B&M Ripper Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Conroe, TX
B&M Ripper Question
Howdy from Georgetown, Texas!
I just bought my first vette, a bone stock '99 C5, after coming from a long, misplaced history of F-Body's. . . I'm finding that the C5 aftermarket is amazing for these things. I'm going crazy researching and buying mods as fast as I can; I'm like a kid in a candy store! 8^)
Anyway, I performed my first major mod this afternoon by installing a B&M Ripper shifter. I really like the advertised 33% shorter throws, but I don't really care for the approximately 33% greater shifter effort. I'm wondering if the "He-Man" shifter effort is normal (due to less mechanical advantage), or did I do something wrong, like exceed the 10 ft-lbs of torque for the mounting bolts?? (who has a torque wrench that goes to 10 ft-lbs anyway?) Any experience from guys with B&M Rippers would be greatly appreciated. . .
TIA,
Cash (UPS isn't fast enough) Mullen :^D
I just bought my first vette, a bone stock '99 C5, after coming from a long, misplaced history of F-Body's. . . I'm finding that the C5 aftermarket is amazing for these things. I'm going crazy researching and buying mods as fast as I can; I'm like a kid in a candy store! 8^)
Anyway, I performed my first major mod this afternoon by installing a B&M Ripper shifter. I really like the advertised 33% shorter throws, but I don't really care for the approximately 33% greater shifter effort. I'm wondering if the "He-Man" shifter effort is normal (due to less mechanical advantage), or did I do something wrong, like exceed the 10 ft-lbs of torque for the mounting bolts?? (who has a torque wrench that goes to 10 ft-lbs anyway?) Any experience from guys with B&M Rippers would be greatly appreciated. . .
TIA,
Cash (UPS isn't fast enough) Mullen :^D
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 45
From: Marquette MI
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
Welcome to the Forum and the great world of Corvettes and mods. I can't help you with your question on your shifter but I know that you will hear from folks who can help. Have fun.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 395
From: Austin, TX
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
Howdy....your gonna give everyone the wrong idea about us Texans....like we all wear hats and drive cattle or something. :lolg:
The ripper does take more effort initially but will loosen up over time. Its one of the best mods out there in my opinion. Just give it some time. :cheers:
[Modified by PewterC5, 7:52 PM 7/12/2003]
The ripper does take more effort initially but will loosen up over time. Its one of the best mods out there in my opinion. Just give it some time. :cheers:
[Modified by PewterC5, 7:52 PM 7/12/2003]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Conroe, TX
Re: B&M Ripper Question (PewterC5)
Hi PewterC5,
The "Howdy" part was just a friendly greeting to all the Yankees on the board! ;^) Thanks for the response, I guess the old adage that "Patience is a virtue" is definitely true in this case. . . I think I'll just go out and bang some gears tonight!
Thanks again,
Cash (goats mow my yard) Mullen
The "Howdy" part was just a friendly greeting to all the Yankees on the board! ;^) Thanks for the response, I guess the old adage that "Patience is a virtue" is definitely true in this case. . . I think I'll just go out and bang some gears tonight!
Thanks again,
Cash (goats mow my yard) Mullen
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
Every shift is a joy with my B&M Ripper... it is a precision piece of equipment which only enhances the joy of having a 6 speed... compared to the stock shifter.. (a piece of spineless milk toast..... ) the ripper is a real shifter for a real sports car...give it time and welcome to the forum...
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Evil-Twin)
I've had one. First of all, you will see posts (as above) saying it will "loosen up". Sorry, but I'll guarantee you this is not possible (there is simply nothing there to get looser). What will happen is you will get somewhat used to it, but 5th and 6th will always be a pain.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,414
Likes: 0
From: financial-freedom-for-all.com
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
It was one of my last mods on the C4, but the very first mod on my C5! :yesnod: :thumbs: I don't have any problems shifting into any gear. :crazy: It's a great shifter for the drag strip too! :D
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles CA
Re: B&M Ripper Question (jschindler)
I've had one. First of all, you will see posts (as above) saying it will "loosen up". Sorry, but I'll guarantee you this is not possible (there is simply nothing there to get looser). What will happen is you will get somewhat used to it, but 5th and 6th will always be a pain.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: B&M Ripper Question (allanlaw)
my 95 pound 5 ft tall wife loves the ripper she doesnt seem to have a problem with it and yes she can bench press a total of 40 pounds...
what is the world coming too ??? when I was young I use to walk to school five miles in the snow.... up hill..... both ways///
[Modified by Evil-Twin, 9:01 PM 7/13/2003]
what is the world coming too ??? when I was young I use to walk to school five miles in the snow.... up hill..... both ways///
[Modified by Evil-Twin, 9:01 PM 7/13/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis, MD USA
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
If you do not race or track your car, and mainly use 1-4th gears, I would not suggest any great problem with the "Ripper" shifter. But if you do, I would recomend you not use it. Shifting to 5th and back on a repeated basis (as in high speed racing) is not something you will want to with this piece of crap.
