Dr.Jeff
True Classic
Thanks for the feedback.I replaced the rubber ring in the shifter ball pivot (after cleaning and lubing with a silicone based grease so as not to affect the rubber ring), and I also squeezed the "fork" at the end of the shift lever (or used some washers or shim stock, it was a few years ago) to close up the tolerances. I think it improved feel and function somewhat.
I've always maintained that if someone could come up with a Ferrari-like shift gate for our cars, it would be a big seller.
I made a "gaited" shifter for one of my Mk1 VWs. But honestly it is not ideal to adapt an existing design to another type of mechanism. So it really doesn't work as well as I'd like. I think for the X the biggest benefit will come from replacing the lollipop with a true U-joint. Also adding some sort of support/pivot for the long shift shaft, similar to what other makes of car have.