Hurst Floor Shifter

Revamping Your Ride’s Shifting Performance

For muscle car enthusiasts and drag racers, the Hurst Floor Shifter is practically legendary. This iconic shifter completely transforms the manual transmission shifting experience, providing race-inspired precision and control.

If you’re looking to upgrade from a sloppy factory shifter or just want to enhance your vehicle’s shifting performance, the Hurst Floor Shifter is a top choice. This buying guide will cover everything you need to know, from product features to installation tips. We’ll help you select the right Hurst shifter for your vehicle and budget.

Overview of the Hurst Floor Shifter

The Hurst Floor Shifter line offers seven different models to fit a wide range of vehicle applications. Their signature solid rod shifter design provides crisp, definitive shifts you can feel. Precise engineering and quality materials allow these shifters to outperform stock units.

Key features of the Hurst Floor Shifter include:

• Solid stainless steel shifter rods and bushings
• Heavy-duty injection molded housing
• Neutral safety switch for automatic transmissions
• Available in chrome plated, black anodized or white powder coated finishes
• Multiple lever length options
• Compatible with most 2-, 3-, and 4-speed manual transmissions

These race-bred shifters directly bolt to your existing transmission and interior shift lever location. So you get seamless operation with a stock-like look.

Shifter throw is reduced for quicker shifts. And the weighted shift knob gives you confident grip. Once installed, you’ll enjoy crisp engagement into every gear.

Choosing the Right Hurst Shifter for Your Vehicle

Hurst offers floor shifters tailored for specific transmissions and applications. This ensures proper fitment and function.

Popular models include:

• Hurst Quarter Stick® – Iconic compact shifter ideal for GM, Ford and Mopar muscle cars with Muncie, Tremec, and Toploader transmissions.
• Hurst Pistol Grip – Traditional stick shifter for GM, Ford, and Mopar V8 vehicles with T-5, TKO, T-56, and other manual transmissions.
• Hurst Competition Plus – Robust Pro Stock style shifter made for high-torque, high-RPM vehicles. Fits aftermarket T-5, TKO, T-56, and Richmond transmissions.
• Hurst Lightning Rod – Affordable, no-nonsense shifter compatible with common T-5, TKO, Borg Warner T-10 and Muncie transmissions.

Dedicated shifter kits are available for Camaro, Mustang, Corvette, GTO, Firebird, Dodge Challenger, and other popular models spanning over 50 years. So you’re sure to find one to bolster your shifting performance.

Installing Your Hurst Shifter for Maximum Performance

Proper installation is key to getting peak performance from your new Hurst shifter. Here are some tips for a smooth and successful installation:

• Review the instructions – Hurst provides detailed installation manuals with diagrams, photos, and instructions for your specific shifter kit. Understanding the entire process before you start is crucial.
• Assemble the shifter – Some pre-assembly may be required, like installing the shift lever and knob. This allows you to test the shifter operation before doing full vehicle installation.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable – This safety step prevents electrical shorts or sparks during the install process.
• Remove interior components – Take out or move out of the way any console, trim, or carpet that blocks access to the shifter area. This provides the space needed to remove and replace the stock shifter.
• Remove old shifter – Unbolt and detach all cable linkages, brackets, and hardware securing the factory shifter assembly.
• Install new shifter – Carefully bolt the new Hurst shifter housing and linkage into the factory locations based on the provided instructions.
• Reinstall interior components – With the new shifter fully secured, reinstall any interior trim panels, console, or carpet you removed earlier.
• Reconnect battery and test – Fire up your ride, check for leaks, and test out the crisp new Hurst shifter performance through all gears!

Compatibility – Which Vehicles Can Use a Hurst Shifter?

