I know there has been a lot of discussion on this topic over the past few weeks (months? ), so I just wanted to let everyone know that this shifter does exist, and it's definitely pretty nice.

Several weeks ago, I had posted about removing my Ripper shifter and returning to stock because I'd decided that I wasn't happy with the Ripper (missed shifts, too much noise, etc.). I was actually just looking for a gasket, since the stock gasket had dissolved into rubber dust when I removed the stock shifter. zrchris was nice enough to offer me one they had from their work on the Hurst C5 shifter (thanks Chris! :cheers:). This led to further discussion, and an offer from Chris to let me try one of their first shifters. I received it last week, got it installed, and have spent some time using it....my thoughts so far are:

- The overall feel of the shifter is excellent. The throw is about the same as the Ripper, or maybe slightly longer. It feels very precise and solid going into gear. I haven't even come close to missing a shift, and there's none of the sloppy stock feeling.

- The stock spring tension of the Hurst is a little less than that of the Ripper, which I like. However, I think the coolest part is that the tension is adjustable (separately for left and right), so you can really customize it any way you want. I've played around with this some, and figure I will some more before I get it exactly the way I want it. It's pretty close now, though. I'm thinking I might make the shift to 5th a little easier, but that may be about it.

- Noise/vibration from the Hurst is substantially less than that of the Ripper, though not completely gone (still there from 3K up under acceleration, or at constant high RPM). At this point, the rattle from the Hurst is noticeably less than what I got from my "damped" Ripper setup (i.e. Ripper liberally coated in Dynamat, wheel weights, heavy shift ****, etc.). And this is with the stock shift **** on the Hurst. Thus far I haven't played around with trying to reduce vibration on the Hurst, but I will when I have some time.

- The Hurst stick is somewhat longer than the Ripper's; I'd guess about an inch or so. This is one aspect of the Ripper that I preferred, but it's not something that I consider a major issue, at least for me.

- Installation is simple, and fundamentally identical to that of the Ripper.

Overall, I definitely like the Hurst shifter, and much prefer it to the Ripper. Just my opinion, of course, so take it for what it's worth. Also, just in case anyone is wondering, I have no affiliation whatsoever with Hurst, etc.; it just turned out that I was in the right place (post-wise ) at the right time, and got a chance to try the shifter out.

Collin

 

I want one too :smash:

 

I have wanted one since February. And I still don't know when they will be on the shelves.

 

I never get noise from my Kirban and I just installed Redline synthetic in the tranny and it is smooth. I love the combo. Forget about the Hurst :smash: and enjoy the Kirban.

 

Believe me I do enjoy the Kirban. But as a long time Hurst customer, it's difficult to 'Put the shifter down and walk away'. I will likely buy one whenever they become available just to try it. But the Kirban definitely rocks. I am probably going to get out to the track next weekend to try it.