Shortening gearchange cables

[pantera2075]

Has anyone ever done this - and can give any pointers? I reckon I need to lose about 8" in length (careful!) - currently the excess loops of cable sits neatly under my armpit while i'm driving

[superwhite]

Can't you move the engine back 8" ?

[pantera2075]

Erm, no, that's where the back lights go.

[superwhite]

Obviously you need to move the back lights to the front then?

[PW@Woodsport]

The outer cable can be easily shortened at one end but it is the inner that will give you trouble, it has a solid bar at each end and changes to cable as soon as it enters the outer sheath.... i am not sure how you are going to redo those solid ends... tricky one.

Might be easier to just have custom length cables made up.

[Paul in the Port]

Erm, no, that's where the back lights go.

Lengthen the car by 8" then silly!!

[kaiowas]

Are there any cables from a FWD Toyota which are usable and a bit shorter?

[PW@Woodsport]

Good shout, corolla cables or starlet cables might be perfect.

[pantera2075]

Yes, good idea - looks like a trip to the scrappy on saturday

[Jim-SR]

worth a look, but i wouldnt be surprised if FWD cables are actually longer lol. the MR2 cables have a very direct route to the gearbox, but its still worth looking into.

[OlberJ]

Nah Jim, think about it, Mr2 cables got half the length of the fuel tank then sweep out to the left.

Yer FWD ones the selector mechanism is at the front of the tunnel, straight out and to the left.

Gotta be shorter i'd reckon.

[pantera2075]

Not necessarily - the g/change isn't at the front of the tunnel - it's about a leg's length back from the bulkhead - then the cables have got to go up and over the box to the front. They're probly about the same length - i'll report back when I get the chance to look.

[Jim-SR]

Nah Jim, think about it, Mr2 cables got half the length of the fuel tank then sweep out to the left.

Yer FWD ones the selector mechanism is at the front of the tunnel, straight out and to the left.

Gotta be shorter i'd reckon.

maybe. the MR2 cables barely have to turn though, the gearbox is right there once they go through the bulkhead, and at the same height. on the FWD applications they have to go upwards, past a subframe and a steering rack, over some plumbing and then upto the top of the gearbox. the 2 feet of difference in cabin distance is most likely offset by the less direct routing.

worth investigation. im hoping FWD are longer though lol, i want some much longer cables for something.

[OlberJ]

Mk3 cables are definitely longer. Would need the ends sorting out though.