What's so hard about driving a Ford GT (rant)

[ENZO BTR]

Give me short shifter or give me death. Had it installed a year after getting the car (that would be August 2006) and can hardly take the factory shifter when I drive other cars. A GT team member told me the short shifter was the original spec, but concerns about shifter leverage/force had the final spec changed by non-GT engineer at Ford. The original spec became the Ford Racing short shifter.

Not surprisingly, the GT team engineers got it right the first time.

 

[twobjshelbys]

I had one in my Mustang. Didn't even want to drive the GT knowing the short-throw was available. Don't know why the cars (both Mustang and GT) didn't come that way originally but I guess they have to leave a few bones for the parts guys.

 

[SMOKDU]

Anyone have a short throw shifter ?

 

[jbyrnes]

I'm guessing the NVH / noise guys won over the team / track guys. This is a Grand Touring car first, track car second after all. I've got the short throw in our 05' and the factory shift in our 06', and was noticing how much noise and vibration gets put through the short shift that is virtually non-existent in the factory shift with all the soft bushings. That being said, no question the short shifter is the way to go. Nobody I know owns these cause they like to be coddled.

 

[BlackICE]

The short shifter came with both types of bushing, user's choice.

I installed the solid bushings, with the tire noise from the Hoosiers and the exhaust noise I never noticed any sounds from the shifter.

 

[Specracer]

Forum member zrchris had a batch of shifters. This is his site, no idea if they are still available.

http://core-shifters.com/collections/ford-gt

A relevant thread

http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php/23933-short-throw-shifter

Anyone have a short throw shifter ?

 

[GKW05GT]

I have one from Core shifters with knob and sleeve. Purchased one last year but decided not to change still new. I would sell for what I paid which is listed on website if not available anymore

 

[NorthwoodGT]

Anyone have a short throw shifter ?

I have a couple if you need one. thanks

 

[Howard]

I made a short, short shifter using one of zrchris's Ford GT shift knobs, which are drilled significantly deeper than the stock knob. I screwed the new knob all the way down, so far that the shifter sleeve I bought was too long. So I cut the sleeve but I didn't like the look since it exposed the top of the shifter below the knob. I installed a compression spring under the sleeve that pushed it up against the bottom of the knob, and still allowed me access to the knob's capture nut by pressing down against the spring.

Howard

 

[usmcfred]

Happened to me the first time that I drove the car.
It's not as intuitive as other manuals.
And, I own a Pantera from 1971.
Try out that box!
Mark

The 5 speed ZF in the Pantera can be difficult ... especially second gear, however it also has a gated shifter so it's virtually impossible to not select the desired gear.

I too pulled out of the dealer's lot in 3rd gear when I took delivery in '06. Felt like a complete dummy. Haven't done it again since.

I also installed the FRP Short Throw Shifter a few months after taking delivery and agree it's the best mod for the money and the gift that keeps on giving. I saved the OEM shifter for originality but can't imagine ever reinstalling it.

usmcfred

 

[ultrasportracing]

Have never experienced the left hand drive version, Only have a short throw shifter and sit on the correct side of the car, maybe that makes it work well, have never had any probs shifting.

 

[Tomcat]

The 5 speed ZF in the Pantera can be difficult ... especially second gear, however it also has a gated shifter so it's virtually impossible to not select the desired gear.

usmcfred

I added a shift linkage trunion to my Pantera about 30 years ago and adjusted the linkage at the same time. Haven't touched it since.

 

[NorthwoodGT]

Have never experienced the left hand drive version, Only have a short throw shifter and sit on the correct side of the car, maybe that makes it work well, have never had any probs shifting.

I don't think I could ever get my head and shifter hand coordinated on a RH drive car.

 

[Sinovac]

I don't think I could ever get my head and shifter hand coordinated on a RH drive car.

Easier and more intuitive than you think.

 

[Specracer]

Break your right wrist, you learn left handed shifting very quickly.

 

[Blue Moose]

Break your right wrist, you learn left handed shifting very quickly.

Ha! Funny you say that. That is exactly what happened to me too. Broke my right leg when I was MUCH younger and nothing was going to stop me from driving my Boss 302. I learned really fast how to move my hips to maneuver my heavy, full leg plaster cast to press on the gas and use my left foot for the clutch/brake. To this day I am a left foot braker in anything with an automatic trans and that turned out to be great on the track. Hey, how convenient now for our NGT!:thumbsup

 

[thegtguy]

RH drive GT

When we had a RH drive GT from Australia here at our shop for some work a few years ago. Took some time getting used to driving it. Shift pattern was the same just with the other hand.

 

[Specracer]

When I drove in Australia, my biggest fear was un founded (before I got there).... I was worried the pedals were going to be mirrored. Luckily that was not the case.

 

[Howard]

The workmanship on that Aussie GT is astounding.

Howard

 

[06fordgt]

they should have done like the old GT40s in Lemans - Right Hand Drive Right Hand Shift. That is the best set up.