For track performance, I tried the ripper and ended up (after trashing my heads at the end of a two-day event because of missing a shift) just shortening my OEM shifter for exactly the feel I wanted. (Your mileage may vary). Good luck.
For track performance, I tried the ripper and ended up (after trashing my heads at the end of a two-day event because of missing a shift) just shortening my OEM shifter for exactly the feel I wanted. (Your mileage may vary). Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 15
From: Jeffersonville In
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: B&M Ripper Question (rbeckham)
LPE installed my Ripper almost two years ago, along with some other mods. At first I was ready to have them take it right back out. After driving car for about a month, " couple of tanks of gas " the shifter loosened up. Is now a beautiful, precision shifting piece. So as you said earlier, " Patience is a Virtue" Enjoy your shifter, it gets better with age, . :chevy
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Conroe, TX
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
Thanks for all the replies guys. . .
Looking at the shifter design, I guess I don't really understand what "loosens up" over time? Is it the bushing-to-case clearance?
Or are your forearms just getting stronger from the workout? ;^)
Cash (getting stronger every day) Mullen :cheers:
Looking at the shifter design, I guess I don't really understand what "loosens up" over time? Is it the bushing-to-case clearance?
Or are your forearms just getting stronger from the workout? ;^)
Cash (getting stronger every day) Mullen :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 54
From: Southern VA
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
Yeah the ripper is tough but I love it. the best mod in my opinion. It got a little easier over time but maybe I just got stronger. It will keep your girl from wanting to drive it for sure.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
Thanks for all the replies guys. . .
Looking at the shifter design, I guess I don't really understand what "loosens up" over time? Is it the bushing-to-case clearance?
Or are your forearms just getting stronger from the workout? ;^)
Cash (getting stronger every day) Mullen :cheers:
Looking at the shifter design, I guess I don't really understand what "loosens up" over time? Is it the bushing-to-case clearance?
Or are your forearms just getting stronger from the workout? ;^)
Cash (getting stronger every day) Mullen :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,474
Likes: 2
From: Detroit
Re: B&M Ripper Question (jschindler)
It sounds like most people who have upgraded to the B&M Ripper are mostly satisfied. Does a B&M or Hurst upgrade have any negative ramifications outside of muscle strength necessary to move the shifter? Can the shifters damage anything? Cause any other parts to wear prematurely? Please advise.
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks,
Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,348
Likes: 3,318
Re: B&M Ripper Question (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
Unfortunately, the B$M doesn't loosen up.
While I had one in my f-body ('96 T/A WS6) and was happy with it in that car, on my Z I took the B&M out after a short wile and modified the stock shifter. I now have even shorter throws than the B&M with no increased effort and much better feel than then B&M.
You can try cutting a coil off of the springs that are in the shifter body itself. This will help a bit to lighten the feel. Don't take the springs out however. I know some have had no problems with doing so, but others have so don't take the chance.
My guess is that the B&M has found favor with the drag racing types (firm, accurate) but not with us road race guys. For me the Ripper is too much work when you are shifting all of the time for extended periods.
There are great instructions somewhere for modifying the stock shifter, but I can't remember where they are posted. The pictures help a good deal. Simple to do but easier to see the pictures than try to explain.
Good luck.
While I had one in my f-body ('96 T/A WS6) and was happy with it in that car, on my Z I took the B&M out after a short wile and modified the stock shifter. I now have even shorter throws than the B&M with no increased effort and much better feel than then B&M.
You can try cutting a coil off of the springs that are in the shifter body itself. This will help a bit to lighten the feel. Don't take the springs out however. I know some have had no problems with doing so, but others have so don't take the chance.
My guess is that the B&M has found favor with the drag racing types (firm, accurate) but not with us road race guys. For me the Ripper is too much work when you are shifting all of the time for extended periods.
There are great instructions somewhere for modifying the stock shifter, but I can't remember where they are posted. The pictures help a good deal. Simple to do but easier to see the pictures than try to explain.
Good luck.