Hurst Shifter Question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Allen TX
Hurst Shifter Question
What's up everybody.
A few weeks ago I installed a Hurst shifter into my '99 coupe. I like the short throw, but am having a difficult time putting the shifter into reverse. The springs are adjusted as soft as they will go, and it still takes both hands and some significant effort to put the shifter into reverse. I could put the stock shifter into reverse with one hand no problem....
Does anyone else have this problem with their Hurst? Is there a fix for this problem? It's difficult enough that I'm considering putting the stock shifter back in.
A few weeks ago I installed a Hurst shifter into my '99 coupe. I like the short throw, but am having a difficult time putting the shifter into reverse. The springs are adjusted as soft as they will go, and it still takes both hands and some significant effort to put the shifter into reverse. I could put the stock shifter into reverse with one hand no problem....
Does anyone else have this problem with their Hurst? Is there a fix for this problem? It's difficult enough that I'm considering putting the stock shifter back in.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
From: Aurora IL
I have to go with harder than stock to shift to reverse, but nothing like what you describe. I just push it far right and up and it hits reverse, as long as I am no moving, everytime. This maybe more than a shifter problem.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Windham NH
It's tough...no doubt about it
I have the softest springs in my Hurst as well and 5th/6th/Rev are much harder to get to then stock. (You did replace the springs right and not just adjust the screw settings?) After a few weeks it loosened up some but I still need to give it a good shove to get it into reverse. I switch my hand from the top of the shift **** to the side (knuckles facing driver seat) and shove. That's the downside to these types of shifters. Upside is going from 2nd to 3rd is just a shove away! Hits it every time. 
So is it normal... yeah. Will it loosen up more over time? Probably a little. Should you go back to stock? That's your call. I personally like the positive engagement and self guiding 2nd to 3rd shifts. 5th/6th/Rev are the price to pay I guess.
--Bill
So is it normal... yeah. Will it loosen up more over time? Probably a little. Should you go back to stock? That's your call. I personally like the positive engagement and self guiding 2nd to 3rd shifts. 5th/6th/Rev are the price to pay I guess.
--Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 103
From: St Louis, MO
Originally Posted by Pewter_Mike
What's up everybody.
A few weeks ago I installed a Hurst shifter into my '99 coupe. I like the short throw, but am having a difficult time putting the shifter into reverse. The springs are adjusted as soft as they will go, and it still takes both hands and some significant effort to put the shifter into reverse. I could put the stock shifter into reverse with one hand no problem....
Does anyone else have this problem with their Hurst? Is there a fix for this problem? It's difficult enough that I'm considering putting the stock shifter back in.
A few weeks ago I installed a Hurst shifter into my '99 coupe. I like the short throw, but am having a difficult time putting the shifter into reverse. The springs are adjusted as soft as they will go, and it still takes both hands and some significant effort to put the shifter into reverse. I could put the stock shifter into reverse with one hand no problem....
Does anyone else have this problem with their Hurst? Is there a fix for this problem? It's difficult enough that I'm considering putting the stock shifter back in.
I had the same problem. I installed mine over the winter and did not start or drive the car. It was very difficult cold and not running. Once I drove it awhile, it loosened up and now it works great.
Give it some time, you will love it.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 143
From: Goodyear Az
I had a Kirban shifter, and like every aftermarket shifter that I read about, it was initially tough to get it into reverse. My solution was to put it in reverse whenever I parked the car. After about a week it was much easier to put into reverse. I ended up selling it and going back to the stock shifter with 1-1/2" cut off the top because my wife still hated the Kirban. I just got tired of hearing how hard it was for her to shift gears, so I did the good husband thing 
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 37,636
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From: Just trying to make it through each day.
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
I use only one spring per side. I use the larger, lightest spring and it shifts perfect in all gears. I think you would like it that way........oh and don't torque down too far on the spring retaining set screws...
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Mine's always had a little more stiffness than the stocker when trying to hit reverse, but it has become a bit easier with time. I, like bletour2001, have adopted the palm-to-the-right hand position except I just slap the **** over with the palm of my hand. Works for me. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
The only problem with the C5R replica or Delrin **** as it is known as, is it isn't as solid and you get a plastic click sound at the end of the gear shifting travel. A solid billet **** like the MGW is much better.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Hurst shifter action.
If you check the shifter action with the rubber boot off, you will see that the reverse/6th gear shift area is accessed by moving the entire shift linkage mechanism in its rubber mounting. The Hurst installation has nothing to do with the rubber mounting, but the shorter shift lever will require more torque to twist the unit over. Save the wave. 
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Allen TX
Thanks for your input everyone...I'll try removing the smaller springs from the shifter and try just using the larger (softer) ones. I agree that the shifting action from 2nd to 3rd is awesome, but it's a bit@# to get into reverse right now...