Given the variety of Hurst shifter models, these components can upgrade manual transmissions in all types of classic and modern performance vehicles:

• Muscle Cars – Hurst shifters are ideal upgrades for GM, Ford, and Mopar muscle cars from the 1960s through early 1970s. This spans Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang, Charger, Challenger, GTO, and many more.
• Sports Cars – From Corvettes to Vipers, Hurst shifters provide tighter performance for 2-seater sports cars. Specific kits are available for Miata, BMW, Porsche, Lotus, and more.
• Trucks – Hurst shifters work great in pickup trucks too. Install kits are designed for GM, Ford, and Dodge trucks equipped with manual transmissions.
• Off-Road – For rock crawlers and mud trucks, Hurst shifters provide exceptional durability and control. They are commonly used in lifted Jeeps, 4x4s, monster trucks, and UTVs.
• Modern Performance – Many Hurst shifter models readily bolt into late model Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, BMWs, sports compacts, and other contemporary performance vehicles.

So whether you’re restoring a classic muscle machine or upgrading a new sports coupe, Hurst likely has a shifter kit to meet your needs.

Where to Buy a Hurst Floor Shifter

As America’s number one aftermarket shifter, Hurst products are widely available through:

• Auto Parts Stores – Major retailers like AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts stock popular Hurst shifter kits regionally. You can sometimes save money buying over the counter.
• Online Retailers – Large online vendors like Jegs, Summit Racing, and Amazon sell Hurst shifters at competitive mail order prices.
• Direct from Hurst – You can browse the full Hurst catalog and buy direct through their website. This ensures you get the right components for your car.
• Speed Shops – Many local speed and racing parts shops carry Hurst shifter kits you can see in person. They may offer custom installation services too.

For the best selection, buying online is recommended. Be sure to enter your vehicle year, make, and model to find a Hurst shifter guaranteed to directly fit your transmission.

How Much Does a Hurst Shifter Cost?

Hurst shifter prices typically range from $150 to $650. Entry-level kits like the Lightning Rod start around $150. While premium shifters like the Legend and ProMatic Command models run over $600.

Factors impacting Hurst shifter costs include:

• Shifter Type – More robust racing-oriented shifters cost more than basic street models. Billet construction also adds cost over stamped steel parts.
• Customization – Optional shifter finishes, lever lengths, and shift knob styles increase price for customized configurations.
• Vehicle Fitment – Application-specific shifter kits designed for a single vehicle are generally more expensive. Universal kits fit a broader range of vehicles at lower prices.
• Branding – Shifters carrying the iconic Hurst name understandably demand a premium over generic no-name competitors.

Considering their race-proven performance and quality construction, Hurst shifters deliver excellent value for money. The investment pays dividends through radically improved shifting feel and quicker lap times.

How Hurst Shifters Compare to Other Brands

The Hurst brand is practically synonymous with serious shifting performance. But they aren’t the only players in the automotive shifter market. Here’s how Hurst stacks up to some other major brands:

• B&M – Like Hurst, B&M is revered for exceptional shifters across street, race, and heavy-duty applications. B&M may have a edge in technology while Hurst leads in legacy.
• Barton – Barton makes well-regarded budget-friendly shifters, but their quality doesn’t match premium brands. Hurst delivers a more satisfying shift feel.
• MGW – MGW is a leader in slick short throw shifters for modern sports cars like the Mustang. Hurst offers a wider range of kits for classic and modern vehicles.
• Shindy – For custom-machined billet shifters, Shindy is a top choice. But their premium craftsmanship comes at super high prices compared to Hurst’s strong value.
• OTC Tools – Known primarily for tools, OTC’s stamp sheet metal shifters can’t compare to the smooth precision of a Hurst solid rod design.

While personal preference reigns, Hurst remains the market leader and the brand of choice for discerning enthusiasts seeking max shifting performance.

Construction Materials – How Hurst Shifters Are Made

Hurst engineers their shifters from a blend of quality materials to withstand rigorous use:

• Stainless Steel – The shifter rods are constructed from strong stainless steel to resist corrosion and maintain precision.
• Reinforced Nylon – Glass fiber reinforced nylon creates a sturdy housing that won’t crack or warp under stress.
• Aluminum – Billet aluminum crafts the sharpest looking shifter bodies and custom knobs. Anodized finishes prevent corrosion.
• Steel – Stamped and milled steel components make up the core structure for affordable shifter kits.
• Zinc – Shifter springs and small parts are zinc plated for superior durability and rust prevention.
• Silicone – Silicone bushings provide quiet, smooth shifter lever operation that won’t bind up over time.

