I would appreciate some feedback on the following:

1. Can you tell use the part number of the shifter you installed?

2. I understand that the new shifter Hurst has come out with is hard to get. Is this the one you installed? What does it do that the old versions do not? Sure seems that there are a bunch of different Hurst choices.

3. Is the problem shifting into 3rd gear common? Is it a Ford problem or a Hurst problem?

4. Can anyone put up a photo of a Hurst shifter with a black ****?

Thanks. I am learning towards a Hurst shifter, and I want to learn about it. Thanks. W.

 

I want to change my shifter and still doing some research.
I have had a few races; shifted from 2nd to 3rd and missed 3rd...it suck!!!
So fare, what I have read the Pro50 and Steeda look to be a little better than the Hurst but the Hurst is still a great upgrade.
I wish I could test each to see how it feels.

http://pro50shifters.meridian1.net/d...9LDXWR39NRJJ4&

 

I have talked with Dave at Brenspeed about shifter upgrades. He's driven stock, Hurst, and Steeda Triax in the new GT, and here's what he had to say. Stock is the smoothest shifting, but it a little sloppy. The Hurst is notchier than stock, but much more positive feedback on gear selection, but not quite as heavy duty as the Steeda. The Steeda is by far the notchiest and most positive shifts, but is built for someone who is really slamming the gears. This is all paraphrased of course. So, sorry Dave if I messed up your great discussion on the shifter upgrades.

Anyway, my impression would be that if you just want more positive shifts, but don't need something built like a tank, go with the Hurst. If you are going to really be giving your shifter hell, then go with the Steeda - just be ready for some really notchy shifting when you're just cruising.

 

Do any of the after market shifter retain the factory shift ****?

 

I'm pretty sure you could use the factory **** on any of the aftermarket shifters. Although, I don't know why you would want to with the Hurst. The white ball definitely gives it that nostalgic look. With the Steeda, I don't even think it comes with a shift ****, so you probably definitely go back to the stock there if you wanted to. Otherwise, you'll end up buying a new shift **** too.

 

Check out Jegs.com, they've got the old Comp Plus shifter and the new Billet Plus. The Billet Plus is beefier and has adjustable shift stops. The 3rd gear shift problem is apparently a Ford problem related to the motor and tranny torqueing over. I've read that there is a tranny brace that can be installed which completely eliminates the problem.

 

I'm with jaiasmit on this. If your not going to be slammin' hard all the time why would you need a billet shifter? Can you say overkill? By the way, the tranny has built-in stops. The hurst comp plus is just fine for street driving. I bought mine at Jeg's and they will match any low price that you find(ebay).i live close to jeg's so it was a no-brainer for me.Legend GT

 

For what it's worth... I installed the Pro5.0 in my 06' because I had one in my old 90 GT & really liked it.

I did not have to drop the driveshaft & the install was not difficult at all, just used a regular jack, no lifts.

I still grind the gears from time to time & I wouldn't say it improoved it that much, mildly shorter throw & you can slam the crap out of it because it is very beefy. Still feels like the same amount of slop while in the gears as stock. If I had to do it again, I'd probably go with the Hurst, but I have not tried one to positively know that it is better.

I have heard that better motor/transmission mounts are more effective for eliminating grinding gears when shifting quickly, I'll probably try that next.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that a billet shifter is way overkill! The basic Hurst kit is very notchy and almost cuts the throws in half. The first thing that everyone says when they drive my car is, "wow this thing has short throws," "boy is that tight between shifts!" If it were any harsher I would not recommend it for the street. I love the positive feel, but you will definately notice the fact that shifting requires quite a bit more effort and this can get a little anoying when you just want to lazily cruse from a stop...

Skrappy

 

I went with the Hurst as well. No, you do not need to drop the driveshaft. I think the Steeda is the shifter that has you do this to get it in.
As far as using the stock ****, I do not think it will work with any aftermarket shifter, nor will it fit on my older (2001) GT. They use an oddball 12 x 1.25 metric thread that matches nothing out there. The Hurst uses 3/8 x 16 SAE threads. I have a polished Hurst T-handle on mine. It feels real solid and with it turned about 20 degrees to the right, it helps guide the 2-3 shift into place.
BTW, I think you can buy the Hurst with the threads to match the 2005+. It will cost you $40 extra I think (I saw a $230 out there)