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4-speed shifter choice

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Old Oct 9, 2016 | 04:27 PM
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Default 4-speed shifter choice

This past summer I did a th400 to M20 swap and installed an original shifter. After driving in some I really don't like the shifter and I have read good comments about using a Hurst. I think I have all the parts to make the swap, but just wondered if it is really worth the trouble. At my age I don't look forward to getting back under the car.

Would like to here from those that have the Hurst and their comments. Thanks Dave.

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Old Oct 9, 2016 | 04:58 PM
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The first driving season with my 76 with the stock shifter had the same results as you have with yours. It was a loose shifting unit that would occasionally lock up. Prior to the second driving season, I ripped the stock shifter out and installed a Hurst Performance Plus shifter and LOVE it every time I ride. It is a very solid and smooth shifting whether pleasure driving of poser shifting. ALL GOOD.

I now have Hurst shifters in my 69 and 78 too!
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Old Oct 9, 2016 | 05:16 PM
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Before I tore into it mine was all stock and sloppy.

Replaced the M20 with a M22W and bought a NEW replacement shifter. Better but I still hated the slop in neutral. Throws were better.

Went to the Hurst and will NEVER go back. I used a different handle though the lower it a little.
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Old Oct 9, 2016 | 07:29 PM
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I have a totally different view on this. I prefer to use the factory shifters...and that may be because I know how to deal with them if they are loose and even if I buy a new facotry reproduction shifter...the 'tricks' I do to it to keep neutral a tight slot and not getting locked up in two gears.

I mainly like the reverse feature of a facotry shifter where it is easy to get into reverse...and not having to slap the shifter to reverse gate to get it to go into reverse.

It is a totally personal thing. I have NOTHING against Hurst shifters...I just do not prefer them.
DUB

Last edited by DUB; Oct 9, 2016 at 07:30 PM.
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Old Oct 9, 2016 | 07:47 PM
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Hurst.
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Old Oct 9, 2016 | 08:24 PM
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Hurst super shifter 3 in mine. Very sweet. I would hate to give this up to go to an o.d. Transmission w/ an internal rail shift.

QUOTE=540 vette;1593220518]Hurst.[/QUOTE]
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Old Oct 9, 2016 | 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 73C34me
Hurst super shifter 3 in mine. Very sweet. I would hate to give this up to go to an o.d. Transmission w/ an internal rail shift.

QUOTE=540 vette;1593220518]Hurst.
[/QUOTE]


shift a Long rail shifter one time and you will throw that Hurst junk in the garbage can...
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 10:48 AM
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That would be sweet! My set up is great, but even better would be 😎 I have driven late model 5 &6 speeds, stock shifters and have been very disappointed with the "feel".

QUOTE=redvetracr;1593222030][/QUOTE]


shift a Long rail shifter one time and you will throw that Hurst junk in the garbage can...[/QUOTE]
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 05:58 PM
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Hurst. Mine is hard moving over to get into reverse which is fine, it'll keep me from grinding in by mistake
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Old Oct 11, 2016 | 12:08 AM
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Im using the stock shifter with the linkage rods in the middle holes to give a shorter shift pattern. I took it apart during my restoration and cleaned up everything. It shifts beautifully! Slips into reverse like butter. Dont forget, reverse on the muncie is not synchronised. U should stop the transmission rotation by slipping into 1st or 2nd gear before going into reverse. I had installed a hurst, but you cannot use the factory ignition key lockout that the factory shifter uses. My hurst shifter is a very old model, maybe the ones built today do accomodate that function. Idk.
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Old Oct 12, 2016 | 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by DUB
I have a totally different view on this. I prefer to use the factory shifters...and that may be because I know how to deal with them if they are loose
DUB
I'm with you, I was out last night cruising the parks and was astonished how easy the shifter is "flicked" with two fingers. For power shifts I could see a Hurst but my '81 with all it's <200hp is only a cruiser.
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Old Oct 13, 2016 | 02:08 PM
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Thanks everyone for the input. I am going to try the Hurst as I already have it and I started pulling the original yesterday. A lot more to it than I thought as it looks like I will have to drop the cross member top get it out.

Dave.
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