FFR Shifter with TKX transmission drill or buy something that fits??

[Pete&Scott]

So with a running engine, I thought I would attempt to mount the FFR shifter, only to discover it has 5/16 holes and the Tremec has 3/8 mounting bolts. Ran through a couple of 3/8 drill bits using a drill press and cutting oil, and I still haven't managed to get through the first hole on the FFR provided shifter. The shifter is made of some seriously hardened steel. So get some more 3/8 drill bits or buy a different shifter that fits?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

FWIW or not. Had a similar issue with my TKO-600 & a non FFR shifter. Burned up a nice drill bit. Just used grade 8 nuts & bolts in the smaller size.

[mrglaeser]

For what it is worth I drilled mine. I think I did it in stages with a couple size bits. I remember it took a lot of drill oil and time.

[i.e.427]

We sell a forward canted shifter handle that solves 2 of the problems found when using the supplied F5R shifter handle.

-First is, it's drilled for the 3/8" hardware that the TKX, TKO and T56 require. We supply bushings for when it's used with a T5.
-Second is, it project straight up and then forward. This way, it doesn't put the rubber shifter boot in a bind that constantly wants to pop the transmission out of gear when in 3rd and 5th gear.
-We supply the hardware to install it and it will work with the F5R supplied shifter knob for a period look.

We have pictures on our fb page here with price: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.809196577881855&type=3

You can also see it in this video at the 4 minute mark.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f07Kyk7TZiw&list=PLDlFwXKm54ocTfAY0kLnGZAtlIL_i4FJ6&index=16&t=32s

[PMD24]

Purchase this reamer from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D89NWC1Z?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_1&th=1

I have one in 5/8 and 1/2 as well and have used them multiple times on this build. No binding whatsoever, and a perfectly clean entry to the hole. Easily reamed out the knuckles, the differential, the shifter, and more. Worth every penny.

[gbranham]

I had the same experience, then found this shifter in my kit. No idea why it came with my kit, but I like it, and it fit with no drillimg.

Greg

226688

[BrewCityCobra]

I had the same experience, then found this shifter in my kit. No idea why it came with my kit, but I like it, and it fit with no drillimg.

Greg

226688

What an interesting item to have randomly included in your kit.

[BrewCityCobra]

For what it is worth I drilled mine. I think I did it in stages with a couple size bits. I remember it took a lot of drill oil and time.

X2 for drilling mine out as well.

I later decided to replace my shift stick with an aftermarket unit but the drilling did the trick for the time being (it was hell on my bits though).

[OB6]

What an interesting item to have randomly included in your kit.

No kidding. Too bad they didn't accidently include an engine. :)

[Blitzboy54]

I had the same experience, then found this shifter in my kit. No idea why it came with my kit, but I like it, and it fit with no drillimg.

Greg

226688

Because you originally ordered a Coyote.

[Pete&Scott]

Thanks. Ordered a reamer. Will give that a try and see how we like the standard FFR shifter before we look at aftermarket shifters.


Purchase this reamer from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D89NWC1Z?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_1&th=1

I have one in 5/8 and 1/2 as well and have used them multiple times on this build. No binding whatsoever, and a perfectly clean entry to the hole. Easily reamed out the knuckles, the differential, the shifter, and more. Worth every penny.

[Andrew Davis]

Took mine to a local one man machine shop with simple dimensions. It came out great, it's vertical and i helped a local machinist. And I believe it was cheaper than the cobalt drill bit and tap required.

[gbranham]

Because you originally ordered a Coyote.

Ah, brilliant! Thanks, Jesse. I guess I didn't make the connection.

Greg

[Pete&Scott]

Well, the reamer did do any better than my drill bits, so I gave up for now and just put 5/16 bolts through the 3/8 holes and tightened them down. Probably not a long-term solution, but they are tight and will work for now. With all the Tremec transmissions that folks put in FFR vehicles, I wonder why FFR gives us a shifter with 5/16 holes when the Tremec has 3/8 bolts.:rolleyes:


Thanks. Ordered a reamer. Will give that a try and see how we like the standard FFR shifter before we look at aftermarket shifters.

[PMD24]

Sorry to hear that. It worked fine for me. Hopefully you will find additional uses for the reamer. I've found them to be very handy.

Pat

[i.e.427]

I wonder why FFR gives us a shifter with 5/16 holes when the Tremec has 3/8 bolts.:rolleyes:

Because the original Factory Five Roadster Mk1 was based on using all of the usable parts from a 1987-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0. Hence the "5" in Factory 5 Racing. The Mustang used a Borg Warner T5 and the holes are drilled for the 8mm bolts required to secure it to the shifter. Those are 8mm bolts that came in the little plastic bag with your shifter handle from F5R.

Frank

[Blitzboy54]

Hey, I'm not sure this helps but I am right in the middle of a truck build and used the FFR shifter as a placeholder. I also have a TKX so after reading this today I wasn't sure I even wanted to try. I put the shifter in a vise with soft jaws and used my hand drill on low speed and a titanium bit. It drilled right through it without a lot of fuss using a 3/8 bit. Im wondering if you need a different bit?


226886

[Tooth]

I have two of the skinny regular shifters (sent two for some reason), and one of the coyote ones if anybody needs one. Used something different.

[Pete&Scott]

I tried again yesterday and managed to get the holes to 3/8 in. I stepped up to 3/8s using a couple of different drill bits, running my cordless drill at very slow speeds. I think the drill press was the issue as I could not adjust it to a slow enough speed to keep the drill bit /reamer from getting too hot trying to drill that hardened steel.

[Pete&Scott]

That is what I figured. I guess they have a huge supply of those!!!. I wish they would upgrade parts and manuals to match the updated MK5 model. It would substantially improve the customer experience!!! I have made this recommendation to FFR management, but they state they have too many other projects to work on to deal with new parts and new manuals. I fear they will lose their old guy roadster base that enjoys tinkering with stuff, but maybe they know that, which is why they are concentrating on the truck market.


Because the original Factory Five Roadster Mk1 was based on using all of the usable parts from a 1987-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0. Hence the "5" in Factory 5 Racing. The Mustang used a Borg Warner T5 and the holes are drilled for the 8mm bolts required to secure it to the shifter. Those are 8mm bolts that came in the little plastic bag with your shifter handle from F5R.

Frank