Ratchet shifter for auto
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 904
Likes: 0
From: Langley, BC, Canada
Ratchet shifter for auto
Anyone use or know who makes a ratchet shifter for the c4 that fits the stock console, with little or no modification?
[Modified by nsimmons, 10:33 PM 8/29/2001]
[Modified by nsimmons, 10:33 PM 8/29/2001]
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2
From: St. Paul MN
Re: Ratchet shifter for auto (nsimmons)
Check out this post, hahaha, as if you havn't already. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=143186
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
I'm starting to work on a Hurst V-matic2 for the C4 auto application. Hang in there, I'll post when I get further along with it. If you can't wait, grab a generic one and do the custom work, it shouldn't be too bad.
Chris
Chris
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
This is currently an informal project pending the outcome of the first fit-up. I have the pieces to get started, just trying to find time to work on it. I'll let you know the outcome of the first fit-up. thanks,
Chris
Chris
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 658
Likes: 7
From: Perth Amboy New Jersey
Re: Ratchet shifter for auto (nsimmons)
B&M has a Mega-shifter made for a IROC Z camero 86 - 88, the consoles on the camero and the vette are simular height, it should fit. Let them know that you want the 4 speed one.(700R4)
Yedi
Yedi
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Choosing a shifter that's the right height is relative. It's all a matter of how you mount it. Also, most F-body units give you a new console plate to properly integrate the unit. That's not an option here.
65Z01-I don't know what you mean by stepped gate, maybe you're thinking of the Dual gate shifter?
The shifter we are using is the V-matic 2. It's dual mode ratchet or regular, has a T-handle, and lift ring. It mimicks their drag race shifter. Take a look at the generic model in here:
http://www.mrgasket.com/ftp/pdf/Automatic.pdf
The plan is to make it a drop in mod that will use the stock leather boot and leave everything else alone- a nice professional installation. I'll let you know when we progress further.
Chris
65Z01-I don't know what you mean by stepped gate, maybe you're thinking of the Dual gate shifter?
The shifter we are using is the V-matic 2. It's dual mode ratchet or regular, has a T-handle, and lift ring. It mimicks their drag race shifter. Take a look at the generic model in here:
http://www.mrgasket.com/ftp/pdf/Automatic.pdf
The plan is to make it a drop in mod that will use the stock leather boot and leave everything else alone- a nice professional installation. I'll let you know when we progress further.
Chris
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: (zrchris)
zrchris, when I pull the shifter on my '86 IROC into 1st I have to depress the button to get it there. Then as I shift up I can hear the button "click" and feel when I've hit 2nd, 3rd, etc. This is because the inner part of the "ring" that the shifter travels across has a step for each gear, the deepest for 3rd, next for 2nd and the shallowest for 1st.
Unfortunately the C4 Vette shifter "ring" is smooth from 3rd through 1st positions so I can pull the shifter into 3rd-1st without depressing the button; I have no tactile feed back to know positively which gear I'm in nor to assure that I don't pull down into the incorrect gear.
Anyway it sounds like the new shifter will look similar to the "V-matic 2" but with a "built in" look. Will it fit through the stock Vette console lid without cutting? Any idea on pricing yet?
Unfortunately the C4 Vette shifter "ring" is smooth from 3rd through 1st positions so I can pull the shifter into 3rd-1st without depressing the button; I have no tactile feed back to know positively which gear I'm in nor to assure that I don't pull down into the incorrect gear.
Anyway it sounds like the new shifter will look similar to the "V-matic 2" but with a "built in" look. Will it fit through the stock Vette console lid without cutting? Any idea on pricing yet?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
If we went to a Quarterstick it would have stepped levels like that. It's more difficult to integrate that unit and will be visually less appealing. The V-matic 2 give you the option of lightly detented even shifts, probably like the factory unit, or full ratchet, foolproof mode. Previously the concensus seemed to be the Vmatic 2 was the preferred shifter. If you would prefer one of the other shifters from the Hurst line, please post or let me know. If there's enough interest we could consider the Quarterstick as another option. First priority is to find the model that will fit and look best. It is planned for that unit to fit with the factory boot, or a replacement shift plate, no other mods.
Like I say it is very early and informal at this time, nothing is definite, and not much is known about how the fit-up will go. Pricing is unknown, but I expect it to be around the price of the '73-81 Camaro V-matic 2 unit unless some exceptional custom components are needed. It'll probably be a while until this unit is released, I just don't know until I get into the fit-up, which we're gonna start this weekend.
Chris
Like I say it is very early and informal at this time, nothing is definite, and not much is known about how the fit-up will go. Pricing is unknown, but I expect it to be around the price of the '73-81 Camaro V-matic 2 unit unless some exceptional custom components are needed. It'll probably be a while until this unit is released, I just don't know until I get into the fit-up, which we're gonna start this weekend.
Chris
