Short throw shifter. Why?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Short throw shifter. Why?
I was looking through a Ecklers magazine and see they are selling a B&M 6 speed ripper shifter for the 89-96 C4's that reduces shifter throws by 40% (269.99). They also sell a Hurst shifter kit for the 89-96 (199.99). Just wondering why on Gods green earth someone would pay, especially that much, for something they can do with the stock shifter other than it's made of pretty aluminum or chrome? Enlighten me.
Last edited by RRT vette; Jul 9, 2007 at 11:49 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
Well, if you believe the advertizing mumbo-jumbo, shorter shifting distance = shorter time between shifts = faster acceleration. Probably true, but to a very small extent.
If you ask me, it's all about the driving experience. They not only shorten the shift, but most of them make it firmer as well (less wiggle room when in gear, if you know what I mean). If having a more precise-feeling shifter is worth $200, then it's a good deal. If not, don't get one. Personally, I'm all for them. The most important upgrades to a car are the ones you actually engage.
If you ask me, it's all about the driving experience. They not only shorten the shift, but most of them make it firmer as well (less wiggle room when in gear, if you know what I mean). If having a more precise-feeling shifter is worth $200, then it's a good deal. If not, don't get one. Personally, I'm all for them. The most important upgrades to a car are the ones you actually engage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
The difference between a stock shifter and a short throw are monumental. I went from a stock 93 Mustang GT shifter to a B&M short throw and it was like night and day. I loved it. It definitely firms up the shifts and the distance and time to shift was noticeably shortened.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,218
Likes: 47
From: Pomfret, CT
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
It will be the best mod you ever did! That's why. It will make shifting the car feel like it should have felt from the factory. The shorter throw makes it much firmer and solid. In addition, if you do any power shifting..you will never miss a gear!
I got the Hurst and I love it.
I got the Hurst and I love it.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
I bought the Hurst too, but haven't had a chance to install it yet. I found the stock shifter to be pretty flabby, with long throws. From what I've read, the Hurst should make for more enjoyable driving.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
I agree, mostly, with the above comments. I installed the Hurst and it is tighter, shorter, more "positive," etc. It is also easier to select reverse without the lockup.
Two downsides:
o It is a major PITA to install
o Surprisingly, absence of reverse lockout can make shifting into 5th a bit imprecise
On balance, worth doing
Two downsides:
o It is a major PITA to install
o Surprisingly, absence of reverse lockout can make shifting into 5th a bit imprecise
On balance, worth doing
Last edited by Rapid Fred; Jul 9, 2007 at 09:26 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
From the looks of the instructions, it appears that the biggest PITA is dropping the exhaust system to gain access. I've heard other folks say that it's a good time to change the fuel filter while you're in there.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
The shifter install in my car is truly one of the best things that I did. I installed the B&M over the Hurst simply by test driving a buddies GS with the B&M and another buddies ZR-1 with the Hurst. In my opinion I noticed that the B&M was the one to go with simply due to my own taste. Both shifters are great; some love the Ripper and some love the Hurst. If you ever have the opportunity, drive both (which shouldn't be too hard to do), and make your decision. Best of Luck!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Is that a promise?? (you've, obviously, never seen me drive....)
Why a B&M/Hurst shifter for the ZF6? Because anything not stock has to be better.
Larry
code5coupe
___________
not easily impressed....
Why a B&M/Hurst shifter for the ZF6? Because anything not stock has to be better.
Larry
code5coupe
___________
not easily impressed....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,218
Likes: 47
From: Pomfret, CT
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Ok, in your case it improves your chances! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 0
From: Houston PA
I was looking through a Ecklers magazine and see they are selling a B&M 6 speed ripper shifter for the 89-96 C4's that reduces shifter throws by 40% (269.99). They also sell a Hurst shifter kit for the 89-96 (199.99). Just wondering why on Gods green earch someone would pay, especially that much, for something they can do with the stock shifter other than it's made of pretty aluminum or chrome? Enlighten me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
B&M here...love it!
Night & day difference in feel over the stock shifter.
I too tried both the B&M and the Hurst (ZFDoc had cars w/ both @ his place) and found the B&M more to my liking. To me, the Hurst felt more like the stock shifter, just w/ shorter throws...the B&M, on the other hand, has even shorter throws than the Hurst and a notchy, race car feel that I really like.
FWIW...You can get then B&M from Jegs for $199 and the Hurst for $129.
Night & day difference in feel over the stock shifter.
I too tried both the B&M and the Hurst (ZFDoc had cars w/ both @ his place) and found the B&M more to my liking. To me, the Hurst felt more like the stock shifter, just w/ shorter throws...the B&M, on the other hand, has even shorter throws than the Hurst and a notchy, race car feel that I really like.FWIW...You can get then B&M from Jegs for $199 and the Hurst for $129.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
I gather from responses that the transmission does not need to be r/r to install the shifter(s)?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I thought the install was a pain in the ***. I did it without dropping exhaust though, that made it more difficult. But instantly worth the trouble after driving it.
Shortening the stock shifter won't work as well. The Hurst shortens the part above the pivot, and lengthens the part below the pivot.
So you get a shifter that is only 1.35" lower, but a full 28% shorter throw. If you shortened the top of the stock shifter by 28%, it'd be buried in the console plate.
Shortening the stock shifter won't work as well. The Hurst shortens the part above the pivot, and lengthens the part below the pivot.
So you get a shifter that is only 1.35" lower, but a full 28% shorter throw. If you shortened the top of the stock shifter by 28%, it'd be buried in the console plate.
