B&M Hammer Shifter Install into a 2001 GT
05-19-2009, 01:37 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Delaware
Posts: 27
B&M Hammer Shifter Install into a 2001 GT
Just finished the install of a B&M Hammer Shifter into my 2001 Automatic GT. B&M lists this as working from 1994 from 2000 but with some fabrication it will work in a 2001-2004.
I bought this shifter used on ebay without instructions so I began by removing the trim bezel around the shifter and disconnecting the console so I could slide it back out of the way. After that the stock shifter came out and the modifications to the hammer shifter began.
First of all, the ball attached to the shifter to hook up the shifter cable was of a different style so I had to find an alternative which ended up being a ball for throttle linkage off a Holly 500 CFM 2 barrel carb. This was ground down to fit into the hole on the shifter arm and MIG welded in. The ball was the perfect size and works great. Not sure if this would be necessary for everyone or if B&M supplys different ***** with a new product.
The other modification required was to the bracket where the shifter cable links to the transmission. The cable was slightly too short so I slotted the bolt holes on the bracket using a milling machine so the bracket could move forward enough for the cable to bolt up. This could also be done with a die grinder or drill press if you didnt have access to a mill.
The shifter bolted in easily with a great fit. The overdrive and lighting was especially easy since it plugged right into the stock harness.
The only problem I have had since is getting the shifter to force the cable far enough forward to activate the switch so it can start it park, but it starts in neutral and its my daily driver so it'll work for now. I did adjust it in park so that it would activate the switch but I had some issues with it trying to jump out of drive and backing up while in neutral so I went along with adjusting it in drive. I'm going to try to adjust the angle of the switch or play with the cable so it will start in park. Any advice would help too.
If anyone has any questions on this install let me know, it took me around six hours to complete due to the modifications and adjustments but just for appearance its a huge improvement and shifting is really fun.
I bought this shifter used on ebay without instructions so I began by removing the trim bezel around the shifter and disconnecting the console so I could slide it back out of the way. After that the stock shifter came out and the modifications to the hammer shifter began.
First of all, the ball attached to the shifter to hook up the shifter cable was of a different style so I had to find an alternative which ended up being a ball for throttle linkage off a Holly 500 CFM 2 barrel carb. This was ground down to fit into the hole on the shifter arm and MIG welded in. The ball was the perfect size and works great. Not sure if this would be necessary for everyone or if B&M supplys different ***** with a new product.
The other modification required was to the bracket where the shifter cable links to the transmission. The cable was slightly too short so I slotted the bolt holes on the bracket using a milling machine so the bracket could move forward enough for the cable to bolt up. This could also be done with a die grinder or drill press if you didnt have access to a mill.
The shifter bolted in easily with a great fit. The overdrive and lighting was especially easy since it plugged right into the stock harness.
The only problem I have had since is getting the shifter to force the cable far enough forward to activate the switch so it can start it park, but it starts in neutral and its my daily driver so it'll work for now. I did adjust it in park so that it would activate the switch but I had some issues with it trying to jump out of drive and backing up while in neutral so I went along with adjusting it in drive. I'm going to try to adjust the angle of the switch or play with the cable so it will start in park. Any advice would help too.
If anyone has any questions on this install let me know, it took me around six hours to complete due to the modifications and adjustments but just for appearance its a huge improvement and shifting is really fun.
05-22-2009, 06:48 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Delaware
Posts: 27
Yeah, it came with an overdrive button and it plugged right in, easiest part of the installation. I forgot one other modification was I could not figure out a way to get the factory locking mechanism (the one that locks the shifter if you do not have your foot on the brake) to hook up to the shifter I have since I had no instructions but since I didnt care about this function I just moved it somewhere where it won't get in the way. Will have a picture soon, it looks great especially after switching the handle to a vintage B&M aluminum t handle from the giant five pound chrome one that comes with it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Luke9222
4.6L General Discussion
19
10-22-2015 11:55 PM
