Please Help! Need Shifter Advice.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wheeling IL
Please Help! Need Shifter Advice.
Friends,
I'm ready to make the move and replace the stock shifter on my 6 speed coupe. I'm leaning toward the Ripper, but I'm worried about the increased effort that some people say is needed. I've also read that shifting into reverse is damn hard. Can anyone give some first hand advice? I don't go to the strip or autocross; just cruisin'. Would I be disappointed with the Ripper? Would the Hurst be a better choice for my type of driving? Sorry if this is a repeat question, but this is my first 'vette, and I'm brand new to the forum. Thanks.
I'm ready to make the move and replace the stock shifter on my 6 speed coupe. I'm leaning toward the Ripper, but I'm worried about the increased effort that some people say is needed. I've also read that shifting into reverse is damn hard. Can anyone give some first hand advice? I don't go to the strip or autocross; just cruisin'. Would I be disappointed with the Ripper? Would the Hurst be a better choice for my type of driving? Sorry if this is a repeat question, but this is my first 'vette, and I'm brand new to the forum. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 905
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
Welcome to the forum, a place where you'll interact with plenty of modaholics. :seeya
I have the Hurst which is a terrific shifter. I never tried the Ripper but have heard it's similar to the Hurst.
There are other shifters as well. The Kirban is supposedly easier to shift than those above but definitely more firm and positive than the stocker. A couple of others are out there as well but those three are the most popular.
Your best bet is to try and find someone with an aftermarket shifter and try it if that's possible.
Goood luck in your search. :)
I have the Hurst which is a terrific shifter. I never tried the Ripper but have heard it's similar to the Hurst.
There are other shifters as well. The Kirban is supposedly easier to shift than those above but definitely more firm and positive than the stocker. A couple of others are out there as well but those three are the most popular.
Your best bet is to try and find someone with an aftermarket shifter and try it if that's possible.
Goood luck in your search. :)
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: Wildwood MO
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Patches)
I have the Hurst Shifter and I love it. You'll never miss 2nd gear EVER again!:cuss It comes with different springs that allow you to change the shifter force. I have never had a problem getting into reverse and I don't have the rattling problem a few other members have had. I would definitely suggest that you replace the **** also. I think the stock **** on the aftermarket shifters might be the cause of the rattling sound reported. Good Luck!:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,284
Likes: 0
From: I just killed your thread Redneck AZ
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
I bought a used Vette that had the Ripper. 1st through 4th is a dream (stiffer then stock though). Getting into 5th can be a pain in the butt. Once your in 5th, 6th is not to bad to get into. Reverse is also a tuff to get into. I had a hard time finding 3rd and 4th with the stock shifter on another car I tried.
Later, Keith in AZ :flag
Later, Keith in AZ :flag
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
I have a Ripper. Definately shorter throw and quick return to center. Also, definately stiffer. My hardest shift is a downshift into second when racing. Occasionally I'll throw it into fourth. Not what you need coming out of an apex.
Try one. See if someone will let you drive it a little. You'll get the feel pretty quick. AutoXs and drags put on by Vette clubs will usually have a couple around.
Try one. See if someone will let you drive it a little. You'll get the feel pretty quick. AutoXs and drags put on by Vette clubs will usually have a couple around.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Manassas VA
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
Hey, I had the same concerns as you about effort, but still bought the Hurst from LAPD. Shifting was noticibly stiffer after install, but definitely loosened up over time. I've put about 500 miles on since the install and it feels really good, I don't really notice the stiffness anymore. I used both the soft springs for pressure and it feels great. First to second is very quick, and 2nd to 3rd requires no aim whatsoever, just slap it upwards. I got the MGW pistol grip ****, a deal at $45. It does transfer a lot of heat, I don't know if I'd like it if I lived in a hot area.
Good luck with whatever you get.
Good luck with whatever you get.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wheeling IL
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (MTWallet)
Hey MTWallet!
I couldn't agree with you more! I'm so tired of missing shifts it's not funny. It can be embaarssing! Good to hear that reverse hasn't been a problem. One reason why I was leaning toward the Ripper was that is WAS NOT adjustable. I figured being adjustable was just something else to go wrong. Oh well, back to the drawing board. Thanks for info.
I couldn't agree with you more! I'm so tired of missing shifts it's not funny. It can be embaarssing! Good to hear that reverse hasn't been a problem. One reason why I was leaning toward the Ripper was that is WAS NOT adjustable. I figured being adjustable was just something else to go wrong. Oh well, back to the drawing board. Thanks for info.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wheeling IL
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (knkayotte)
Thanks knkayotte!
Uh-oh! Here's that reverse problem again! The reason why this is such a big issue with me is because I have to back into the garage due to the curb height at the front of my driveway. Don't want to scrape the front end by pulling in. Also, don't want the neighbors to see me fightin' with the gear shift! (smirk!) Appreciate the straight info.
Uh-oh! Here's that reverse problem again! The reason why this is such a big issue with me is because I have to back into the garage due to the curb height at the front of my driveway. Don't want to scrape the front end by pulling in. Also, don't want the neighbors to see me fightin' with the gear shift! (smirk!) Appreciate the straight info.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wheeling IL
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Xstar)
Thanks Xstar, and to everyone else who took time to help me.
Has shifting to reverse been a problem? I guess I'll have to try each one before buying. The folks here on the forum have been great. Take care!
