Short Shifters ?? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

RiceEatingZR1 · 08-06-2005

I am considering getting a short shifter for my Z. However Im not sure what one is better between the Hurst or B&M. any recommendation? Also how difficult are they to install

Gunny · 08-06-2005

I've got the Hurst and it was a very good mod for me. The B&M is supposed to have a shorter throw but also requires more effort and precision on the driver's part .... I'm sure that could be an advantage for some at the track. But the Hurst is smooth & quick. You do lose the reverse lockout, but I consider that a plus.
Installation is fairly straightforward and while it would be much easier with the tranny out, it can be achieved without dropping the tranny. Two people and a lift definitely make the job much easier. Good luck.

bigd · 08-07-2005

Hurst shifter here. Very happy with the feel. Aaron Scott did the install. Losing the reverse lock-out has not been a problem. I also installed a "pistol grip" style knob from MGW. Very good quality.

RiceEatingZR1 · 08-08-2005

I was worried about Losing the reverse lock-out only because I have a bad habit of grabbing the shifter from the side and pulling and I am worried about pulling it to far over and going into Reverse. but it sounds like no one has that problem.

91King · 08-08-2005

Hurst shifter here as well. Huge improvement over stock. Losing reverse lockout is a blessing as far as I am concerned.

Jim Jones · 08-09-2005

What are the advantages of having a short shifter unless you are at the track? Or is it just personal preference?

bobbyhi · 08-18-2005

I also have the Hurst. Really like it alot better than the original. Don't miss the reverse lock out at all. I do not take the Z to the track so this must be a personal thing.........

haber rj · 01-12-2006

ZR1MK hello there could you please explain how you raised your B&M shifter, I installed one and I am not very happy with it, I have a rattle coming from it and it is not very smooth on the shifting. I have inquired to a few shops and I have been told that the tolarence in the B&M is not as good as in the Hurst. Have you experienced any rattling with yours and if so how did you get rid of it. One of the ZF transmission repair shops told me that all I can do it pack it full of grease????. Any advise would be appreciated
haber rj

ZR1 MK · 01-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by haber rj

ZR1MK hello there could you please explain how you raised your B&M shifter, I installed one and I am not very happy with it, I have a rattle coming from it and it is not very smooth on the shifting. I have inquired to a few shops and I have been told that the tolarence in the B&M is not as good as in the Hurst. Have you experienced any rattling with yours and if so how did you get rid of it. One of the ZF transmission repair shops told me that all I can do it pack it full of grease????. Any advise would be appreciated
haber rj

I usually like to do most work myself, but at the time I had a variety of items to do and got lazy. I went to the Vette Doctors for all. Prior to installation, I asked if the shifter will rattle. They said no. After all the work was done, and without me asking, the mechanic said he installed and adjusted the shifter so it will be real smooth and without any rattle. I didnt ask what he meant by proper installation and adjustment, but it operates just as he stated. It sounds like you installed the shifter yourself. Since I didnt do the install myself, I cant help you with the adjustment he mentioned to prevent rattle.
The only problem I had, which isnt an installer issue, is the shifter rod at the knob area is too short for the feel I prefer. My stock knob was used for the initial installation, but I had an OMP Gemini at the house for me to install later. They installed the stock knob fully thread down. Before I drove away, I unscrewed the knob as much as possible. It was a little better, but still awful.
The OMP knob is a universal type that has three set screws and a cover ring rather than a threaded shaft. I made a sleeve that fit between the shaft and knob, goes to the top of the knob and sits above the set screws to prevent movement. The sleeve is required because the knob is mounted higher than it should be. If I had been using a threaded shaft knob as the stock type, I would have arc welded a threaded rod on top of the shifter to extend it as necessary. Theres no way I would have lived with it as original. It went from awful to awesome with a little work.

haber rj · 01-12-2006

Well you hit the nail on the head, I did the install and it works not to bad, but after ready what you said I will go back in and try what you did and see if I can do a little fine tuning to get rid of the rattle, thank you for the help much appreciated
haber rj

08-06-2005	#1
RiceEatingZR1 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Aurora, IL Posts: 309	Short Shifters ?? I am considering getting a short shifter for my Z. However Im not sure what one is better between the Hurst or B&M. any recommendation? Also how difficult are they to install

01-12-2006	#8
haber rj Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tillsonburg Ont. Canada Posts: 174	Re: Short Shifters ?? ZR1MK hello there could you please explain how you raised your B&M shifter, I installed one and I am not very happy with it, I have a rattle coming from it and it is not very smooth on the shifting. I have inquired to a few shops and I have been told that the tolarence in the B&M is not as good as in the Hurst. Have you experienced any rattling with yours and if so how did you get rid of it. One of the ZF transmission repair shops told me that all I can do it pack it full of grease????. Any advise would be appreciated haber rj

01-12-2006	#10
haber rj Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tillsonburg Ont. Canada Posts: 174	Re: Short Shifters ?? Well you hit the nail on the head, I did the install and it works not to bad, but after ready what you said I will go back in and try what you did and see if I can do a little fine tuning to get rid of the rattle, thank you for the help much appreciated haber rj

08-06-2005	#2
Gunny Join Date: May 2005 Location: Georgia Mountains Posts: 918	I've got the Hurst and it was a very good mod for me. The B&M is supposed to have a shorter throw but also requires more effort and precision on the driver's part .... I'm sure that could be an advantage for some at the track. But the Hurst is smooth & quick. You do lose the reverse lockout, but I consider that a plus. Installation is fairly straightforward and while it would be much easier with the tranny out, it can be achieved without dropping the tranny. Two people and a lift definitely make the job much easier. Good luck.

08-07-2005	#3
bigd Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 17	Hurst shifter here. Very happy with the feel. Aaron Scott did the install. Losing the reverse lock-out has not been a problem. I also installed a "pistol grip" style knob from MGW. Very good quality.

08-08-2005	#4
RiceEatingZR1 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Aurora, IL Posts: 309	I was worried about Losing the reverse lock-out only because I have a bad habit of grabbing the shifter from the side and pulling and I am worried about pulling it to far over and going into Reverse. but it sounds like no one has that problem.

08-08-2005	#5
91King Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Colleywood, Texas Posts: 40	Hurst shifter here as well. Huge improvement over stock. Losing reverse lockout is a blessing as far as I am concerned.

08-09-2005	#6
Jim Jones Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: I'm in a constant state of euphoria in the Z! Posts: 237	What are the advantages of having a short shifter unless you are at the track? Or is it just personal preference?

08-18-2005	#7
bobbyhi Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mendota Heights, MN. 55120 Posts: 983	I also have the Hurst. Really like it alot better than the original. Don't miss the reverse lock out at all. I do not take the Z to the track so this must be a personal thing.........