The ultimate short throw shifter for the M45/46/47 Volvo transmissions. 

Written 09-16-08

I have had this product in my mind for over two years, and it makes me so happy that I've finally been able to finish it. I installed it in my car a few days ago and I've been driving it alot. I even had a few other volvo nerds drive it and give their impressions. Everybody absolutely loves it! Even my wife who barely drives at all noticed a huge difference over the stock one. The best quote so far is "The stock one feels like a stick in the mud compared to this!". It gives a very mechanical race-car feel to the transmission, making daily driving SO much more enjoyable. No longer do the gears feel lazy, spongy and soft.

I've replaced all the stock rubber and plastic bushings with real bearings. The main pivot point now uses a teflon lined spherical bearing, and the lower joint has a needle bearing in it that rides on a tight stainless steel shaft with an E-clip on each side for easy installation. The main shaft is a really thick stainless steel tube, and the spring loaded reverse lockout device is aluminum and powdercoated gloss black. It's even got a working overdrive button for those of us that still have M46 transmissions. M47 drivers could use it for launch control or nitrous, or whatever. This combination completely transforms the way the M46 shifts. Every shift is tight and precise, with none of the sponginess of the stock bushings.

Ohh and obviously it's a short throw shifter, but did I mention that it's adjustable? By simply changing the location of two spring clips on either side of the spherical bearing, it will have 4 throw settings, 4.75", 4.4", 4.1", and 3.8" throw measured at the knob. Keep in mind that stock is 6", and even a reduction to 5" makes a noticeable improvement in throw. Some transmissions (M46 in a 700) can't have too short of a throw or else the bottom of the shifter will hit the rubber donut on the driveshaft, the guibo. M47's should have tons of room, and M46 in a 240 definitely fits the 4.1" throw (that's what I have now) and it might even fit the shortest one without any mods. That's why I made it adjustable so that you will be able to achieve the shortest throw that will fit in your vehicle, or just whatever suits your taste buds. Also the knob will be in roughly the same height and position as stock.

Another benefit is that these solid tight bearings really clean up all the slop that the factory shifter has. My friend Sean's car has an M47 and it's got 3" of side to side play while in gear! It's atrocious. After installing this shifter in my car it only has 3/4" play, and all of that play comes from the u-joint part where the shift fork enters the transmission. Can't really change it without dropping the tranny. So I'm really happy with it!

John

If you have any comments or questions, send me a quick message!