1970-1981 Camaro - Firebird Updates and Upgrades

CAMARO & FIREBIRD UPDATES

SHIFTER MECHANISM

Purpose: Ease of installation; Improved fitment to body and shifter boot; Improvement of Shift Quality

Description:

In 2006, Keisler changed to the new PerfectShift3 shifter mechanism with improved internal pivot yoke for smoother operation.  A recommended upgrade.

Previous shift tower

Current PerfectShift3 shift tower

SHIFTER LINKAGE

Purpose: Ease of installation; Improvement of Shift Quality; Reduction of Transmitted Noise into Cabin

Description:

In 2006, Keisler changed the shifter linkage to the quick release PerfectShift3 design, incorporating a graphite nylon impregnated constant pressure bushing, quick release 2 bolt main cap, and spring preloaded pivots.  This eliminates the previous design which had a roll pin that had to be installed by the customer.  The older roll pin metal-metal retaining method would sometime create shifter noise.  If the customer forgot to install the rollpin the shifter linkage could become disconnected.

A good upgrade, but requires removal of transmission.

Previous style link with roll pin

Current PerfectShift3 quick-release link

HYDRAULIC CLUTCH KIT

Purpose: Elimination of leak

Description:

In 2004, Keisler completely revised the hydraulic clutch kit to eliminate the leaking McLeod / B&M concentric slave bearing.  The McLeod / B&M unit suffered from inadequate piston and fluid line seals, lack of preload spring, lack of dust boot and wiper seals, among other problems.  The problems resulted in frequent failures requiring removing of the transmission to service the bearing.  Additionally, bleeding the McLeod / B&M unit was problematic.

The new Keisler Hydraulic Clutch kit features a proprietary OE design hydraulic bearing rated for 1 million cycles, single line supply with integrated bleeder, forged aluminum housing, piston blow-out prevention among many other features. A recommended upgrade.

Purpose: Improvement of hydraulic master cylinder

Description:

In 2005, Keisler redesigned the master cylinder portion of the hydraulic clutch kit, and utilized a high quality Wilwood master cylinder with Keisler proprietary firewall mounting kit.  Lineset was also revised to include integrated bleeder.  A recommended upgrade.

Purpose: Improvement of hydraulic master cylinder Description: In 2005, Keisler redesigned the master cylinder portion of the hydraulic clutch kit, and utilized a high quality Wilwood master cylinder with Keisler proprietary firewall mounting kit.  Lineset was also revised to include integrated bleeder.  A recommended upgrade.

New Wilwood master cylinder and mount block on left,  previous style on right:

BELLHOUSING

In 2006, Keisler released their reproduction of the 11inch bellhousing for Chevrolet engines, including LT & LS.

SHIFTER HANDLE

In 2006, Keisler began reproducing reproduction shifter handles for all GM muscle cars to replace the aftermarket Hurst line of handles.  The Keisler shifter handles feature correct lever geometry and appearance.