Hurst Shifter install question...
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 65
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From: Salamanca NY
Hurst Shifter install question...
My first post so please go easy... Just purchased a big block 66, original 4-speed Shifter is a little loose. I would like to install a Hurst competition plus shifter that I have. My question is, is there room to remove the original shifter and install the hurst unit without dropping the transmission. Current shifter is trans mounted on the Muncie, not frame mounted. By the way, I have a 4-post lift which will make the job much easier. Thanks for the help. Tony.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Really Central IL Illinois
My first post so please go easy... Just purchased a big block 66, original 4-speed Shifter is a little loose. I would like to install a Hurst competition plus shifter that I have. My question is, is there room to remove the original shifter and install the hurst unit without dropping the transmission. Current shifter is trans mounted on the Muncie, not frame mounted. By the way, I have a 4-post lift which will make the job much easier. Thanks for the help. Tony.
Yes, you can remove the existing shifter and put in a new Hurst without pulling the trans, but it will be easier if you support the transmission and remove the the trans mounting brackets to allow the trans to move toward the passenger's side and also drop down slightly.
Is that a Cobra in the drive too?
Caution: don't put the exhaust in a bind, may want to loosen them at the manifold.
Last edited by R66; Jan 31, 2017 at 09:35 AM. Reason: Cobra?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Welcome! I have a Hurst CP in my car and love it. When I did mine almost 30 years ago, I didn't slide the trans over. I do have side exhaust which helps with the install. Take your time aligining everything. 
Dennis
Dennis
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
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From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Is yours an early or late 66? My car (early) came with the shifter mounted to the transmission. I believe that sometime in 66 the mount was moved to the frame. If the mount is on the transmission it is a piece of cake. I installed mine back in 1981 and it has worked flawlessly over that time. One thing I did do was to use the original corvette shifter arms with the Hurst. Only the 1/2 and 3/4 rods can be used. The reverse rod cannot be used. It is tight but they will go on. Lastly, when you get the shifter be sure to get the steel shifter bushings. The fiber ones will wear and you'll have to replace them at some point. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Greenville, Indiana
Race Director
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From: Central Arkansas
[QUOTE=R66;1593989596]
it will be easier if you support the transmission and remove the the trans mounting brackets to allow the trans to move toward the passenger's side and also drop down slightly.
QUOTE]
This is a good idea - wish I had thought of it. Should make struggling with those thru-the-shifter, long bolts much easier.
By the way, insert those long bolts before sliding the Hurst up there to install - they probably won't go in with the shifter in position.
it will be easier if you support the transmission and remove the the trans mounting brackets to allow the trans to move toward the passenger's side and also drop down slightly.
QUOTE]
This is a good idea - wish I had thought of it. Should make struggling with those thru-the-shifter, long bolts much easier.
By the way, insert those long bolts before sliding the Hurst up there to install - they probably won't go in with the shifter in position.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
Here is some advice.
1.) If you are finding that you can not get to the TWO bolts that hold the shifter to the bracket mounted on the side of the transmission... and when you are looking at it...it would seem that IF the transmission mount was removed and allow the transmission to drop down THAT little bit...then do it. I do. I would not be concerned about any exhaust issues due to the drop is so minor.
2.) Do yourself a big huge favor and make sure you have a dowel that will allow you to properly set-up your neutral gate and get your shifter linkage set correctly...just in case one was not provided. I made mine with a torch and along drill bit that I bent 90 degrees so I can get the shifter levers to stay locked in place while I am adjusting it..and when I am done..I can pull out my dowel tool out.
3.) This step can be a pain..and many people do not do it...which is one of the reasons why I personally do not prefer Hurst shifters in a Corvette and prefer the originals.....and that is correctly adjusting the stop bolts that are on the shifter so you do not cause for stress on the forks/sliders in your transmission due to...for a lack of a better term...over extending them.
DUB
1.) If you are finding that you can not get to the TWO bolts that hold the shifter to the bracket mounted on the side of the transmission... and when you are looking at it...it would seem that IF the transmission mount was removed and allow the transmission to drop down THAT little bit...then do it. I do. I would not be concerned about any exhaust issues due to the drop is so minor.
2.) Do yourself a big huge favor and make sure you have a dowel that will allow you to properly set-up your neutral gate and get your shifter linkage set correctly...just in case one was not provided. I made mine with a torch and along drill bit that I bent 90 degrees so I can get the shifter levers to stay locked in place while I am adjusting it..and when I am done..I can pull out my dowel tool out.
3.) This step can be a pain..and many people do not do it...which is one of the reasons why I personally do not prefer Hurst shifters in a Corvette and prefer the originals.....and that is correctly adjusting the stop bolts that are on the shifter so you do not cause for stress on the forks/sliders in your transmission due to...for a lack of a better term...over extending them.
DUB
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Salamanca NY
Wow! just checked back this morning to see if I had received any advise... Thanks for all the incite. Just finished with new insulation, carpeting and audio system last week. I am currently installing a power steering kit and some other odd and ends. I expect to get into the shifter next week. Thanks again for the help. Tony.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 65
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From: Salamanca NY
Cobra...
Welcome, Where are the pics of the BB? The guys here never will let you get in without seeing your pride and joy.
Yes, you can remove the existing shifter and put in a new Hurst without pulling the trans, but it will be easier if you support the transmission and remove the the trans mounting brackets to allow the trans to move toward the passenger's side and also drop down slightly.
Is that a Cobra in the drive too?
Caution: don't put the exhaust in a bind, may want to loosen them at the manifold.
Yes, you can remove the existing shifter and put in a new Hurst without pulling the trans, but it will be easier if you support the transmission and remove the the trans mounting brackets to allow the trans to move toward the passenger's side and also drop down slightly.
Is that a Cobra in the drive too?
Caution: don't put the exhaust in a bind, may want to loosen them at the manifold.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 60
Likes: 39
From: Beaumont Texas
Assume you have the installation kit?
http://www.hurst-shifters.com/search...=440&sm=20&e=0
Also Hurst has some nice online instructions
http://files.dpbrands.com/hurst/inst...ns/3733162.pdf
http://www.hurst-shifters.com/search...=440&sm=20&e=0
Also Hurst has some nice online instructions
http://files.dpbrands.com/hurst/inst...ns/3733162.pdf
Last edited by pmvette; Feb 1, 2017 at 11:07 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,104
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From: Southern Illinois
Still waiting on photos...Now you have to include shots of the Cobra too...That's just the way it works!
Good luck with the shifter...I'm no help since mine came with a Hurst and haven't touched it! I'm just here to see your pics...
Good luck with the shifter...I'm no help since mine came with a Hurst and haven't touched it! I'm just here to see your pics...
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 56
From: Tequesta FL
My first post so please go easy... Just purchased a big block 66, original 4-speed Shifter is a little loose. I would like to install a Hurst competition plus shifter that I have. My question is, is there room to remove the original shifter and install the hurst unit without dropping the transmission. Current shifter is trans mounted on the Muncie, not frame mounted. By the way, I have a 4-post lift which will make the job much easier. Thanks for the help. Tony.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc4n3O65FNc