid, it should be clear like brake fluid, if it's dark or black that will not help.
The fluid should be changed as soon as it starts to be contaminated (with dust from the clutch) When you get the chance have a speed bleeder fitted.

[entwistlecymru]

I have a B&M shifter on my Commodore and although I’ve never driven it with a standard shifter it isn’t terrible - it’s certainly nicer than my VX220. It just feels in keeping with the character of the car

[bonesxu1]

I had a B&M shifter, I have never tried a standard shifter but found the B&M hard to get it down the gears on a track day. It may have been due to the lockout not letting it go into gear. A pain when your doing a 120 at the end of the straight wanting to change down and having to scratch around the corner off the racing line looking for a gear while someone is up your chuff.

[maccavvy]

i have an 03 cv8 and it has a ripshfter. i actually cut an inch of the stick.. as i couldnt get hold of a vxr shifter.

i would 100% change the gearbox fluid and bleed through new clutch fluid.

if you still have an issue i would remove the box and inspect things. well known for the spigot/pilot bearing if these fail they cause gearbox issues which means it has to come apart, sooner the better or more parts maybe needed.

rock auto is the cheapest place for ls7 clutches

[andyluffs]

I just fitted one last week to my cv8 Monaro and the shift is way better than before. A much more definite ‘yep, it’s in the right gear’ feeling. Nice short movement.