Has shifting to reverse been a problem? I guess I'll have to try each one before buying. The folks here on the forum have been great. Take care!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Manassas VA
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
No problems at all going into reverse with my Hurst. Feels almost the same as stock. I did use the weak springs, so that's probably helping. I used Patches installation instructions here:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 5,169
Likes: 6
From: Greenville SC
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
Just so you'll be aware ahead of time, I am still working out issues with my Hurst. Shifter **** rattles. Looking over the thread, I am not the only one. I am hoping to find a guaranteed not to rattle shifter **** quickly!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...=392150&page=1
[Modified by Tom Steele, 5:35 PM 9/21/2002]
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...=392150&page=1
[Modified by Tom Steele, 5:35 PM 9/21/2002]
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Manassas VA
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Tom Steele)
Mine has been dead silent since day 1. Never used the stock **** though, I bought the MGW pistol grip at the same time and have never heard a peep out of it. I guess I'm lucky. I'm running the two pairs of softer springs on each side, and have the adjustment screws turned in three times as soon as the threads catch.
Here's the **** I have:
http://www.mgwltd.com/corvette.html
Here's the **** I have:
http://www.mgwltd.com/corvette.html
Racer
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio,TX USA
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
I've had the Kirban, Ripper and now am using the modified stock shifter. Depending on your driving style and needs, all have their pros and cons. The ripper is definitely stiff, but the choice for drag racers. I have a slightly used one I'll sell for $100. if you're interested.I do more road racing type driving and prefer less effort, thus the modified stock that I'm using now. Kirban was great as well, less effort than the ripper but definitely more than stock. All help 2-3 shifts dramatically. Good luck. Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Tom Steele)
Just so you'll be aware ahead of time, I am still working out issues with my Hurst. Shifter **** rattles. Looking over the thread, I am not the only one. I am hoping to find a guaranteed not to rattle shifter **** quickly!
[Modified by Tom Steele, 5:35 PM 9/21/2002]
[Modified by Tom Steele, 5:35 PM 9/21/2002]
Just a quick note. In the manual they discuss the key and if it is not a tight fit to use a hammer to flatten the steel a little so it is a snug fit. This may be your rattle.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wichita KS
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
More "two cents".
I have had my Hurst Billet Plus for 2 weeks. No problems getting into reverse at all when installed correctly. My only advice is if you get the Hurst, make certain that the forward and aft stop screws are super tight. If you don't, vibration can cause the jam nut to loosen, then the screw could head in toward the stick. In my case the fwd screw loosened causing me to not be able to use 1, 3, 5, & R, temporarily. I didn't check the jam nuts before the install, so it's my fault. Use the Loctite provided to lock the screw into the body, and the jam nut on the screw. It was surprisingly easy to drive home using only 2, 4, & 6. I love 6 speeds!
-GM
I have had my Hurst Billet Plus for 2 weeks. No problems getting into reverse at all when installed correctly. My only advice is if you get the Hurst, make certain that the forward and aft stop screws are super tight. If you don't, vibration can cause the jam nut to loosen, then the screw could head in toward the stick. In my case the fwd screw loosened causing me to not be able to use 1, 3, 5, & R, temporarily. I didn't check the jam nuts before the install, so it's my fault. Use the Loctite provided to lock the screw into the body, and the jam nut on the screw. It was surprisingly easy to drive home using only 2, 4, & 6. I love 6 speeds!
-GM
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: New Braunfels TX
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
I've had both the B&M and the Hurst in my car. The Hurst in what made the cut. It is a GREAT shifter and very configurable.
I personally felt the stock shifter to be better than the Ripper. My wrist would actually get sore wrestling the Ripper through the gears.
Good luck!
Karl
I personally felt the stock shifter to be better than the Ripper. My wrist would actually get sore wrestling the Ripper through the gears.
Good luck!
Karl
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Wheeling IL
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (papavette)
Folks,
Many thanks for the great advice. Still a tough choice, but I must admit that I'm leaning now toward the Hurst. Most of my driving is just cruisn', so I'm looking for something that's not gonna give me a workout. Need to decide real soon to take advantage of the sale prices. I'll keep you posted on my final decision.
Many thanks for the great advice. Still a tough choice, but I must admit that I'm leaning now toward the Hurst. Most of my driving is just cruisn', so I'm looking for something that's not gonna give me a workout. Need to decide real soon to take advantage of the sale prices. I'll keep you posted on my final decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Re: Please Help! Need Shifter Advice. (Cat Eye Blu02)
I had a Ripper in my first FRC and when I got my second I installed it in this one too. I haven't driven a C5 with a Kirban or Hurst so I'm a little biased. If I wasn't happy with my Ripper I'd yank it and try something else. There are no set screws, springs and stuff to adjust. You just bolt it in. It's much stiffer or rather "ratchety" going in and out of gear but I don't find it difficult to get into any gear, including reverse. I have never missed a shift with this shifter unlike the stock crap Chevy puts in the Vette. The Ripper gives you a much shorter throw and mine has never rattled at any RPM but I don't use a stock **** either. All in all I am very happy with the "effort", feel and crisp shifts and have no reason to try another shifter.
No matter what you get to suit your driving habits IT WILL BE BETTER THAN THE STOCK GARBAGE. I hate the stock shifter..too flimsy, vague and feels like it's going to snap off in you hand.
Good Luck with your choice!! :cheers:
No matter what you get to suit your driving habits IT WILL BE BETTER THAN THE STOCK GARBAGE. I hate the stock shifter..too flimsy, vague and feels like it's going to snap off in you hand.
Good Luck with your choice!! :cheers: