Cadillac Owners Forum banner
8K views 37 replies 14 participants last post by  c5racr1 
#1 ·
I know we have a couple of shifter threads going now, but I wanted to start a new thread specific to my shifter installation and the fun that was had last night.

First, as others have said, I would like to meet the genius that designed this set up. Can you say PITA? Definitely not like the BMWs and Audis I've done in the past. Well, let's start by saying that I used wheel ramps and jack stands, and it took longer than two hours - probably closer to 4 hours including breaks and cleanup. In retrospect I probably should have used four jack stands. I will also say that I am no SAE certified mechanic, just some guy with instructions, some common sense and basic hand tools - enough stuff to be dangerous.

I decided to start with the inside stuff. Removing the boot, foam insulation, and the nuts & bolts inside the car was pretty straightforward, but did they have to use locktite on the two bolts that are hardest to reach? Looking at my stock shifter, it already had rust on it??? One tidbit that might help marginally if you must use wheel ramps, don't remove these bolts before you lower the drive shaft, as the shifter mechanism really gets in the way of that top bolt. If you can't turn your rear wheels, like me, then it does get in the way.

Next crawling under the car, after a break of course - American Chopper, I Robot bike was on. Ok, back to work, having just installed my exhaust a couple of weeks ago, removal was pretty simple, but heavy.

I did not remove the entire driveshaft just lowered and moved it out of the way. I did rest it rather close to the bottom of the car on a jackstand, being mindful of the 8 degree rule. Like I said, the top bolt on the drive shaft was the most difficult just because I had a tough time getting a wrench on the nut and bolt.

Removal of the transimission mount and lowering the transmission was next. I had a tough time figuring out how low I could/should go with the transmission. I used a floor jack and put some foam between the strut bar and the engine cover. I lowered the floor jack and watched the engine at the same time. It took a few trys to get it lowered enough, and even then I think I had some room.

Now on to the shifter removal. The clip on right fork of the shifter is easy, relatively speaking. For me the one on the left was trouble. As Martin said, I decided to remove the solenoid for additional access - I didn't think my hands were that big. The one in the middle was easy once I could actually see it. I ended having to lower the transmission even more to actually get the entire shifter assembly out - more trial and error.

Installing the Katech into the shifter assembly was not too bad. I used plenty of Mobil 1 grease when I put it back together to aid in a smooth operation. I did manage to tear the rubber boot that goes around the bottom of the shifter slightly getting it over the bottom of the Katech - not a big issue, I hope. I installed the urethane bushings that I got from Martin - Thanks Martin. That took a bit just to get the metal around the urethane, but it was accomplished.

I won't bore you with the installation, as this has already dragged on, and it basically just the reverse.

In summary the shifter feels great in the car - nice short, crisp shifts. I do have one concern and that is the amount of noise associated with it. I suppose it is normal, but I don't really know for sure. Anyone who has the Katech or other short shifters please chime in. But all in all, I would say it is definitely worth it. One word of caution, if you don't like to work on cars - get dirty and what not, or in general, you're just not sure, then take it to a shop with a lift, and pay someone $100 to do it for you.

Good luck and please feel free to make any comments - positive or negative. Also, I would appreciate any feedback on the noise issue.

Rich
 
See less See more
#27 ·
chiro444 said:
Florian and Flyboy,

Just wanted to know what the noise sounds like that's transmitted into the cabin on shifts. Is it cool sounding like the movie "Fast and Furious" or is it more annoying and intrusive?
Honestly, it can only be heard with car closed up and radio off. It is barely perceptable. With either the sunroof open, windows down, or radio on, you have to really listen for the noise. It kind of sounds like a scrapping or rubbing sound - as if you can hear the gears rubbing together being transmitted through the stalk.
 
#28 ·
If you don't apply pressure (after the shift is complete) to the shifter knob, you don't here anything unusual. I've gotten used to it now. As far as exhaust noise goes......it definitely turns heads at almost at RPM or speed. If I want to listen to the XM Radio or talk with someone riding with me, I avoid the 1800 to 2100 RPM range. Even while freeway driving, am almost never in 6th. Fifth works just fine and the interior noise level is acceptable. My neighbor has an almost new 'vette and when my "V" was outside idling yesterday, he came by and said that sounds really "bad".....and it is!!! It even has that "lope" that shakes the car at idle.....way cool......love the cam Katech installed.:devil:
 
#33 ·
well it's my car but in order for me to get a 06' ZO6 when they are avalable, she has to take this one. under normal circumstances it would be great, because it means she would stay out of the V, BUT I have to look at the big picture. For now I'll be quiet, but when she leaves i'll be talking again! and be talking very loud with a ZO6!!!

BTW it's not that loud, and not hard to install.
 
#37 ·
I ordered a Katech shifter several days ago and I am getting nervous with all the talk about the noises some of you guys are hearing. Is the noise on the same level of annoyance as the whistle sound from More cold air intake or worse? Please give your detailed opinions, I haven't received my shifter yet and can probably send it back before opening it.

-Sean
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top