MK1 Golf - 16V KR Gear Linkage clearance issue?

[dubmc]

Have a standard 5 speed gearbox with KR 16v....hooked up the linkages tonight to find 2nd - 5th gear hits on exhaust down pipes...has anybody run into this issue? if so what was the solution? Immediate thought was short shift kit but still not sure if this will help?

[Peter Jones]

Which bit of the linkage?

Are all of your bushes OK? no slop in anything?

What sort of down pipe?

If you grab me a couple of photos I might be able to figure it out, I've done a heap of messing about with those linkages.

Is this the first time there's been a 5 speed in the car?

Are the ball socket rods 5 or 4 speed? White sockets or black sockets?

[dubmc]

Which bit of the linkage?

Are all of your bushes OK? no slop in anything?

What sort of down pipe?

If you grab me a couple of photos I might be able to figure it out, I've done a heap of messing about with those linkages.

Is this the first time there's been a 5 speed in the car?

Are the ball socket rods 5 or 4 speed? White sockets or black sockets?

always had the 5 speed in the car, but with 1.8 8v. have now converted to KR 16v for first time. linkage bush kit has been completely replaced so minimal slop. it is an ABF exhaust manifold with custom stainless twin down pipes...the long selector arm is hitting on the actual manifold studs when trying to select 2nd, 4th & 5th gear.

will take a couple pics tomorrow so it is more clear, however hopefully this paints a bit of a picture!

thanks pete

[Peter Jones]

You can change the length of that long arm, I've got a few with multiple holes drilled in the arm.

You could probably shorten the rod that connects to it too and bring the arm across a bit.

Can you grind the manifold studs down a bit?

[roccodingo]

Michael, KR / ABF exhaust manifold outlet sits behind cylinders 3&4 if its the same as my corrado one, you can use this kit if need be..

Mk1 Stainless Steel Dual Downpipe with Mk2/Mk3 exhaust manifold RACE 55mm exit [251 116] - $300.00 : Techtonics Tuning, VW and Audi Performance Tuning and Repair Parts

Note the gearshift relay has a notch cut into the side of it, thats where it needs to clear the downpipe, just hog into your lever with a grinder mate , otherwise use a Mk 2 Scirocco 16V exhaust manifold as the outlet is centred behind cylinders 2&3 same as 8V Mk1 manifold ( good luck finding one of those )

It works flawlessly as Val has one fitted to her cabrio with the 8V Mk2/3 exhaust manifold + full TT exhaust.