Will the Swift Shift Kit fit my specific Vanagon?

This kit is designed specifically for gear shift levers with a 14mm diameter. It will not fit the 12mm shift levers found on some early model vehicles. Please measure the diameter of your shift lever before ordering to ensure a proper fit.

Is the installation difficult or does it require special tools?

Installation is simple and features a no-drill design. Unlike some other kits, the GoWesty kit is 100% Cal Poly engineered with purpose-built parts, meaning you don't have to deal with drilling or using generic hardware for critical components.

Can I use this kit if I also want to lengthen my shifter for better reach?

Yes! You can use the Swift Shift Kit and the Shift Lever Extension at the same time. While the extension adds 4 inches of length for a more reclined driving position, the Swift Shift Kit offsets that extra length and effectively returns the throw to stock, giving you the best of both worlds.

Swift Shift Kit [Vanagon] | GW-SWIFT-SHIFT-KIT

Name: Swift Shift Kit [Vanagon]
SKU: GW-SWIFT-SHIFT-KIT
Price: 56.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Swift Shift Kit [Vanagon]

Product:	GW-SWIFT-SHIFT-KIT
Works With:	1984-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Availability:	Good Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.

$56.95

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GoWesty Swift Shift Kit. 20% reduction in shifter throw. Simple no-drill installation.

Fit Note: This kit is for 14mm diameter gear shift levers ONLY. It will not fit the 12mm shift levers originally present on some early model vehicles. Please measure the diameter of your shift lever before ordering.

Features: There is nothing quite like driving a Vanagon, but many agree that shifting the manual transaxle is an experience that can benefit from some improvement. Two common complaints are "throw" and "reach." The combination of the somewhat long throw of the shifting action and a relatively short shift lever requires many drivers to lean forward in the driver's seat as they run through the gears.

To address the "throw" issue, we are proud to offer the GoWesty Swift Shift Kit! Our "Swift Shift" kit shortens the throw on your shifter by a meaningful 20%. It delivers reduced shift knob movement for swifter shifts, and a more precise shifter “feel.“ Installation is simple, and unlike other "short shift" kits on the market, ours does not require drilling or use garden variety hardware for critical components. The GoWesty kit is a 100% Cal Poly engineered with all purpose-built parts!

To address the "reach" issue, we offer a Shift Lever Extension to lengthen the shift lever by a full 4" for drivers with shorter arms or those who prefer a more reclined seating position. The downside is that by adding only the lever extension, the "throw" becomes even longer! Wait, so I fixed one issue only to exacerbate the other? Don't worry. Read on.

Use both the Shift Lever Extension and the Swift Shift Kit at the same time! Our slightly curved Shift Lever Extension allows you to dial in the perfect position for your shift knob and your preferred driving position. When installed alongside our Swift Shift Kit, the extra length introduced by the Shift Lever Extension is offset and effectively returned to stock. Neat, huh?

Can I use the Swift Shift Kit by itself, though? Of course! If you like the length of your shift lever and don't experience "reach" issues, you can still benefit from the reduced shift knob movement for swifter shifts, and a more precise shifter feel by installing only the Swift Shift Kit.

5 stars: 6 (67%)
4 stars: 1 (11%)
3 stars: 1 (11%)
2 stars: 1 (11%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Makes shifting sweeter not having to teach so far. A must have for all Vanagon!

GoWesty's instructions could use some revisions for clarity, but also include the direction to lift the gearlever vertically when re-installing the spring stop collar. Without that hint it becomes confusing how one compresses the spring enough to install the collar stop. One needs a helping hand to hold the lever up in order to hit the correct position. Love the shorter throws on the shifts!

I couldn't get my shifter to adjust properly even after replacing the shift horn tabs.

The part is great, adjusting Vanagon shift linkage is a nightmare

"If shifting is still not right, take a deep, deep breath and: Repeat the steps above as needed."

over, and over, and over, and over...

Short throw shifter kit

Another high-quality GW product. Years ago, I installed a similar kit in my 65 bus and have always remembered how much easier it was to shift gears, so I bought this kit for the 87 Westy. Took about an hour to install, taking my time to do it properly. I should have measured the shift lever throw before and after. The kit reduces the throw by at least the 25% noted in the ad. It is very noticeable in a good way. That said, the instructions could use more detail. My suggestions: in addition to marking the top of the existing shaft collar on the shift lever, I used the 20mm thick kit plate to mark above the old reverse spring retainer. I simply placed the new shift kit body (20mm) on top of the existing collar and marked the position on the shift lever before disassembly. The instruction to mark the position of the hold down bolts does not give any reference as to what to mark it against. My old original washers left a clean profile on the hold down plate, so I simply reused the old flat washers in their original position. Finally, I will install the old retainer on top of the new retainer just for extra measure and to not lose the part if ever needed again.

Great kit, but get your shifter right first!

Loved this kit. Took away just the right amount of throw. My advice before you install it though... Fix the rest of your shift system first. Do not install this kit on a shifter in need of love. It will exaggerate any existing problems you have. I made that mistake. Do it right and make this the last shift repair/upgrade on your list.

Shifting feels more precise.
Your installation instructions omitted two pictures that could have made it easier to install

Love it!

Tightened up my shifting, no more hitting the dash!

Makes a noticeable difference!

Coupled with the front shifter rebuild, this made an immediate difference in the feel and "tightness" of the shifting experience. Easy to install, only took a few minutes. Completely worth it!