I have an 81 z28 camaro with a turbo 350, and the problem is that the shifter can be moved from park to nuetral to drive and so on with out the key in. Also it apparently has a "ratchet" shifter and this does not work as it only slaps from drive to nuetral. Any solutions to these problems would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

There is linkage from the factory going from the shift pivot on the side of the tranny to a rotating collar on the steering column. With time, the linkage gets sloppy, can make it hard to turn the key. Some guys, like me, remove the linkage and lock the column collar in the up position as a fix for the problem, and it makes it easier to shift the trans manually when racing.

Sounds like you have an aftermarket shifter, linkage got tossed, and the shifter might be malfunctioning. See if you can tell who made it, download the instructions to make sure you're working it right. If you are, take it apart to see if there is anything obvious busted, replace with a shifter from same manufacturer if unfixable, or score a complete factory setup if you want it to function as it came from Chevy.

 

there was some factory ratchet shifter camaros out there. most of the time it is worn out but i have welded holes shut and redrilled. also welded rods and ground down like new. good luck they are getting hard to find

 

"there was some factory ratchet shifter camaros out there. most of the time it is worn out but i have welded holes shut and redrilled. also welded rods and ground down like new. good luck they are getting hard to find"

This is what I have, thanks.