F20 problems

[dannyboy21]

hi i have the c20xe with the f20 gearbox and im finding it v hard, almost impossible to get into 5th gear, and also it keeps popping the cap off the ball joint in the linkage... hense no gears. is there a better linkage out there too use?? or anything special you have to do. (my engine/gearbox has only been in 2 months)plz someone help me :( :(

[DaveMarshall]

How did you set the linkage, was it trial and error or did you do it as per haynes manual, ie remove bung from top of gearbox, use a drill bit then get someone to hold the gearstick over to the mark inside the car then tighten up th pinch bolt. If you didn't do it this way i'd try that first.

[SRimon]

Gear linkage, too tight down by the bulkhead in one direction i'd say

we set mine up by holding the car in the middle of neutral...works fine

[dannyboy21]

aparently i need a new linkage and its the nova one i need. ...... gr8.. does anyone know where i can get one from? urgently

[SRimon]

scrapyard, any nova one will do

www.autovaux.com maybe?

[Adam Moran]

Was it a 4 speed before??

If so you need to cut the plastic lug of the gear selector in the car ;)

[dannyboy21]

no 5 speed, its a gsi with the red top

[p5yco]

yeah as simon said all we did to his was put it in neutra by hand in the gear box then simon held the gearstick in neutra and i did the bolt up sorted 5 min job or less