Blau short shift kit in 4KCSQ (aka what a pain in the ass!)

[J. Lyons]

Hello all,

Just yesterday I was able to put the BLAU short shift kit in my 86
4KCSQ. My brother ordered it for his CGT but it does not fit it
apparently, so he gave it to me. Looks easy enough to install, the
shifter came out with minimum effort. Installed the new delrin spacer
that makes up this kit on the shifter lever without incident.

Now came the fun part, reseating the ball into the socket in the center
console. The Blau instructions state you may need to do this at an angle
& use force to pop it back in. I took a piece of  2x2 wood a had around
(as I did not want to damage the new insert) and attempted to hammer the
top of the shifter ball (which was angled by the way) to pop the ball
halves back into place, not happening. Tried to lever it back into
place, again not happening. About 1 1/2 hours into this estimated 20
minute job, I was quite irritated.

Finally had the bright idea to pry the ball socket halfway out. Once I
did this I was able to get the ball back in place. I then took a socket
extension and wrapped the end in duct tape for some padding, and gently
hammered the socket back down into position. SUCCESS AT LAST!!!

I am not sure if there is a factory tool to press the shifter ball into
position, but it would be helpful.

In the end I will say that the kit does work as advertised, approx 1.5
to 2 inch shorter shift. I only wish it would fit my CGT turbo, as it
would benefit the driving experience more in that car!

Regards,
J. Lyons
84 CGT turbo
86 4KCSQ
79 5KS