Ok....here's the install recap:
We did two cars today....my 2007 and my friends 2005. Both of us got the Hurst billet shifter, my car was first to get the install.
We took our time, and very carefully installed the shifter. Took about 2 hours to do my install (we jacked up my car 2x til we found a level spot). You are insane to try this install yourself. Two people makes it very easy.
The trouble spots were getting the shifter out of/into the tunnel opening. After some finagling, it goes right in/out. The other trouble spot is re-attaching the dust boot on the shifter.
SUPER TIP#1: Remove the ENTIRE CONSOLE...to do a shifter install. It takes all of 5 minutes to remove, and you would eliminate the chance of scratching your console, and the re-install of the dust boot is 100% easier and faster.
When the time came to install the white cue ball, I notice a "fingernail" scratch near the "R". It's still white, but you can see it. I'm gonna try to get that replaced, but it's not a HUGE deal.
We did NOT install the included shift stop screws that came with this kit. The S197 trans has them built-in (or so we've read)...and we deemed them worthless and just another part to work loose or deal with.
We took the car for a spin to test it out...here are my thoughts:
1. There is ZERO noise from the shifter/boot area. There is no buzz, no rattle, NOTHING. Put it in gear, and it sits there, waiting for you to move it again. The shifter is SILENT when in gear. No vibration, no movement at all. I can't imagine why the MGW guys get all excited about the dynamat that comes with their kit, but seriously...this shifter has zero sound. It's as quiet as stock (which is silent, LOL).
2. The shifter has a distinct "click" sound as you engage each gear. Some people have said, "It makes a loud clunk when I shift!" Shut up. It makes a click, of positive engagement. It may sound like a "clunk," but more like a "thunk." The difference being, no metallic crazy sounds. It goes into gear, and that's it. Simple.
3. The throw is VERY short. From neutral to 1st gear, travel is maybe 1.5 inches, if that. Gears, 1, 3 and 5 all look like they're in neutral on a stock shifter car. Gears 2 and 4 look like they are in gear, as the shifter leans back a bit. Total throw distance from say, 1-2...looks to be no more than 4 inches total. Most likely less, haven't measured it.
Learning to shift faster will take some practice. There is the sensation of distinct gates (going from 2-3, example). While it's not hard to move the shifter, it's more of a deliberate action, and the solid feel of the whole experience is greatly different than a stock shifter set-up.
The time to install it on my buddy's car was 1 hour, tops. His final results were the same as mine.
Not sure if the "standard" Hurst shifter feels this awesome, but I can say the billet version is very good. The price shipped was only $230, which is a very good price for this piece.
No pics of the install or parts....sorry...but they are covered everywhere online.
I would totally recommend this shifter if you want a short, very positive feeling shift. Combined with the stellar classic good looks, you can't go wrong.
