Anyone driving with reverse lockout removed?

[MatthewMenze]

Hey all,

I'm really, *really* into getting a specific feel with all my manual transmissions, to the point that I have modified every part of the linkage possible in the last 3 cars I have owned previous to getting this 2014 Sonic 6MT.

Part of getting the shift feel I want is:

1. Getting rid of the lockout, I'm just not a fan of it. I would rather be required to know where each gear is.

2. Shortening the height of the shifter 1-2 inches (consequentially reducing the throw, in addition to the short throw kit I will be getting).

Both of these require the reverse lockout gone in order to get the feel I want. I may be able to do some machine work to keep it if I absolutely need to, and only achieve number 2. But if I can avoid the trouble of machining a recess into my shift knob, and relocating the lockout ring, I would love to.

My question is, has anyone driven without the reverse lockout for an extended period?

The *ONLY* thing that would stop me is if there is some reason this transmission is different than any other I drove, and will magically go into reverse at high speed without obvious complaint or resistance.

In the past I have accidentally tried to force a transmission into reverse at highway speeds, (drove a 5 speed after owning a 6 speed for a while), and it was extremely obvious WAY before I got anywhere close to engaging reverse. Is our transmission any different?

I expect that the worst case I would have is feeling resistance and hearing some grinding. I can't imagine it would just mesh into reverse and grenade the transmission in a glorious money-shift.

Anyone else have experience with this?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Syrup]

There are some on here that do drive without it in order to have a custom knob. However, the issue isn't mistakenly going into reverse at high speed because reverse is near first, not sixth. So you will likely be stopped and attempting first, but get reverse instead. You can also just hold the lockout ring up as you shift normally to see if you have issues deciphering first from reverse.

-Syrup

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Fun fact. You can drop it into first at ridiculously high speeds. Like 10+. I think I accidentally put it in first going 15 once. The car didn't like it but it did it. It also didn't like downshifting form 3rd to 2nd while going like 60. It grinded and didn't go in. So you probably wouldn't have trouble in putting it into reverse if you're downshifting to 1st, since I would only recommend it when on 2nd or neutral if going pretty slow.

 

[eggsalad]

Another fun fact: Manual transmissions existed for decades without reverse lockouts. I've owned dozens of cars that had manual transmissions without reverse lockouts.

Problem is, that requires the driver to be smarter than the shifter. That's not always the case, so manufacturers install lockouts.

 

[MatthewMenze]

^ This.

My only concern was that maybe because of the designers of the transmission expecting there to be a lockout, there was some difference with this transmission that made the lockout more important.

It's all moot though, today I pulled my shift lever out, stuck it in my lathe, and turned the lever down to accept a M12x1.25 thread, and be 2-3" shorter.

It's now back in my car, with out even the dream of a lockout, and it feels wonderful. Zero issues finding first, or avoiding reverse. I can't wait to modify the rest of the assembly/linkage!

 

[EyeluvSmegma]

My avatar is my really short shifter.... Didn't know how to post a pic...

 

[boostiboo]

My avatar is my really short shifter.... Didn't know how to post a pic...

Bro. I need a writeup for what/how you did that. I don't wanna go nearly as short but I wanna get fairly short.

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[EyeluvSmegma]

Bro. I need a writeup for what/how you did that. I don't wanna go nearly as short but I wanna get fairly short.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

There's a write up for installing shifter bushings here somewhere. Basically same but twist the factory knob off (carefully if you an on reusing it) I used a pipe wrench #teamNFG. Covered my interior with a canvas tarp. Used a 6" grinder with a cutting wheel and hacked it down. Bought a $20 auto zone shift knob with the adapters and set screws. To get it done and install shifter bushings took me an hour and 6 beers. (IPA)

 

[boostiboo]

There's a write up for installing shifter bushings here somewhere. Basically same but twist the factory knob off (carefully if you an on reusing it) I used a pipe wrench #teamNFG. Covered my interior with a canvas tarp. Used a 6" grinder with a cutting wheel and hacked it down. Bought a $20 auto zone shift knob with the adapters and set screws. To get it done and install shifter bushings took me an hour and 6 beers. (IPA)

Nice. I reckon it'll take me roughly 2 and a 750ml of vodka

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