Now that the Hurst appears to be in stock and for sale, and even having A GP running, has anyone had time to really drive with it?? What are your thoughts? Im sure everyone would love to know how it compares to the Kirban and Ripper.

 

I have the Hurst, and I previously had a Ripper. My thoughts:
- Both are well made, and have a very precise feel, with a much shorter throw than stock.
- The spring tension on the Ripper is high, you definitely have to do some work to get it in gear. In fact, I had it pop out of gear on me once or twice, which did not make me happy. You get used to the stiffness, though. The stock spring tension on the Hurst is a little lighter, and just about perfect in my opinion. In addition, the tension is adjustable on the Hurst, so you can tailor it any way you like.
- The Ripper rattled almost constantly from 2000RPM up, and got very loud and annoying from 3000 up. The Hurst, while not as quiet as stock, is much quieter than the Ripper is. In particular, the Ripper seems to transmit a lot of vibration up the stick itself, while most of the Hurst noise seems to come from within the base, and is much less annoying (IMO!).

Everyone has their own opinions, of course, and a lot of people on the forum are very happy with their Rippers. For me, though, the Hurst is just a better unit. The adjustable spring tension alone makes it worthwhile.

Good luck,
Collin

 

Collin, whats the comparison in throw length??

 

EXCELLENT! Mine is on order!, I'm taking the console apart this weekend... to be ready for installation ( not driving car anyway) :D :D :D :chevy :flag

 

The Ripper and Hurst feel about the same to me. I don't remember what the actual "official" numbers are for each, but I've seen quotes that state anywhere between 20% and 30% reduction in throw length from stock. Unfortunately my Ripper is long gone so I can't do any more comparing, but based on my memory of how the Ripper felt, I'm pretty sure that the Hurst is almost identical.

Collin

 

Collin, great info to be sharing. While I still have my Ripper and have learned to live with the "notchee" feel of it, I am interested in the Hurst for a smoother shift and less noise. Judging by what you have shared here, it seems that Hurst has the solution. Will have to give it a try.
Thanks again!
Joe

 

Thanks! I've gotten so much help and information from the forum, it's cool to actually be able to contribute something for a change....:)

Good luck with the Hurst!

Collin

 

Thanks for the reply! I definately like the idea of adjustable tension, although I had heard of people cutting part of the ripper spring to make it lighter? Is the Hurst unit the same height as the ripper? Anyone else had first-hand experience with the Hurst yet?

 

I think the height of the Ripper and the Hurst are about the same, though I can't say for sure. Based on my recollection, though, I have to think they're within 1/2" of each other.

I did hear of people removing a few coils from the Ripper springs to reduce the tension, and I imagine that works fine.

For those interested, the Hurst shifter uses two springs on each side, mounted concentrically (outer spring and inner spring on each side). I believe the stock arrangement is a heavier outer spring and a lighter inner spring. But along with the shifter you also get extra springs - a lighter outer and a heavier inner for each side. So depending on the tension you want, you can go heavier outer/heavier inner, heavier/lighter, lighter/heavier, or lighter/lighter. It's really a question of what you prefer. In addition to changing the springs themselves, there is an adjustment screw on each side of the shifter that lets you increase/decrease the spring tension on that side. So you really can set it up any way you want.

Good luck,
Collin


[Modified by COBrien, 9:52 AM 11/13/2001]

 

I'd love to hear some feedback about the Hurst installation.

From my youth, Hurst was the only aftermarket shifter there was. I have been eagerly awaiting its release.

Thanks

 

Simple, and identical to the Ripper install, or re-install of a stock shifter (all of which I've done!). There are instructions included with both the Ripper and Hurst, and in addition there's a write-up in the tech tips section of the Forum. If you've never done it before you should probably figure it will take you about an hour. Once you've done it once, though, it can go much quicker. I think I could probably change mine out in about 10-15 minutes if I had to.

Collin

 

I just got a C5 and have been reading about the various aftermarket shifters. I don't really care about the shorter throw, but instead would like something that will be easier to find the gear positions with. My wife is still having a few problems with the stock setup, and if there is an aftermarket stick that will make it easier for her to find the appropriate gear I would install it. Have had Hurst in the past and been very pleased with the quality, but my main objective in replacing the stock unit, if I do, would be for my wife to enjoy the car more. Is the Hurst the wrong one to look at?

 

Anyone tried both the Kirban and the new Hurst. I'm curious how both compare.

 

I wouldn't say the Hurst would be the wrong one to look at, at least when compared with the Ripper or Kirban (based on what I've heard of the Kirban - I don't have any first-hand experience with it). The effort involved in shifting the Hurst is less than that of the Ripper, and can be made even easier. However, in terms of finding the right gear, I'd think the stock unit would be easier? The longer throw seems to make it more obvious which gear you're in, at least in my opinion. With a short shifter, I'd think people would have a tougher time finding the right gear when shifting, because there's so much less travel involved?

Collin

 

Hey, BobT, I remember you from the C4 board from a few years ago. Welcome to C5 land!

I saw a good post one day from a member who was trying to help people to not miss shifts while drag racing. I tried it and it works. Basically, 1st to 2nd is easy, just pull back and to the left and you're there, unless the cags gets you. 2nd to 3rd just push forward and the transmission will guide you into the gear. Straight back and you'll be guided into 4th.

I know, duh, seems really stupid, but I've tried it with just my finger tips and it works every time. :yesnod:

 

I know you're only repeating what you heard, but that sounds like it would make it stiffer. Sping tension usually increases when you remove coils.

Maybe someone who has done this can comment.

 

I think the difference here would be that not only are you removing coils, you're also shortening the length of the spring....

Collin

 

Well....

No, the spring would stay the same compression if you just cut a picece off, but it would be shorter.....

And, yes it would be shorter, assuming you leave the spring as it is when you trim it.....

However, to lighten the pressure of the spring you would remove coils from a spring, then pull the spring out so that when it is static it is the same height as before, it will be easier to compress (compression springs anyway) because you will be moving against the force of fewer coils in the same amount of space.

Hope that helps :D , keep the posts coming, so far i like what I am hearing about the Hurst? Is it really quieter than the ripper?

 

I haven't tried the hurst (except in a 97 Z28) so I can't comment on that but I have the ripper.
The one thing I will say about the ripper is that I wish the springs were stiffer! I love it's notchyness and a it differs so much from the bimmer trannys that some of my friends rave about. But I've gotten so used to the springs, that I just push it around like they're not there.
On the otherhand I bet if the springs were stronger, the 6th to 5th shift could turn into 6th to 3rd :eek:

Ahh well better leave it alone :D

 

I love the ripper too, but I don't agree with Chris that I wish it was stiffer...Chris (and I) are large guys, and I bought my ripper used from a guy that just thought it was 'too much'....to anybody who is interested, try one first if you can ! I can tell you this much: when you get used to those short notchy throws on the m6, you ain't goin' back ! :D :D :cheers: