This May seem like a repost, but I am wondering. I replaced my STOCK shift handle w/ a Speed.inc Short throw piece. It works great. I also removed the rubber bushng between the stock shifter and the handle. (I also had a bolt missing--??)

WTF is it w/ these aftermarket shifters. How big of a diff can they really make? I believe my car came w/ the Factory Hurst piece. Technically, it's only a lever that selects the gear... What's so special? Changed Pivot points? 'Billet' or 'Ripper'... Just sounds mean. 5.0 sounds like somethig out of a Mustang.

Hearing yall talk about it almost makes me want to drop the cash for one, and figure out for myself.

 

I think the Pro 5.0 was originally an aftermarket mustang part but because they can share the tremec transmissions with other cars like ours we get the benefit as well.

IMO the hurst is a very good shifter and if the owner wants to make the thing less rubbery and add some buzz, a short stick replacement makes for a better performance shifter. The Pro 5.0 goes a step further with the added benefit of some adjust-ability and protection. The Pro 5.0 has a secondary safety stop for the forward and back throw. If adjusted properly, those safety bolts can protect the shifting forks from violent hyperextension throws. Keep in mind that the T56 already has its own internal stops to keep this from happening as well. The Pro 5.0 has side spring adjustment screws. I haven't adjusted mine but I can see where this would be a benefit as usage wears at the shifter.

If you're not running out of places to spend money on your car, your present shifter may be totally adequate. A short throw stick which cost around $25 is really all you may need. The Pro 5.0 or B&M Ripper are probably better but with me as a driver, I found the factory installed hurst with a shorty stick totally good.

 

I believe the factory Hursts are junk, i'd recommend a Hurst Billet plus or maybe a pro 5.0. The Hurst looks better and shifts better in my opinion as i've driven both. My buddy with the pro 5.0 agrees with me as well. An aftermarket shifter will make a huge difference.

 

Like I mentioned. I've got the Speed.inc Short stick.. It's fine w/ me.. But the hyperextension cought my eye. I'm getting a tranny rebuild when I get back from this deployment, so mabie shifter might be some added insurance.

 

the difference with the pro 5.0 and kirban is that they have adjustable stop screws which help prevent from over extending shift forks while powershifting. If your happy with your shifter the way it is now, keep it that way if you dont race that much.
I love slamming gears in my pro 5.0 cause i have so much more confidnece while shifting. I also like the notchy feeling the pro 5.0 comes with

 

I love the way a pro 5.0 feel's.. You feel everything.. It's more connected so to speak...

 

B&M user here- throws are much shorter than stock, with less of that rubbery feel as well.

Don't know about the other shifters available, but I love mine.

 

FYI, shifters really took off in the mustang aftermarket since the T5 did not come with any kind of stop in the tranny, so powershifting at the track too hard would bend the shift forks. I went through a couple that way.
My look at it is that the shifter is something in yout car that you will activly use ALL the time, splurge and get a quality piece. It could change your driving experience and then you will wonder how you went so long without it.

 

^ that's what I thought when I got my short shifter...

AND that's what I LOVE about the manual transmissions.... yuo feel more connecte to the car. I dunno. Seeing as how I'm getting a tranny rebuild...or I might even say a NEW tranny.... I mindaswell finish it off good..