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Hello
I'm considering an upgrade if the TH400 in my 73 454 to either a B&M Quiksilver or a Hurst Promatic 2.
Two questions. First, is one any better than the other?
Second, how do you install/finish in the centre console, mine is an AC car. Do you re-use stock console? Or are you tied to using the new console that would come as part of the upgrade?
I guess one last question, is it worth the hassle? I am focussing on making the driving more fun and engaging.
Hello
I'm considering an upgrade if the TH400 in my 73 454 to either a B&M Quiksilver or a Hurst Promatic 2.
Two questions. First, is one any better than the other?
Second, how do you install/finish in the centre console, mine is an AC car. Do you re-use stock console? Or are you tied to using the new console that would come as part of the upgrade?
I guess one last question, is it worth the hassle? I am focussing on making the driving more fun and engaging.
Thanks!
S
NOT meaning to be a 'kill joy'. But ALMOST of all the aftermarket shifters (automatic an manual) that I have had come into my shop attached to a Corvette are NOT installed correctly...and often times..trying to get them to fit and keep all other factory parts intact is very hard to do and make it look correct and function without hitting any other parts.
The amount of 'hassle' of installation is up to you and what you are willing to live with. TRUST me...it is not like playing with 'Lego's. It is not just going to 'snap' into place. And if for some odd reason if it does...count your blessings. The ODDS are stacked against you.
Honestly....All I expect is that a shifter does its job without any problems ...in regards to shifting smoothly and NOT damaging any other surrounding parts...or requiring any major modifications that can ruin the look of the console area......especially if it is a Corvette that is street driven....UNLESS the customer is willing to CHANGE the entire look of the shift console area.
Ok thanks, good advice. So giving up on the stock look, is there a commercial option for splitting the climate controls from the new shifter console? And Hurst or B&M?
Hello
I'm considering an upgrade if the TH400 in my 73 454 to either a B&M Quiksilver or a Hurst Promatic 2.
Two questions. First, is one any better than the other?
Second, how do you install/finish in the centre console, mine is an AC car. Do you re-use stock console? Or are you tied to using the new console that would come as part of the upgrade?
I guess one last question, is it worth the hassle? I am focussing on making the driving more fun and engaging.
Thanks!
S
It don't get any simpler than this, there is really zero improvement is the aftermarket shifters over the stock GM stuff...and the OE stuff is trouble free too.....
Ok thanks, good advice. So giving up on the stock look, is there a commercial option for splitting the climate controls from the new shifter console? And Hurst or B&M?
Nothing commercial that I am aware of ( but then again...I am not out looking for them either). All options usually have to be custom modified.
Anything is possible...but it will depend on how much TIME (which will equate to money) you want to put into it.
It seems like you are set changing it....SO......Try it...you will see. When you have over a week of time in it and are not getting anywhere fast....then maybe you will realize what was written above. Like I wrote...it depends on what you can live with. Because I have seen some console/shifter areas that were a total disgrace. But you might have the 'Midas touch' and get it right the first time...with parts coming straight out of the box.
Very tight dimensional issues under the shifter plate. You will be doing a lot of measuring...as like I have done....and should do. But what do I know.
It don't get any simpler than this, there is really zero improvement is the aftermarket shifters over the stock GM stuff...and the OE stuff is trouble free too.....
Yea I'm off trying to empty a different bag of hammers. Based on the above advice, and the new understanding that I can't really do any harm the the Th-400 trans by shifting it 'manually', then that's my plan, at least until i get far enough down my fix-it list to changing the kick down switch under the gas pedal, and then tweaking the shift points.
Yea I'm off trying to empty a different bag of hammers. Based on the above advice, and the new understanding that I can't really do any harm the the Th-400 trans by shifting it 'manually', then that's my plan, at least until i get far enough down my fix-it list to changing the kick down switch under the gas pedal, and then tweaking the shift points.
Thank you all again for the advice
S
I think that is a wise decision. Years ago I put a B&M in a '82 Trans Am. That was easy but made no improvement and was not trouble-free, but it did look pretty. I had thought about it for the Vette and I have seen some but everyone I have spoken to has said it was more time and trouble that it was worth.
Ultimately it's your car and your decision to make.
As others have stated above, it will be quite an endeavor. It can be done though. I have some archived threads about the installs. Pm me if your interested in reading them.
I have a B&M Megashifter that I've been holding off on installing. I want the ratcheting action without the possibility of missing a shift or hitting reverse. I can't say that it's a project that I'm looking forward to though.
Used a B&M Camaro console version. Made template of the original top, got a piece of thin aluminum and copied the template. Switched to toggle switches and used allen head screws for a different look to attach the aluminum plate. Used a dremel tool to "modify" the original console top as needed. Got the "u" channel trim from Ebay and trimmed out the openings. Worked out well and good luck.
Last edited by dpw21562; Jul 18, 2014 at 12:03 AM.
Wow that's very nicely done! Thank you,mum going to put that on the back burner for now, buts it's nice to know that with some creativity it can be done!
This Hurst shifter took a lot of work to install "properly". I opened the gate up, modified the reverse lockout lever, deformed the floor pan, added 1 inch square tube channels under shifter to establish correct height. I was a royal pain....but worth it to me. Good luck! Jim
Used a B&M Camaro console version. Made template of the original top, got a piece of thin aluminum and copied the template. Switched to toggle switches and used allen head screws for a different look to attach the aluminum plate. Used a dremel tool to "modify" the original console top as needed. Got the "u" channel trim from Ebay and trimmed out the openings. Worked out well and good luck.
That is an incredible job. That could not have been easy, but very satisfying.
I tried putting my Quarter stick in my car, but it looked like too much cutting. I decided to weld a lower gate to the shifter to make it function similar to the Hurst, with a button instead of another lever.
AWESOME examples...which just proves what I wrote. IT is possible...but I am sure that all of the photo's of shifters shown just did not fall into place and had modifications to make them work.
Tumblershawn...I did not want to discourage you....I was just letting you know that it can take some time and engineering to get it looking good and function correctly.
I hear you, I totally appreciate it. I had assumed there might be an aftermarket 'kit' that could easily solve the problem, and after getting your reply and seeing the pictures of the mods done by the others above, I will definitely tackle it some day, but it's lower down the list for now!
They still perform the same function. 
Shifter upgrade