Premium materials plus rigorous quality control ensures you get the absolute best components in every Hurst shifter. This Racing and Performance division is held to top standards developed through decades of racing experience.

Caring for Your Hurst Shifter

While Hurst shifters are built to endure, taking care of your components helps maintain smooth shifting and extends product lifespan:

• Clean periodically – Use soap and water to keep your shifter housing and boot free of grime and dirt. This prevents premature wear and tear.
• Inspect hardware – Check all linkages, joints, brackets and mounting hardware. Tighten any loose fasteners to avoid damaging vibration and noise.
• Lubricate stick shift – Put a small dab of white lithium grease on the shifter pivot ball monthly to maintain slick lever motion.
• Check adjustments – As needed, tweak adjustment screws to eliminate any unwanted play or tightness in the shifter action.
• Protect chrome – For chrome shifters, apply a non-abrasive polish and protective wax to prevent corrosion and maintain the mirror finish.
• Replace worn parts – Any severely worn or damaged components like bushings, springs, and boots should be replaced to keep your shifter performing perfectly.

With just occasional care and maintenance, your Hurst shifter will deliver precise, crisp shifting for many years and miles to come.

The Benefits of Upgrading to a Hurst Shifter

Ditching your vague factory shifter for a Hurst upgrade delivers some major performance benefits:

• Quicker shifts – The short throw Hurst stick shifts through gears faster so you can keep the engine in the power band.
• Firm engagement – The solid steel rods provide definite shift engagement without sloppy play.
• Less missed shifts – The improved feel helps prevent missed or mis-shifted gears so you stay in control.
• Enhanced driving experience – The smooth, precise shift feel reconnects the driver with the vehicle for more enjoyable driving.
• Cooler look – From gleaming chrome to black anodized, Hurst shifters introduce style to your interior.
• Race ready – Pro-level Hurst shifters provide the quick, solid shifts needed for drag racing and road course competition.
• Improved resale value – Upgrading to a Hurst shifter can help boost collector car values at resale. The Hurst name carries weight in the muscle car world!

So if you’re seeking crisper shifts, racetrack performance, or just a better driving experience, a Hurst shifter is a smart upgrade move.

Variations – Different Hurst Shifter Models and Options

While Hurst shifters share common performance traits, they offer choices like:

• Style – Low-profile sticks like the Pistol Grip or classic Full Length shifters. And ultra-short Quarter Sticks when cockpit space is tight.
• Finish – From bright chrome to all-business black anodized or powder coated, shifter finishes complement your interior styling.
• Shift Knob – Weighted knobs in chrome, black, white, or woodgrain assist shifting. Custom knobs can be added for personal flair.
• Shift Lever – Available in various lengths from short sticks for drag cars to long shafts that locate the knob position further back.
• Linkage – Optional quick-disconnect linkage kits allow removing the shifter easily for servicing the transmission.
• Compatibility – Shifters designed for universal fit or dedicated applications for specific transmissions and vehicle makes.

With all the options, you’re sure to find the perfect shifter configuration to match your ride.

Customer Reviews – What Owners Have to Say About Hurst

The iconic Hurst brand has a legion of devoted fans. Looking at customer reviews reveals why these shifters continue to reign supreme:

• “The Hurst shifter turned my sloppy muscle car into a precise shifting machine. It really takes you back to the golden age of rowing your own gears.”
• “I was blown away by the quality and engineering that went into my Hurst stick shift kit. The solid feel is like a modern sports car.”
• “Upgraded my classic Camaro to a Hurst for better performance on the strip. My 60-foot times improved thanks to the fast, smooth shifts.”
• “So easy to install in my Dad’s old Mustang and it looks factory. Shifting is night and day better than the worn-out stock shifter.”
• “I absolutely love the crisp, mechanical feel of my new Hurst shifter. It made driving fun again and was worth every penny.”

