Forgot how much I hate the shifter location

jcorlew24

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Purchased a 2003 Cobra Tuesday, and did a little driving in it yesterday. I forgot how much I hated the location of the shifter. I owned a 2003 back in 04 and remember thinking the same thing when I had that car. I am a shorter guy at around 5'9" and shifting into third gear requires leaning a lot to the right. Why did they have to put the shifter so far forward in the car? Is there anything that helps? I love everything else about the car, just hate the way the shifter feels. I am sure this issue has been covered before, but I couldn't find anything doing a search.
 
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SVTmystic290

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I am only 5'10 and I have no problem shifting, though I have heard this complaint many times. Maybe its just personal preference. If your car has a short throw shifter maybe going back to a regular shifter would help?
 

03cobra#694

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There's a thread somewhere in here that tells how to make a bracket that moves the shifter lever itself back. I did it and really helps to keep you from smashing your knuckles into the dash and bringing the shifter closer to you. Let me see if I can find it.
 
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IA Shelby

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My wife also drives the terminator and she is 5'1".

We have the MGw orange handle and have it fully adjusted up and back towards the driver.

I called George from MGW and he also recommended a "tall gripper knob" from MGw. It is not listed on their website. Call them directly for the part.

We installed it and it helped tremendously. I am interested in that shift lever that Gabe linked to a well.
 

05satinGT

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This is the solution! I have a pro 5.0, I've had a tri ax and an mgw and the pro 5.0 is the best IMHO. I made this:

1581D519-E86E-4357-9EC2-7DF532FEF89C-15641-00000DA5E54D156C_zpsdd202e2e.jpg


6D1725C1-E9E6-4D83-A661-1B76E67271AC-15641-00000DA5A96A36B5_zpse8af61a2.jpg


Neutral

057F32F0-990C-4F85-977F-722D94BDEE1F-15641-00000DA5CB189978_zpsb69da567.jpg


4th gear

132084A4-5CE9-4F50-91EE-42C82C38B1E8-15641-00000DA5BC379C80_zpse8e4efef.jpg


Cost me $10 at Home Depot and some of my time. Works like a charm and lets you have the benefit of the pro 5.0, there is a write up on it but I'm on my phone and it's pretty self explanatory.
 

jrgoffin

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Purchased a 2003 Cobra Tuesday, and did a little driving in it yesterday. I forgot how much I hated the location of the shifter. I owned a 2003 back in 04 and remember thinking the same thing when I had that car. I am a shorter guy at around 5'9" and shifting into third gear requires leaning a lot to the right. Why did they have to put the shifter so far forward in the car? Is there anything that helps? I love everything else about the car, just hate the way the shifter feels. I am sure this issue has been covered before, but I couldn't find anything doing a search.

You should be able to bolt the stock stick on to the Pro-5.0 base since the bolt spacing is the same (I think), then you won't have that ridiculous reach. Did that with my Hurst - with the stock stick, the throws are short and crisp. Hated the MGW - way too short as well. The B&M Pro Ripper is another option if you can find them - throw as short as it gets, plus the stick leans back already.
 

earico

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03cobra#694

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Guys,

I just went in that thread and added more templates for an even more aggressive handle angle. Just letting you know. :beer:

Aric

Nice Aric, I actually tweaked mine to get it back a bit from your original template.
 

jcorlew24

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Guys,

I just went in that thread and added more templates for an even more aggressive handle angle. Just letting you know. :beer:

Aric


Just printed my template. Will be stopping by the Depot on the way home to get some supplies. Should have it whipped up in no time. :thumbsup:
 

mysticsvt

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In the same boat with my 04 Cobra. After driving my 11GT it is very noticeable how uncomfortable the positioning is in the Cobra.

Move the seat forward...that's funny...so my knees are in the dashboard...dumb.
 

Riddick

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Another Pro 5.0 here. I followed the thread referenced above and had those brackets made. The difference is huge, I highly recommend having these made. I purchased the material at a local machine shop and had them made locally.
 

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