C4 Short Throw Shifters Input
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 104
Likes: 1
From: Boulder CO
C4 Short Throw Shifters Input
So, I have been looking around for a short throw shifter for my 94 C4 and the B&M and Hurst units are pretty hard to find since they stopped making them. The only other source looks like zfdoc.
After a long while of looking i finally found a deal on a B&M unit, but that got me thinking, (being a mechanical engineer with experience in product design), it seems like there is a gap in the market for C4 short shifters.
So long story short, I am thinking of designing a short throw shifter (likely based on either the B&M or Hurst design), and starting to sell these...is this something anyone would be interested in? or am i just wasting my time...any input is appreciated.
After a long while of looking i finally found a deal on a B&M unit, but that got me thinking, (being a mechanical engineer with experience in product design), it seems like there is a gap in the market for C4 short shifters.
So long story short, I am thinking of designing a short throw shifter (likely based on either the B&M or Hurst design), and starting to sell these...is this something anyone would be interested in? or am i just wasting my time...any input is appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Seems like I read where the Hurst units were going to be picked up again. Maybe I'm wrong. If not, I believe they will continue to be sold via eBay.
Regardless, I don't consider 3 sources for short-throw shifters a shortage in the market. There are plenty of other parts that have only 1 vendor. And, I don't believe the ZF units are anything to scoff at, I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a short-throw option. The ZF units are the ones I recommend.
Shorter throw than Hurst, less notchy/resistance than B&M. Plus, it's the only one providing the option to retain reverse lockout for 89-94 cars.
Regardless, I don't consider 3 sources for short-throw shifters a shortage in the market. There are plenty of other parts that have only 1 vendor. And, I don't believe the ZF units are anything to scoff at, I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a short-throw option. The ZF units are the ones I recommend.
Shorter throw than Hurst, less notchy/resistance than B&M. Plus, it's the only one providing the option to retain reverse lockout for 89-94 cars.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 380
Likes: 1
From: Toronto Ontario
Bought and installed a Hurst short throw for a ZF6 in my LT4. Purchased from Atlantic Speed for $169.88. It will take the factory shifter **** or you can order a black or white "cue ball" shifter ****. I've had a B & M Ripper shifter before and my personal preference is the Hurst Shifter which I find smoother and not as "notchy". Bottomline, if you're thinking of manufacturing and selling a similar item be aware of your competition that has a brand name and a good product.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,145
Likes: 936
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Ive got the Hurst shifter,just need to get motivated to put it in the car.One positive about using one of these shifters,getting rid of the reverse lockout.The set screw striped in mine and reverse was dead.,replaced the lockout ring and all was fine.Nothing to get nervous about,there was no tension on the ring so I knew it wasnt pulling up the rod but just odd it would fail.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 48
From: San Marcos CA
I had the chance to row thru gears in a ZFDoc blue printed trans with short shifter in another car recenlty- Hell of a lot better than a hurst kit, but I don't know how much of that is due to detent mods and internal work.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Anything related to reduced travel, creating a shorter/tighter shifting pattern would be from Bill's newer mods. In his newest version, Bill went for a compromise of the B&M and Hurst shifters. That is to say, he increased the fulcrum/leverage of the Hurst setup but stayed less than the extreme B&M -- that some find too notchy and hard to shift.
My personal experience with Bill's (ZFDoc's) short-throws are well beyond satisfying. When I had the opportunity to get back in a stock C4 (after driving my short-throw for awhile), I was shocked at how long the shifter throw really is. A short-throw shifter is nothing short of a must-have modification.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Loved the Hurst was worth every penny, felt like how it should have been from GM. Noticeably shorter yet still smooth. Nice positive engagement, never missed the reverse lockout.
The B&M is shorter throw and seems high effort/very nothcy didnt like it at all. Could shift quicker with the stocker. Some like them though.
if you can make a good one and sell it for a buck fifty or less think youd have a winner on your hands.
The B&M is shorter throw and seems high effort/very nothcy didnt like it at all. Could shift quicker with the stocker. Some like them though.
if you can make a good one and sell it for a buck fifty or less think youd have a winner on your hands.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 17
From: woodbury new jersey
My personal experience with Bill's (ZFDoc's) short-throws are well beyond satisfying. When I had the opportunity to get back in a stock C4 (after driving my short-throw for awhile), I was shocked at how long the shifter throw really is. A short-throw shifter is nothing short of a must-have modification.
