Thread: Genie Vs Lokar

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I need to purchase a shifter for my 49 Ford. The engine/trans combo is a 350 backed by a 200-4R OD unit from an 87 Monte Carlo SS. I plan to get a floor shifter about 26" high or so (as high as the center of the dash or center of the steering wheel). I am stuck between Lokar and Genie. At first I was going to run a Lokar but started researching Genie and see that they put out some great products.
Anyone here have any personal experience with both or have any input on them? I've used Lokar before without any major problems but never Genie. Also I am wondering linkage vs cable operated? I am running a cable operated shifter in my 66 F100 and not sure that I really like it...

Thanks guys for any help!

Originally Posted by FMXhellraiser

I need to purchase a shifter for my 49 Ford. The engine/trans combo is a 350 backed by a 200-4R OD unit from an 87 Monte Carlo SS. I plan to get a floor shifter about 26" high or so (as high as the center of the dash or center of the steering wheel). I am stuck between Lokar and Genie. At first I was going to run a Lokar but started researching Genie and see that they put out some great products.
Anyone here have any personal experience with both or have any input on them? I've used Lokar before without any major problems but never Genie. Also I am wondering linkage vs cable operated? I am running a cable operated shifter in my 66 F100 and not sure that I really like it...

Thanks guys for any help!

I know gennie has been around a lot longer than Lokar...my hood prop is a gennie one of the first items they started with...

As far as linkage vs cable..............much depends on whats in the way. If linkage can be used without interferance, then linkage is a good thing. Or if there are things in the way, routing a cable may be the way to go.
I have used many products from Lokar in the past. I am using their cable trans shifter and kickdown in my new ride. I have never had any problems with their stuff.

in time the genie shifter will wear a grove in the bottom where it rides the detent. then it wont hold in park. i've replaced several. they claimed it wont happen so i still have one hanging on the wall. the dentent plate is harder than the tip of the shifter.

I believe Gennie has closed their doors,
So -- if so- and parts needed down the road yer SOL.

i wont miss them.

To echo DA34GUY about closing, but they may have risen again in name only under another company. The only on-line catalog is a 2010 and about the time that I had read that they were closed/bought out. I have one of their headlight bars, which was one of their original trademark items and it's OK, not a perfect fit. I've looked at their shifters at car shows - and will say that I think my Lokar is built better.

I'll cast my vote for B&M cable shifter... I put a Lokar in the Plymouth I'm doing (not my choice). IMO it's junk--threaded rod for linkage???

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

I'll cast my vote for B&M cable shifter... I put a Lokar in the Plymouth I'm doing (not my choice). IMO it's junk--threaded rod for linkage???

I 'fixed' that 1/4 threaded rod with a larger size(5/16) and better rod ends. I don't like the cheapie stamped tin rod ends for the price of the shifter. The B&M cable shifters just don't 'look right' but for sure are a lot better with the positive detents - I don't know how many times I've shifted mine inadvertently with my knee

Originally Posted by IC2

I 'fixed' that 1/4 threaded rod with a larger size(5/16) and better rod ends. I don't like the cheapie stamped tin rod ends for the price of the shifter. The B&M cable shifters just don't 'look right' but for sure are a lot better with the positive detents - I don't know how many times I've shifted mine inadvertently with my knee

Oh yeah, that too!!!! A guy here in town hit a bump and 'kneed' his right into reverse----at about 80 mph....Ugly.

I did the same on the one in the Plymouth, Dave....but on a good day it's still a POS!!!!

Best shifter ever is the Long V-Gate shifter on my Nash, takes two hands to get reverse, impractical as all get out on the street, but I've yet to ever miss a shift with the thing or have it pop out of gear. Too bad there isn't something of that quality for Hot Rods with automatics...

I once put a 78 firebird into reverse at 65. Three lanes, and I used every inch! Managed to keep it out of the concrete guards, and didn't destroy anything mechanical.

Reverse lockouts are a good thing!

I am not fond of the Lokar and Gennie shifters. I have a Gennie in my '32, but the damned thing rattles. I tightened it up so it won't rattle but now it is stiffer than I like. I wish I had used a B&M Quick Silver like I had in my '29. I really liked that shifter, and may go to it again at some point.

Well looks like I am skipping on the Gennie for sure! As for Lokar I am not sure yet now either. I have a B&M in my 66 that is cable operated but seems kind of sloppy to me... I think its the quick ratchet one with the pistol grip (can't think of the name at the moment).

ever though of modifying a stock floor shifter?????

Or even a Ford Aerostar shifter.

If I can modify a column shift to use a cable long before they ever came out & modified a 92 Buick FWD column using a cable to work on my 1979 425 Caddy transmission it can be done even on a floor shifter.....joe

i used a detent shifter in my truck. also used one in the 56 210. i reversed the handle in my truck.