What is causing our MR2's shift linkage to keep binding?

It would be nice if we could shift our MR2’s gears, right?

In the last update on our 2GR V6-swapped 1991 Toyota MR2, we left things hanging a bit after we installed the shift linkage and rebuilt the transmission bell crank. We had smooth actuation of the cables, but the linkage seemed to be binding.

Once we removed the …

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My 1991 MR2 with a 2GR/S54 also seems to bind shifting from 1st to 2nd. I thought it was maybe a combination of my syncros and the higher 7200 rpm readline.  I also have MR2Heaven cables with spherical ends, drop plate, adjustable shift lever and solid shifter mounts. Guess I will have to look into shortening the cable if that seemed to help you.  Are you using a S54 or E153 transmission?

eurichs07 said:

My 1991 MR2 with a 2GR/S54 also seems to bind shifting from 1st to 2nd. I thought it was maybe a combination of my syncros and the higher 7200 rpm readline.  I also have MR2Heaven cables with spherical ends, drop plate, adjustable shift lever and solid shifter mounts. Guess I will have to look into shortening the cable if that seemed to help you.  Are you using a S54 or E153 transmission?

E153. 

If the stick moves side to side just fine but front to back is an issue, yeah, check that passenger side cable. 

I'll just sit here and marvel at the bolts and cables on that shifter that are cad plating colored instead of rusted all to heck.

I have a 2gr swapped MR2 also. It has trouble coming out of reverse. How did yours behave before you trimmed the cable? I guess I'm asking, what "kind" of binding did you have? If that makes sense? 

thanks

Clutchmaster