Instructions for creating a Quick Shifter for a Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185

First disassemble the shifter mechanism until you have just the shift lever (remember to remove the bushings and rubber ring). Next cut shift lever at the point shown in the diagram and add a 1/2 inch length (try and keep it as straight as possible). This step will decrease the length of the throw of the shifter. Next remove (how much is up to you, I took out 3/4 of an inch) a section from above the ball, as in Example 1, but care will have to be taken to get the stick back to the correct angle. For example 2, simply heat the shift lever and using two vise grips, break off the top black piece (this will make the stick very short). Or for Example 3, after removing the top black piece, add back the desired length.

Note: It is important to check the clearance between the flooring and the shift control cable after doing this modification. If you need more clearance, just use spacers to raise the whole assembly.

Why Does Adding Length Below The Ball Decrease The Throw?

In the diagram the red stick represents the shift lever, the point on the stick represents the ball in the middle of the lever, the two points below represent the distance the stick must be pushed or pulled to engage the gear, and the thin lines represent the angle of the stick after engaging the corresponding gear. As you can see the higher up the ball is the less distance the stick must travel. Don't add too much length, because then the bottom of the stick will hit the flooring. A good way to test this is to take a large new cable tie, place it on a piece of paper, and mark the two spots that you want to represent your points where the gear engages. Next place a pin in the cable tie, and rotate it until it reaches one point, then rotate it the opposite way, and make notes of how far the top of the cable tie had to travel, now carry the pin higher and repeat the test.