Dear Corvette Forum Members,

We just got a bulletin from Hurst advising us that Hurst shifters for the C5 will be available and in stock within the next 2 weeks.

They will be priced at: $169.95 with SHIPPING INCLUDED.

We will post and let you know as soon as they are in stock and ready to ship.

Thanks!

Shawn

 

OH,

I forgot to mention that SHIPPING will be via FEDEX air service. We will NOT ship them ground.

This will save you agonizing wait time as I know you hate to wait for packages.

We have to wait as well!

Just thought I would let you know that AIR freight is included in the price of the Hurst shifters.

Thanks!

Shawn

 

Doh!! I just ordered a ripper from you yesterday. I guess it too late to change it.

 

So these are supposedly less stiff than the Ripper's? What about the Kirban's? I would like something just a little more "tight" than the stock shifter... just wondering! Thanks for the info!

Patrick :seeya

 

Patman36,

It is all a matter of personal preference. Most like the Ripper, some like the Kirban and the guys that have had good luck with Hurst will always be partial to that brand.

You may like one or the other.

This is the info we got faxed to us by Hurst:

BILLET/PLUS SHIFTERS for CORVETTE
Hurst Billet/Plus Shifters are sturdily constructed for a more positive precise feel when shifting, and incorporate a high ratio pivot mechanism for reduced shifter throw. Self centering alignment improves 2nd to 3rd up-shift gear changes to reduce the chance of “missed shifts”. Patented adjustable bias spring loads on most models allow stick tension to be tailored to drivers preference. Dedicated applications assure a custom fit and eliminate any vehicle modifications for ease of installation, and an exclusive oil control seal eliminates transmission fluid loss and leakage. U.S. Patent no. 4,581,951

This Billet/Plus Shifter for the 1997-2000 C5 Corvette reduces the throw by approximately 35% and is constructed of a CNC machined 6061 T-6 BILLET ALUMINUM mounting base and heat treated BILLET STEEL gear selector for ultimate strength. The shifter incorporates gear stops to prevent overshifting and features adjustable bias springs loads so that stick tension can be tailored to drivers preference and comfort. Accepts stock shifter **** and boot.

Hope this helps.

Shawn

 

Guys,

You can see and order a Hurst shifter here:
http://store.yahoo.com/corvetteforum/c5hurshifcur.html

Just to let you know.

Thanks!

Shawn

 

I'm interested to see how people like these compared to the other two that are already on the market.

 

I would also like to see the reviews before I make the shift!! :D

 

Well, I had a Ripper and sent it back, now I have a Kirban and it's ok but I am getting a Hurst and will let you know how it compares to the other two.

 

In the Hurst description it says for 1997-2000 C5. Will it not fit a 2001?

 

Al '92,

The B&M Ripper Shifter label says 1997-2000 C5 Chevrolet Corvette, but it also fits the 2001 and 2002 C5 and Z06s.

The same goes for the Hurst shifters.

As far as shifters go, they fit the 97-2002 C5 Corvettes.

Hope this clarifies.

Thanks!

Shawn

 

I am a long time Hurst fan, and want one for my coupe. Where do I get on the waiting list? :seeya

 

zoneblock,

You can get on the waiting list by ordering here:
http://store.yahoo.com/corvetteforum/c5hurshifcur.html

Thanks!

Shawn

 

Has anyone got one yet ? and how is it compared to the other short shifters out there?

 

Only a handful of original testers have them, they haven't quite reached shipping yet. However, based on my experiences on other cars, I really like the feeling of Hurst shifters over B&M, much less of a very distinct "notchy" feel, yet more solid and guided. I can't compare to any Kirbans, no experience there.

Sam

 

Im ready to buy a shifter & need a little input on the best unit available. Thanks in advance :seeya

 

I have had a Ripper and sent it back, I now have a Kirban and when I get my Hurst, I'll let you know how the three of them compare.

 

Yes, please post your thoughts on all three. I too am looking and it is difficult without having the capability of trying them. I am looking for something that is precise but without a huge increase in effort (for the wife). Also understand that Pro 5.0 is coming out with one next month.

 

I am a very longtime fan of Hurst shifters, but I absolutley LOVE my Kirban. I can't imagine the Hurst unit being any *better*, but I would indeed be interested in posts from Kirban users who try the Hurst.

 

Improve on the Kirban?

That's easy. For starters, they could use a nylon ball or socket for additional smoothness and vibration isolation. The Kirban is aluminum & steel. The stock and Ripper are nylon & steel, and nylon & aluminum respectively. The Ripper is smoother and quieter than the Kirban. The Ripper also includes more noise reduction features (boot, nylon gasket).

They could also tighten up the bottom engagement ball. It was .621" dia on my Kirban. The stock ball is .630". My Ripper was .627. As a result, there was signifcant 'slop' in how the ball fit into the production nylon engagement cup on the Kirban. This slop contributed to noise. I would have kept the Kirban if not for this.

I do prefer the slightly longer (20% reduction) throw of the Kirban over the 35% redux of the Ripper. I ended up putting lighter springs in my Ripper, but that won't change the increased effort that comes from the 35% redux.

All of these shifters are *very* simple. I hear some claims about the Hurst that likely can't be true. There's only so much you can do. It is a ball and socket pivot with a pair of springs to center it left-right (but not up/down). These springs augment the factory springs (in the transmission). Any 'gating' comes from the transmission, not the shifter. There is no magic here ;)

They are both good shifters, and it really does come down to personal preference.