1980 Caddy with Shifter Bushing Problems

[Earwig225]

I have a 1980 Caddy with a 1.6TD 5 speed and a Passenger Performance turbo back down pipe. I have a problem with my shifter bushings melting from the exhaust heat. This causes hard shifting especially into reverse.
I changed the bushings in Jan 08 and I need to do it again already.

Anything I can do to fix this problem?

[Possum79]

Well if your exhaust is running way to hot you should be concerned. any EGT gauge? If your EGT's are what people consider ok then you can use exhaust wrap to cut down the external temps. I think its kinda pricey though. I dont know where you live and that may matter but summitracing.com sells it and so does probably anyone.

[blkboostedtruck]

sounds like you need a heat shield made for it or wrap the exhaust that might help?
Duane

[Earwig225]

Yeah I used exhaust wrap and I guess it did not really work. I had a shop look at it and they thought a heat shield would be good but they could not figure how to mount one.
I don't have an EGT gauge, but the motor is all stock so I don't see why the temp would be over what it should be.
What if I put on a double layer of exhaust wrap?

[blkboostedtruck]

simple if you got room? muffler clamp with a shield welded to it! piece of bigger pipe or something of sort? along with that muffler wrapping!
but all depends if you have room? you may have to modify your down pipe to get it away from it anyways ?
Duane

[Earwig225]

I ran the car for 15 min and was able to touch the downpipe with the wrap on it and it felt warm to the touch. I don't know then if heat is the problem.

[gigaz2]

28 year old plastic bits tend to be sensible, have you swapped them all for new ones?

EDIT
something I'm also considering: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190241511792&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009