2005 vs. 2006 shifter - LotusTalk

petsounds · 12-30-2006, 08:53 AM

So I've now had a chance to drive a used 2005 Elise (sweeet), and I've sat in the cockpit of a couple new 2006s. The 2005 had a pretty loose shifter, a bit rattly, whereas the '06s had very succinct shift points. I know some of this can be attributed to shifter break-in, but I also know the shifter was changed to some degree on the '06s. Do '06 Elise shifters also get as loose over time?

babak · 12-30-2006, 09:02 AM

There was a recall on the shifter. Feel the shaft, if it is not round and hexagonal it has not had the recall done. After the recall the shift action in mine was more precise and felt better.

Bruce · 12-30-2006, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petsounds

but I also know the shifter was changed to some degree on the '06s.

The shifter was actually changed about the middle of the 2005 production model year.

JnC · 12-30-2006, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petsounds

The [used] 2005 had a pretty loose shifter, a bit rattly, whereas the '06s had very succinct shift points.

To some degree it comes back to driving a used car vs. new. I'm sure there's 06's that have loosened up. It depends who's been shifting. I've seen some brutality out there. Shoving a cable linkage with all one's might doesn't work well in the long run.

ChrisB · 12-30-2006, 10:37 AM

It can also be due to the how the entire shifter mechanism is bolted down. They are not terribly well fastened to the car. Stan developed a relatively simple mod to help stabilize the whole mechanism and others have made variations on that mod. It is posted here somewhere. Search on "Stan shifter mod". Probably the oldest hits are where you will find it, pictures and all.

Imolas54 · 12-30-2006, 11:31 AM

it'll break in w/ time, drove my cousin's exige last week w/ 700 miles vs my car w/ 5000 miles.... everything was tighter on his car, the steerning/shifter even the brakes had a real quicker bite to it.

TimMullen · 12-30-2006, 01:08 PM

As other's have alluded to, the shifter is the same between the '05s and the '06s. The early '05s had a smaller hexagon shaped shift lever that occasionally tended to break. This was replaced under a recall, and all '05s should have the upgraded shift lever installed by now. Other than that, the rest of the shift mechanism/linkages are the same.

The only variations in shift feel is due to individual adjustments and wear and tear...

petsounds · 12-31-2006, 04:52 AM

Thanks for the info guys. The '05 I drove was a 2004 production date, but I assume it's already had the shifter recall done. The shifter is just a lot more loose than I'm used to.

12-30-2006, 08:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
petsounds Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: los angeles, ca Posts: 58	2005 vs. 2006 shifter So I've now had a chance to drive a used 2005 Elise (sweeet), and I've sat in the cockpit of a couple new 2006s. The 2005 had a pretty loose shifter, a bit rattly, whereas the '06s had very succinct shift points. I know some of this can be attributed to shifter break-in, but I also know the shifter was changed to some degree on the '06s. Do '06 Elise shifters also get as loose over time?

12-30-2006, 09:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
babak Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 8,269 Images: 23	There was a recall on the shifter. Feel the shaft, if it is not round and hexagonal it has not had the recall done. After the recall the shift action in mine was more precise and felt better. __________________ Babak Club111 Central Plains Coordinator '05 Elise - Touring, HT, StarShield '99 Ducati 996 Bip '05 Freelander SE

12-30-2006, 01:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
TimMullen Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 11,389 Images: 19	As other's have alluded to, the shifter is the same between the '05s and the '06s. The early '05s had a smaller hexagon shaped shift lever that occasionally tended to break. This was replaced under a recall, and all '05s should have the upgraded shift lever installed by now. Other than that, the rest of the shift mechanism/linkages are the same. The only variations in shift feel is due to individual adjustments and wear and tear... __________________ Tim Mullen --- There is no such thing as Touring suspension or Touring wheels. I love being married. It's so great to find that one person that you want to annoy for the rest of your life. - Rita Rudner Chantilly, VA http://members.cox.net/elans4/ 05 Lotus Elise - Chrome Orange - No Touring - No LSS - No Hardtop - Lotus Driving Lights - Lotus "Chin Guards" - plain and simple. 94 Miata R Package - Black 72 Lotus Elan Sprint - Colorado Orange/Cirrus White

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12-30-2006, 10:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
ChrisB I'm Lovin' It! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 3,968 Images: 1	It can also be due to the how the entire shifter mechanism is bolted down. They are not terribly well fastened to the car. Stan developed a relatively simple mod to help stabilize the whole mechanism and others have made variations on that mod. It is posted here somewhere. Search on "Stan shifter mod". Probably the oldest hits are where you will find it, pictures and all.

12-30-2006, 11:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
Imolas54 ToYoTa dRiVeR Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,432	it'll break in w/ time, drove my cousin's exige last week w/ 700 miles vs my car w/ 5000 miles.... everything was tighter on his car, the steerning/shifter even the brakes had a real quicker bite to it.

12-31-2006, 04:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
petsounds Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: los angeles, ca Posts: 58	Thanks for the info guys. The '05 I drove was a 2004 production date, but I assume it's already had the shifter recall done. The shifter is just a lot more loose than I'm used to.

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