I want to upgrade the shifter in my Z28. I have the factory-optional Hurst shifter right now.

As far as I know, my options are the B&M Ripper, the Pro 5.0, and the Hurst Billet/Plus. If there are other shifters that are compatible with my car, please let me know.

The B&M and the Pro 5.0 are $179 from Tbyrne, and the Hurst is $229. (I'm not necessarily buying from Tom; those prices are for comparison's sake).

Does anyone have experience with two or more of those, that could comment on the differences between them? Is the Hurst worth the extra $45? I can afford the $229 and would like the best shifter I can get, but I don't want to waste my money.

I primarily drive my car on the street, but it sees the drag strip and some parking lot autocrosses at least a few times each per year. I'd like the smoothest-shifting, most accurate shifter I can get. The only requirement I'm totally sure about is that the shifter must have adjustable positive stops.

Thanks!

 

I've only used the Pro 5.0 as thats what I installed for my conversion. I think its fantastic, the shifts are short and smooth, especially from 2 to 3, its really effortless. Shifting from 5 to 6 and then back to 5 took me a little longer to get it really smooth, but I was basically a beginner at driving stick when I did my conversion so I may not be the best judge. I researched the best short throw shifters for my conversion and the Pro 5.0 seemed to be the majorities favorite. Good Luck with your choice.

 

I tend to not care what the "majority favorite" is. The majority are a bunch of penny-pinchers that prefer "best bang for the buck" over "best".

For $45 extra, I'll take the true best. I just want to hear from someone who can confirm (or deny) that the Hurst (or the Pro 5.0, or the B&M) is actually better.

 

I have the Hurst but it has been in my car for about 5 yrs now so I have kind of forgotten what the stock shifter was like. I do remember when I put it in that I was surprised that the throw wasn't a whole lot shorter than stock but it definitely feels much better than the stock shifter. It is definitely a much "tighter" feel, and there is much less side to side movement needed between 2-3, 4-5, etc, shifts. I would definitely recommend it but I'm not sure how much better it is than the others since I have no experience with them.

 

I have a Kirban with a Hurst chrome stick. I love it and I got an awesome deal on it.

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/in...OD&ProdID=1298

If you search around this board, people seem to prefer the Pro 5.0 though.

 

I ran the hurst from late 90's til 06. It was great.

Never had an issue with it. The stops came loose once and I couldn't get it in gear...but just the jam nut came loose. I abused the hell out of it and it held up well

 

Pro 5.0

 

I ran the Hurst for many years then went with a Pro 5.0 when i upgraded my tranny. The Hurst is a good shifter but I liked the Pro better. Throws felt better and shorter. I modified my chrome Hurst stick to work with it too. You may be just paying for the Hurst name on that one.

Ken R.

 

i have a hurst in my car and its not much shorter throw than stock. a freind of mine has the b&m ripper in his car and it seems much shorter than my hurst. i do like both and both feel better than stock.

 

I had a stock option shifter. Flexed alot. Went to a pro_5. Then cut 3/4" off the shift rod. Really short throw now.

 

I really don't care how short the throw is. If it's like stock or shorter, I'm good. I have a short stick already (custom machined; 2" shorter than stock).

What I want is precision and feel.

 

I went with the Ripper shifter for my M6 conversion, and I love it. Very smooth shifting, good feel to where it sits, and it comes with adjustable stops, but I didn't use them. I bought the Pro 5.0 for my brother's 99 WS6, and he loves it. He said the shifts are much firmer than stock.

 

Don't know about the Hurst but Rod has a Ripper in his 'bird and the wife has a Pro 5.0 in her SS and they are =. Great shifters.