Clearly Hurst has built up tremendous goodwill and satisfaction through their commitment to top-notch performance, quality, and innovation.

Performance Benefits – How a Hurst Shifter Improves Driving

Hurst shifters enhance performance in multiple ways:

• Faster shifts – The efficient rod linkage cuts shifter throw for quicker gear changes.
• Positive engagement – The solid steel rods provide a connected, mechanical feel as you smoothly slide into gear.
• Reduced slippage – Precise shifts limit transmission slippage and wasted power between gears.
• Less missed shifts – The improved shift feel results in fewer missed or false shifts.
• Increased driver control – The short throw and weighted knob give you more control over the vehicle as you shift.
• More fun behind the wheel – Crisp, definitive shifts make driving a blast by further engaging the driver.
• Lower ETs – On the track, Hurst shifters shave precious seconds off your elapsed times thanks to lightning fast shifts.
• Higher speed shifting – The precisely engineered components allow continued smooth shifting even at redline RPMs above 6,000.

So not only do Hurst shifters radically improve the driving experience, they provide tangible performance benefits whether you’re racing competitively or just driving for fun.

Warranty Coverage and Support

All Hurst shifters are protected by a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects or early failure under normal use. Because Hurst has engineered these components to exacting standards, they confidently stand behind their products.

The warranty only applies to original purchasers with proof of purchase from an authorized retailer. Damage from improper installation, accidents, or abuse is not covered. Components may be repaired or replaced at Hurst’s discretion.

Hurst also provides helpful phone, email, and online support for any installation or operation issues. Their technical experts can walk you through proper shifter setup to keep your Hurst shifter working its best for years on end.

Customization and Adjustability

While Hurst shifters provide bolt-on convenience, they offer ample room for customization and adjustments too:

Custom Shift Knobs – You can upgrade to an aftermarket shift knob in various materials, shapes, and designs to put a personalized touch on your Hurst shifter. Just ensure proper fitment for your shifter.

Shifter Relocation – The shifter position can be tweaked by modifying interior components or installing relocation kits. This fine tunes shifter ergonomics.

Shift Lever Length – Change the lever length to find your ideal stick length that fits your frame and shifting style. Longer sticks provide more leverage and throw.

Adjustable Stops – Control the shifter throw range by adjusting the upper and lower stop screws. Limit travel for quicker shifts.

Shifter Bushings – Upgraded polyurethane or bronze bushings can tweak the shifter feel from smooth to more notchy and mechanical.

While Hurst shifters work great from the factory, they allow custom tweaks so your shifter feels like a natural extension of you.

Installation – Is Professional Help Recommended?

How difficult is it to install a Hurst floor shifter? Here’s an overview of what’s involved:

• Mechanical skills required – You’ll need basic automotive repair competence to safely complete the installation. Proper jacking, lifting, and jack stands are a must.
• Simple hand tools needed – Common tools like wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers enable most installs. Specialty transmission tools may help but aren’t essential.
• 1-3 hour install time – With the right skills and tools, expect to spend a couple hours removing your factory shifter and installing the new Hurst assembly.
• No modifications necessary – Hurst shifters directly bolt into your existing transmission shifter mount. No drilling or fabrication needed.
• Use detailed instructions – Hurst provides clear instructions with photos and diagrams to walk you through each installation step. Lean on these heavily!
• Professional installation available – If you’re inexperienced with automotive work, it may be worth having a shop install your new Hurst shifter. This ensures proper setup.

With some DIY mechanical aptitude, you can likely handle the install yourself using Hurst’s directions and save on labor costs. But for novice wrenchers, seeking professional help can provide peace of mind.

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Shifter

Like any mechanical component, proper maintenance keeps your Hurst shifter in peak form:

• Inspect joints – Check shifter joints and pivot points for excessive wear or looseness which can degrade shifting feel. Replace any sloppy components.
• Check adjustments – Confirm all linkage rods are properly adjusted so there is no binding but also no unwanted play.
• Lubricate contact points – Keep the pivot ball and bushing lightly lubed with white lithium grease to prevent sticking and wear.
• Verify security – Make sure all mounting brackets and hardware remain securely tightened. Loose components degrade shifting.
• Clean exterior – Use a mild soap and water solution with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grease from the shifter exterior. Avoid harsh cleaners.
• Bleed hydraulic fluid – For hydraulic shifters, bleed the fluid periodically to avoid contamination and maintain smooth actuation.
• Replace worn parts – Any excessively worn or damaged components like the shifter boot should be replaced to keep contaminants out of the shifter.

Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your Hurst shifter operating like new in the long run.

The Evolution and History of Hurst

Founded in 1958 by George Hurst, Hurst Performance is one of the most iconic brands in racing. Their illustrious history includes:

• Pioneering solenoid-based shifters for the Oldsmobile Jetfire turbo-charged car, the first electronically shifted automatic.
• Introducing the landmark Dual-Gate shifter in 1964 GTOs and muscle cars, allowing manual-style gear control of automatics.
• Engineering the Pistol Grip shifter which debuted in the 1969 AMC SC/Rambler. Its distinctive low-profile design endures today.
• Launching the landmark Hurst/Olds collaboration in 1968, pairing their cutting-edge tech with Oldsmobile power.
• Outfitting Funny Cars and NASCAR racers with lightning-quick shifters and converters, earning multiple championships and race wins.
• Continued innovation with electronic shifters for modern performance cars and auto racing applications.

Today, Hurst proudly carries on the tradition of USA-made high-performance shifting systems for street and trackthat their iconic founder began over 60 years ago.

Potential Issues to be Aware of

While Hurst shifters are precision products, it’s good to be aware of some potential trouble spots:

• Worn bushings – Over time, dried out or disintegrated shifter bushings can cause sloppy shifting and vibration. Replacing them restores smoothness.
• Loose fasteners – Mounting hardware that becomes loose can lead to rattling, linkage misalignment, and poor shifting. Use thread locker and maintain proper torque.
• Contamination – Dirt, debris and water getting into the shifter housing can quickly degrade the shifting feel and lead to excessive wear. Keep clean and use protective boots.
• Incorrect adjustments – Rods and linkages that are incorrectly adjusted can bind the mechanism and cause difficult shifting. Set per instructions.
• Too much throw – Excess shifter throw from worn parts defeats the purpose of a short throw shifter. Replace any sloppy components.
• Harsh operation – Overly notchy or abrupt shifting action indicates binding or contamination inside the shifter that requires disassembly to fix.

While robustly made, periodically inspecting and servicing the shifter minimizes the chance of any issues cropping up.

Vehicles Equipped from the Factory with Hurst

For a time, Hurst shifters were so revered that auto makers installed them straight from the production line:

• Oldsmobile 442 – During the muscle car era, the 442 package often included a Hurst Dual-Gate shifter for crisp automatic shifting.
• Pontiac GTO – Many vintage GTOs boasted eye-catching Hurst shifters adding to their performance credentials.
• AMC SC/Rambler – The sporty SC/Rambler compact came stock with the iconic Hurst Pistol Grip shifter.
• Nissan 240SX – When new, the S13-chassis 240SX sports car featured a factory short throw Hurst shifter for its 5-speed manual transmission.
• Shelby Mustangs – Shelby worked with Hurst to install custom shifters on late-model Shelby GT350 and GT500 Mustangs.
• Hurst/Olds – The seminal Hurst/Olds models (1968-1983) all came with special OEM Hurst shifters accentuating their performance.

While less common today, those factory-equipped Hurst shifters represented the pinnacle of precision shifting in their era. They have stood the test of time thanks to Hurst’s engineering prowess.

Wrap-Up

For over half a century, Hurst has engineered some of the finest aftermarket shifters money can buy. Their smooth, precise feel and quality construction make them must-have upgrades for anyone serious about maximizing their vehicle’s shifting performance.

This buying guide provided an in-depth overview of Hurst shifter models, features, installation, maintenance and history. Hopefully you’re now well-equipped to select the perfect Hurst shifter to give your ride that race-ready shifting experience. Your vehicle’s transmission will thank you!