which shifter B and M or hurst for automatic tranny?

Hey fellas I was wondering what would be the better shifter for my trans am. I have a 79 tenth ann, edition with a 425 hp chevy 400 under the hood. I also have a th350 auto for a tranny. I have never used a ratchet style shifter before but would like to. My question is can you use a ratchet style shifter just like a regular shifter if you want. Do you have to always shift the tranny manually with the ratchet style? I have attached a pic of the B and M shifter.



Hurst Shifter:

Hurst V-Matic 2 shifters give you the four-speed manual look with the convenience of an automatic shifter. The V-Matics are cable operated and can be operated in standard gate mode and ratchet mode. A trigger operated reverse lockout function makes these shifters NHRA and IHRA-approved. These shifter kits include a neutral safety and backup light switch assembly, an illuminated gear position, a polished stick, a brushed aluminum T-handle, a black console, and a 5 ft. cable.

Vendor Hurst Shifters
Product Line Hurst V-Matic 2 Shifters
Console Mount Yes

Shifter Style Cable operated
Shift Mechanism Gate and ratchet
Shift Pattern Forward and reverse
Reverse Lockout Yes
Neutral Safety Switch Included No
Knob Included Yes
Knob Style T-handle
Boot Included Yes
Accommodates Stock Knob No
Base Included No
Shifter Stick Length (in) 11.650
Cable Entry Front
Cable Included No
Cable Length (ft) (Not Specified)
Linkage Included No
Quantity Sold individually.
Notes Utilizes factory GM cable, back-up light and neutral safety
switch. 3/8-16 threaded handle. Illuminated gear position indicator (forward pattern only)



B and M megashifter:

The competition four-speed look for your automatic.

Automatic Shifter, Megashifter, Chevy/Pontiac, Camaro/Firebird, Each

The cable operated B&M Megashifters have reliable ratchet action and a competition four-speed look that complements any vehicle. With a reverse lockout and neutral safety switch, the Megashifters meet NHRA and IHRA requirements. They include a lighted gear indicator, polished aluminum T-handle, cable, hardware, and console.

Vendor B&M
Product Line B&M Megashifters
Console Mount Yes
Shifter Style Cable operated
Shift Mechanism Ratchet
Shift Pattern Forward
Reverse Lockout Yes
Neutral Safety Switch Included Yes
Knob Included Yes
Knob Style (Not Specified)
Boot Included Yes
Accommodates Stock Knob No
Base Included No
Shifter Stick Length (in) 8
Cable Entry Front
Cable Included Yes
Cable Length (ft) 5
Linkage Included No

Heres the hurst shifter

We put a B&M just like the one pictured there in our old C20 truck and those things are sweet. I know I didn't answer your question but thought that I might give you what I thought. My next shifter will be a Hurst.

Theyre both quality shifters, it really depends on what YOU prefer.

I don't know if your calling my ride a "slushbox" or your just trying to be funny. Anyone else care to add. Much appreciated.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by onemangang
I don't know if your calling my ride a "slushbox" or your just trying to be funny. Anyone else care to add. Much appreciated.

---

Slushbox= Automatic transmission

Thanks for the replies...but with the B an M shifter do you have to constantly shift all the time like a manual transmission or can you leave it in drive and actually cruise normally then switch to ratchet shifting when you please? That is the question.

So what exactly is the difference between gate and ratchet shifting. Also since the Hurst shifter has both ratchet and gate mechanisms would this make it a better shifter?

this is one of those threads that weve talked about.
Do you really think the shifter is going to change how the transmission operates ?
Im sorry for sounding like a crab ass, but cmon...really ? I mean, your not changing the valve body....just the shifter.

Streets, I love this site & I like to share info, but it seems like "the net" has done away with people thinking for themselves anymore.

Hey Stepside... no shit! the shifter doesn't change the way the tranny operates. I was just looking for some more insight on the damn shifter before I fork out 170 bucks for it. Maybe you would like to take back the coment about people not thinking for themselves anymore. I don't know everything about cars that's why I'm here asking...the way I see it ---the problem here is people who think they know everything about vehicles instead of trying to answer the question. Don't be an ass****.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by onemangang
Thanks for the replies...but with the B an M shifter do you have to constantly shift all the time like a manual transmission or can you leave it in drive and actually cruise normally then switch to ratchet shifting when you please? That is the question.

---

Im sorry, but it looks to me like you wanted to know if you have to shift it all the time like a manual transmission.

You know I say to this? What a bunch a horse feathers.
Yeah well I don't know what that was for but csf is right, they basically are the same, you just get what brand you like better. I had a B&M one and it was really nice. I tried a Hurst one and it was the same. Do Enee minee mino mo

To answer your question- YES.

I just put the b&m shifter in my 68 ranchero about 6 weeks ago.I really like it you can shift like a normal shifter or full rachet its your choice. Also its a snap to install.
Bill

All manufactuers today offer a great range of shifters. I added a B&M Quick Silver in my truck and it looks much better than it did on the tree

Quote:

---

Originally posted by onemangang
Hey Stepside... no shit! the shifter doesn't change the way the tranny operates. I was just looking for some more insight on the damn shifter before I fork out 170 bucks for it. Maybe you would like to take back the coment about people not thinking for themselves anymore. I don't know everything about cars that's why I'm here asking...the way I see it ---the problem here is people who think they know everything about vehicles instead of trying to answer the question. Don't be an ass****.

---

we installed the b&m in my boys 70 chevy. they work fine BUT they are prone to fail with the cable and that was b4 my boy started working at a transmission shop he sees loads of them comming in broken. We replaced the cable once know at about 40 dollars, If your not into the ratchet shifter the new stryle b$m Lokar copies are the way to go in my opinion. I put the Lokar in my streetrod BUT would go with the Gennie or B& m next time they don't seem to have that silly cable down the center. Ed ke6bnl

if you want looks fine, but i have never ever bought a auto. after market shifter in my life. the junk yard is full of nice factory shifters with consoles. back-up lights and safety nut. switches all ready built in. all the safety feathers built in. and a whole lot cheaper, but that's not why i buy them, they also work great. :rolleyes: :LOL: :LOL:


So what exactly is the difference between gate and ratchet shifting. Also since the Hurst shifter has both ratchet and gate mechanisms would this make it a better shifter?

gate = you have to move the shift leaver through a patten from low to hi. evert time you start off.
ratchet = you put it in low then just bump it when you wont to shift until you get to hi gear. with both of them when you stop you have to pull it back to low to start over again or leave it in drive and the trans will do it for you. **) **) i understood what i said even if you didnt. :confused:

Anybody got any bigger photos? These are too small on my 64" monitor. :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: