February 2014
I've always wanted a Pro Billet shifter. I never could land on a decent offer on a good used one so I finally broke down and bought one new from JHP. I changed the fluid back to the appropriate GM fluid and I also installed a RevShift poly insert into the tranmission mount. I had done the WindoWeld modification to my tranmission mount, but it still seemed a little soft.
Here is the new transmission mount with the RevShift insert in place.
The Pro Billet shifter is definitely a massive and well built unit.
I installed it with the handle at the lowest setting for the shortest shifts. If I don't care for it, I'll move the handle up to the higher setting.
I haven't actually gotten to drive the car with the new shifter yet but this shifter typically gets rave reviews so I'm confident I'll be pleased with the results.
I also decided to replace the G-Force toe rods with Spohn toe rods. The G-Force toe rods are excellent items, I just wanted the easier adjustment ability of the Spohns. The Spohns are just as beefy so I will not have lost any level of performance by switching.
August 2014
I did a few modest modifications recently. One that came from the Corvette crowd is to put a sealing washer on the shifter detent bolt on the transmission. This lessens the force placed by the detent mechanism so the shifts aren't as stiff and notchy. With the install of the Pro Billet shifter the shifts have gotten quite stiff, especially at the lower handle setting. I put the handle back up to the stock position and the shifts are easier now. I used two fiber washers on the detent bolt, thus pulling the detent mechanism out about .175".
While doing this work I also noticed that the stock original shifter knob is just beginning to show some wear so I decided to retire the knob and install an aftermarket knob. After searching many kinds of aftermarket knobs priced from a few dollars to well over $150 dollars I actually was able to find one that cost only $20 and looks great in the GTO interior. It is a Pilot PM-2260S universal fit knob. It is brushed aluminum which compliments the GTO interior, is very simple in design and was easy to install. Also, being solid metal, it also adds some weight to the shifter which is a nice side effect. The knob is also very comfortable and feels great in the palm of the hand.
September 2014
I had the shift pattern etched onto the new knob at a trophies/awards store. Turned out pretty well, didn't cost much to have done.
Very small mod, I added some LUXE floor mats by Lloyd Mats. The fronts have a GTO logo and looke very sharp. The mats are very thick and lush and cover every inch of the floor pan, they fit exceptionally well.
December 2014
I installed a set of StopTech braided stainless steel brake lines.
