Which After-Market Shifter?

[Left Lane]

I've been searching the archives in CAC for a while and still can't find what I'm looking for but can't believe it's never been asked. So ... what are some opinions and facts that I should be looking at when I want to replace my stock shifter in my C5? I changed the shift knob (sorry to all you car gurus out there if I'm using the wrong lingo) a while back and it turned my C5 into a granny shifter - it must have added about three inches to the already tall shifter. I'm not so concerned with the shifter knob on top because I know I want to change that again but this time to a simple, low profile, low height knob. But as far as shifters go, I've seen half a dozen or so different types and they never say how tall they are. I'm thinking I want a sold shaft construction because that just seems less likely to break. But then again, how much force do we really apply when we're shifting? Enough to really break a two-piece shifter? Etc. Any help or ideas or just "what I have in my car and I like/dislike it" answers are helpful. Thx.

 

[jorge33265]

Is your car a 6 Speed or do you have an Auto? on Auto's I know there is an adapter that can be used to add a 6 speed knob but it does make the shaft longer.

 

[Left Lane]

It's a man. 6-sp.

 

[JBsC5]

I have chosen this $45 triple chrome Pistol grip shifter and I have been extremely pleased with it.


It does get a little hot in the summer sun though so if thats a concern for you then choose a different type..

Not a big deal for me so I have to say its been a great upgrade..

Heres the link..look around this site and see if you like any of the different finishes or shapes..

http://www.mgwltd.com/corvette_pistol_grip_knob.html

BTW..if you go aftermarket short throw shifter...like the hurst or what not..remember to give it a proper breakin period..of about 1,000 miles..as that makes a world of difference.

JB

 

[Left Lane]

JB: Hey, I really like the look of that "pistol grip knob" you have on Hurst shifter. I'd say that's the best looking upgrade I've seen in terms of shifter knobs. I'm definitly going to get one. At the time you got your Hurst shifter, why did you go with them and not someone else like B&M? Thanks.

 

[JBsC5]

One of the older gentlemen whose local ordered the hurst for his 1600 mile six month old car...He didn't use the car very much...before the installation..or after..He DID NOT give it the 1,000 mile breakin period..and hated the hurst shifter with his custom homemade shiftknob ..The shift knob he chose..to use was not designed for the C5 and he jury rigged it to work...and unfortunately it didn't with the hurst..

He kept emailing me...and asking me if I wanted to buy his hurst..(not that I had too..just in case I wanted it...blah..blah)

I was like yeah..what the hell..I'll give it a shot.. :lol: I had a feeling it was a proper breakin issue..

I would WITHOUT A DOUBT say proper 1,000 mile breakin on the shifter is important.

I would have bought a new hurst without him emailing me..and practically offering to give it to me for free...LMAO..Of which I insisted I give him about only a twenty or 30 dollar discount being preowned..

He was a nice guy..who didn't give the hurst the mileage to break in..and had the wrong knob on the shifter too..Honestly... :lol: Now he's all ****y and doesn't even want to try it.. :lol:

You can buy the hurst used...since most guys don't give any thought to proper breakin periods..New I think they run about 179....

The B & M is excellent too..as is the Kirban, corvette concepts modified stock shifter and the mallet...they are all good..I didn't test each one..in my opinion..its pretty much...similiar to deciding to date..blondes..brunettes..or redheads..



for me..its a memory of the Hurst name..

MGW and the Hurst go to gether very well..I can if I want..after the 1,000 mile breakin....shift..with one finger up and down through all the gears.. :lol:

Good luck deciding..

Its a win win pretty much in my opinion..

I wouldn't trade the hurst for any other shifter and the short throws are a blast..its a personal preference..of course..I didn't find the long stock throws to my liking..


Is it really a performance mod..? That I don't know..I would say its more a personal preference..and thats the benefit..

 

[Left Lane]

JB: Thx. Your last post was just what I was looking for. Thank you for your opinion. I'm thinking I'll go with the Hurst, too with the same knob as you showed me yesterday (hate to copy you but ...

 

[Villain]

JB, I have to say that was the only post I've come across about the available shifters that has made complete sense without sitting on the fence. I think alot of people try very hard not to offend another member by talking bad about the other shifters out there since they may have one of them. But I feel a little better informed, finally. All in all, it's personal preference. No debating that. You like what you like.