Short throw shifter
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 834
Likes: 1
From: Keller Texas
Short throw shifter
I have my transmission out at this time because I am doing a rebuild on a 96 LT4. I have a extra shift handle that is a stock handle just like the one in my 6 speed. I was thinking about cutting it shorter and threading it for the shift ****. Has anyone done or heard of this? Just dont have the money to buy a new $150 short shift handle because it is all going back into the rebuild, need to get some new coated headers!! Thanks for any info
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: Hermosa Beach, CA
I am replacing my stock shifter with a short throw that I built in the machine shop. I can check it out when I pull the other one off of the transmission to see if the only main difference is the shaft length. Seems like it should work the same just not have the postive feel between gears.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
As I understand it, to get a shorter, quicker shifter, you need to INCREASE the distance between the shifter's pivot point and where the end of shifter connects to the shift rod/rail in the transmission. By just lowering the point at which you grasp the shifter, you may shorten the 'throw' by not having to swing your arm as far as before, but I believe this increases the effort needed shift without actually changing the amount of travel below the pivot point where the shifting actually takes place. You appear to do less shifting, but it doesn't effectively translate into a much quicker shift. I agree $150-$200 is too much for a shifter stick and a couple ounces of hardware, but they are a definite improvement and are a breeze to install with the trans on the ground. Sell a kidney and buy a Hurst.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,886
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Originally Posted by 500hp
As I understand it, to get a shorter, quicker shifter, you need to INCREASE the distance between the shifter's pivot point and where the end of shifter connects to the shift rod/rail in the transmission. By just lowering the point at which you grasp the shifter, you may shorten the 'throw' by not having to swing your arm as far as before, but I believe this increases the effort needed shift without actually changing the amount of travel below the pivot point where the shifting actually takes place. You appear to do less shifting, but it doesn't effectively translate into a much quicker shift. I agree $150-$200 is too much for a shifter stick and a couple ounces of hardware, but they are a definite improvement and are a breeze to install with the trans on the ground. Sell a kidney and buy a Hurst.
Plus, the stock stick will still have that "rubbery" feel to it due the 2-piece design.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Personally I prefer the B&M. If you want your shifts to be rock solid. The Hurst just isn't really that much of an improvement over stock.
Ultimately though it's a love / hate thing. If you love B&M you hate Hurst and vice versa. The one thing that we can all agree on though is that the stock shifter sucks.
The best advice would be to try and drive one of each before you make your decision.
Ultimately though it's a love / hate thing. If you love B&M you hate Hurst and vice versa. The one thing that we can all agree on though is that the stock shifter sucks.
The best advice would be to try and drive one of each before you make your decision.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Originally Posted by Nathan Plemons
The Hurst just isn't really that much of an improvement over stock.
This is where you are wrong. The difference is night and day.
The best advice would be to try and drive one of each before you make your decision.
This is where you are wrong. The difference is night and day.
The best advice would be to try and drive one of each before you make your decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,178
Likes: 1
From: Bahston Mass.
Originally Posted by Nathan Plemons
Personally I prefer the B&M. If you want your shifts to be rock solid. The Hurst just isn't really that much of an improvement over stock.
Ultimately though it's a love / hate thing. If you love B&M you hate Hurst and vice versa. The one thing that we can all agree on though is that the stock shifter sucks.
The best advice would be to try and drive one of each before you make your decision.
Ultimately though it's a love / hate thing. If you love B&M you hate Hurst and vice versa. The one thing that we can all agree on though is that the stock shifter sucks.
The best advice would be to try and drive one of each before you make your decision.
I agree with your advice. The only thing I don't agree with is that the Hurst isn't much of an improvement over stock - it's a HUGE difference. You completely lose the sloppy shift feeling - it's rock solid, and VERY tight..
I liked the feel of both shifters, to be honest, I just stumbled on a good deal on the Hurst on EBay, so that was what I got
