Let's talk shifters...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 946
Likes: 2
Let's talk shifters...
I'm trying to decide what I want to do for a shifter. I've seen about forty-leven billion Hurst, B&M's for sale, a fewer amount of MTI's, and quite rarely a BPP or MGW up for grabs.
I've read quite a number of for sale threads, and have come to the following general conclusions:
1) People sell Hurst, B&M and MTI shifters to buy a new shifter (recently it's been for an MGW)
2) People sell BPP's and MGWs when they sell the car.
So great, seems like BPPs and MGWs are the currently favored shifters, but I don't really know why that's true. I mean, they all look like the same design except for the MGW, and just have different features...
The MGW looks like an awesome piece of engineering and the BPP really looks like you can adjust it to your liking, but the other shifters offer various ways of adjusting things as well.
Is there something I'm missing on the first three? Noisy? Clunky?
I'd love to hear from owners of all shifters and hear what you like and don't like.
TIA!
I've read quite a number of for sale threads, and have come to the following general conclusions:
1) People sell Hurst, B&M and MTI shifters to buy a new shifter (recently it's been for an MGW)
2) People sell BPP's and MGWs when they sell the car.
So great, seems like BPPs and MGWs are the currently favored shifters, but I don't really know why that's true. I mean, they all look like the same design except for the MGW, and just have different features...
The MGW looks like an awesome piece of engineering and the BPP really looks like you can adjust it to your liking, but the other shifters offer various ways of adjusting things as well.
Is there something I'm missing on the first three? Noisy? Clunky?
I'd love to hear from owners of all shifters and hear what you like and don't like.
TIA!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
TurboBerserker
There are basically TWO different types of shifters. Shifters that are spring centered (meaning, when you have the shift lever in nuteral, there are springs in the shifter body that assist it there (inside the shifter)
Then there are shifters that are NOT assisted (like stock) The centering force that you feel in the shifter actually comes from a spring inside the transmission. If you remove the stock shifter the shift rod will flop around like a limp dish rag!
I have a KIRBAN shifter and it is spring assisted and it also has shift stops. I use my shift stops and really like them.
If I were you,, before you plop down cash for a shifter,,,expierence some on actual cars first. Spring/summer is here and there will be lots of gatherings that you can check some out.
The increased centering force in a spring assisted shifter can HELP prevent you from accidently shifting from 3rd to 2nd and damaging the engine.
Its all a personal taste thing. I have some friends that perfer NON spring assisted shifters. Most people (other C5/C6 owners) that have driven my car, make positive comments on my shifter.
BC
There are basically TWO different types of shifters. Shifters that are spring centered (meaning, when you have the shift lever in nuteral, there are springs in the shifter body that assist it there (inside the shifter)
Then there are shifters that are NOT assisted (like stock) The centering force that you feel in the shifter actually comes from a spring inside the transmission. If you remove the stock shifter the shift rod will flop around like a limp dish rag!
I have a KIRBAN shifter and it is spring assisted and it also has shift stops. I use my shift stops and really like them.
If I were you,, before you plop down cash for a shifter,,,expierence some on actual cars first. Spring/summer is here and there will be lots of gatherings that you can check some out.
The increased centering force in a spring assisted shifter can HELP prevent you from accidently shifting from 3rd to 2nd and damaging the engine.
Its all a personal taste thing. I have some friends that perfer NON spring assisted shifters. Most people (other C5/C6 owners) that have driven my car, make positive comments on my shifter.
BC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota City MN
I agree with Bill. Check out what other people have and how they shift. I have a Hurst that I purchased before I knew about the forum. I like it, but I think there might be better ones out there....from what I have read.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I wanted to add more info but I was at work and didn't have time. Shifting correctly is an ART. You need to perfect it. Theres a CORRECT way and a wrong way. I know,,,,,I KNOW,,,,,since we were 16 we were EXPERTS!
The first time you hit second gear at 110 MPH you will see how much of an expert your NOT!
Hand placement! DO NOT use the "Death Grip on the shift handle!! Classic mistake!!!
