Well first off I was skeptical about any aftermarket shifter modification. I thought the stock shifting was OK with the internal rail style shifter. I was wrong. When I got to the stock shifter and saw its stamped steel base and it Atari like joystick movement I knew the Hurst would be a big improvement. After waiting months, got the Hurst for a few weeks ago and I finally got around to installing it last night. It only took a little over an hour to do. The improvement is dramatic, much more positive feel and the adjustable stops make it feel like Hursts of old. Missing a shift will be much harder to do now. I used the factory springs for the self centering adjustments but I did turn each set screw in another turn or so. Once I put it back together there is one thing I would have changed, I would loosen the left had set screw a little because of the effort needed to put the car in reverse. Also now the leather shifter boot looks a little funny because it is squished down from the shorter shifter height. I wonder if anyone makes a smaller leather boot? One problem I had was getting the key out that holds the shift handle in. I ended up breaking the head off, it looks like it is made out of die cast zinc, which is not strong. I haven’t had a chance to test drive the car yet because of all the snow and ice on the ground in MA right now, but I am willing to be I will enjoy shifting a lot more know.

 

You're going to love it! as for the shift boot, I believe the ripper & kirban does the same thing, I would also be interested in a shorter boot! I drove mine yesterday for the first time with the Hurst, you won't believe the difference...just allow 2-3 hrs. for test drive...cause you won't want to stop driving! :D :cheers:

 

Just ordered my hurst from LAPD this week. Love reading these great reviews.

 

I have had my Hurst for a couple of weeks and love it.It does feel like it has loosened up a bit but that could be that I am more used to it.To get a shorter shift boot in almost any color or combo color get it from Ken King.

 

How do you contact Ken King?

 

Vette essentials.com..go to the Forum home page & scroll down the center column almost to the bottom. $40.00 for a short boot plus core chg. I wonder how much a core charge is?

 

I don't know what a core charge is but someone just bought one for I think $46.00 shipped.

 

Thanks Gary...I'll check into it tomorrow :D

 

Thanks for the info on the short shift boot.

 

I've had my Hurst for several months.
It does seem to loosen up and become even more smooth after a short while. :)

 

Customer satisfaction survey- do you guys like the lower handle height despite the boot being slightly "squished"? In the case of the Hurst the handle is about 1" lower, done on my part for comfort and ease of access to dash controls. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Chris

 

Maybe only make it shorter by a half inch. It is tuff to say without compairing them side by side.
The 1" shorter shifter does look kinda funny but it probably is because I am not use to it.

 

I would not change a thing. I like it shorter...

 

Is the height adjustable? (I haven't gotten mine yet). I want it to me low!!

Kevin

 

The Hurst's stick is one solid piece top to bottom. So the height is fixed, currently 1" below stock. I suggest trying this first to see- it may be just what you want. In selecting this height I felt going any shorter would become uncomfortable, it's really just about right for reach. If you did want to go shorter, the threads can be cut a little more than 1/4" and still have enough threads for the stock **** and most others. Anything further would interfere with the leather boot and require some lathe work, of course depending on the ****.

I don't like the boot being pushed down like it is, but in general it appears this height is ideal. The boot could be trimmed and re-sewn, and of course Ken King could make a shorter boot. A 1/2" height reduction wouldn't impact the boot much at all, but may be higher than ideal. But of course we're only talking about 1/2". So keep those comments coming in. thanks,

Chris

 

Chris, I like it fine the way it is! Perfect for me! I just ordered a short boot from Ken King, this boot & the shifter sould make the set-up perfect! :cheers: :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

 

What shifter **** is everyone using? TIA

Lane

 

To all of you guys who think they get easier as they break in, this is highly unlikely. Move the shifter around without it installed in the car. Even my ripper moves very easily when not installed. There really is nothing to break in. In fact, in the up down motion, there is virtually no resistance in the shifter itself. Side-to-side would theoretically get a little easier, but not likely much. A spring made of the correct metal should not work-soften.

It is much more likely that either you are getting used to it, or the transmission itself is getting broken in (that does happen up to a point).

The Hurst sounds like a nice piece, but keep in mind I have operated several rippers, and some are much easier than others. The car and the height of the **** make a big difference. I would like to try a Hurst if anyone in the Houston area has one.

 

I realize that there's a foot of snow on the ground, and it was 6 degrees this AM, so having a Hurst shifter in the "Vette wouldn't help me one bit. However, at least you guys have your shifters!!
I ordered one back in October, and I'm still waiting to get it!! Talk about poor product planning on Mr. Gasket/Hurst's part........

 

Hang in there Leadfoot4...you will not be disappointed! If so...as long as it's not damaged when you install & uninstall, & is complete, if you are not satisfied with the Hurst, I'll buy it from you!, at what you pd. for it!, at the Forum Mall price?, That's how confident I am that you will like it! :D :D :D :D :cheers:
PS. I'm not affiliated with Hurst...I just love & believe in this shifter!