When you strangle the shifter, You tend to pull the shift **** toward you. That will get you second gear every time the Adrenalin is flowing.
I have found that using the tips of your fingers and the palm of your hand to be the BEST technique to get where your suppose to go when your rowing through the gears.
The first time you hit second gear at 110 MPH you will see how much of an expert your NOT!
Hand placement! DO NOT use the "Death Grip on the shift handle!! Classic mistake!!!
When you strangle the shifter, You tend to pull the shift **** toward you. That will get you second gear every time the Adrenalin is flowing.
I have found that using the tips of your fingers and the palm of your hand to be the BEST technique to get where your suppose to go when your rowing through the gears.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 18
From: South East USA
Kirban
Bill,
I have the Kirban also. When I bought my vette it was the shifter de jour. I like it, but people have been talking up the MGW so much I've considered switching. Have you driven a vette with an MGW, and if so, what did you think?
Thanks,
AJ
I have the Kirban also. When I bought my vette it was the shifter de jour. I like it, but people have been talking up the MGW so much I've considered switching. Have you driven a vette with an MGW, and if so, what did you think?
Thanks,
AJ
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
No. I have not had the opportunity yet. There are lots of corvette functions coming up. I will try to find some one who has one and try it out. My wifes C6 needs a new shifter so, it may be a canidate for a Kirban or an MGM.
Bill
Bill
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 18
From: South East USA
Kirban vs MGW
The Kirban is a little stiff for the wife. I know, That could be a good thing. I don't get a chance to go to many gatherings...would love to know what you think if you get to play with the MGW.
AJ
AJ
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: Arlington Hts. IL
I've noticed over the years ever time a new shifter comes out there is a run to it. The last being the new c6 z06 shifter. Everybody loves the shifter THEY have, and I can't think of anyone that has tried them all. I have a hurst, I put it in before 2/3 of the others were out.If you are willing to take the time and tune the hurst its a great shifter. It has the shift stops and spring pressure can go from mild to wild, with the stock ball it will buzzzzz at high rpm. The fix is a pool ball sized steel ball(no more buzz) and it beats the heck out of the at best vague stocker. If there are that many for sale you should be able to get it for a dime on the dollar. Good Luck
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I am very happy with my Hurst.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Scranton Pa.
I have had stock, too vague and rubbery,
c-6, a little better but not much,
Hurst, way too stiff and notchy
MTI Six Shooter, best so far but way far from perfect, I expected it to be better.
These are just my feelings, yours will vary. I agree that whatever someone has now "is the best" on this forum in most cases. I would like to try the MGW but after about $600 in shifters so far to end up with very little improvement makes me a little gunshy. My Hurst in my C-4 was perfect, I keep hoping for the same feeling, but since no matter what shifter you put in the C-5 you still are using the cheap shifter rod that GM installed to go to the tranny in the rear, you will only get so much improvement. JMHO, I could be wrong
c-6, a little better but not much,
Hurst, way too stiff and notchy
MTI Six Shooter, best so far but way far from perfect, I expected it to be better.
These are just my feelings, yours will vary. I agree that whatever someone has now "is the best" on this forum in most cases. I would like to try the MGW but after about $600 in shifters so far to end up with very little improvement makes me a little gunshy. My Hurst in my C-4 was perfect, I keep hoping for the same feeling, but since no matter what shifter you put in the C-5 you still are using the cheap shifter rod that GM installed to go to the tranny in the rear, you will only get so much improvement. JMHO, I could be wrong
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: Arlington Hts. IL
Seawolf, when you put in the hurst did you change the tension springs or leave it as it came from the factory? The reason I ask is you can tune the shifter to be almost as vague as the stocker. When I here how stiff a hurst is I wonder what was done with the 4 other springs that came with the kit? Yes, the factory setting way to stiff but could be toned way down. Is the MTI adjustable? And yes I only wish we had the C4's ZF trans in our cars (the ZF was the best part of the late C4's) almost as smooth as silk.
