Hurst Competition Plus Shifter

Nesato · #1 (**permalink**) 06-07-2003, 04:59 PM

I have a Dan Williams Toploader with a Hurst Competition Plus Shifter. Shifting between 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th seems to be just fine, but putting it in reverse is a "2-handed" ordeal that can cause a hernia if you're not careful. Getting it out of reverse, while easier than getting it in, takes quite an effort.

I have spent hours on my back, under the car, watching the shifting action and made many adjustments and can say with some assurance that there isn't any rod interference. I must have assembled and re-assembled the rods to the shifter 20 times. I use the neutral adjustment tool, verify the transmission levers are in their correct positions. I then make sure the adjusting buttons on the rod ends easily fit the shifter plates.

I have noticed that, while the shifter assembly is rigidly attached to the transmission housing, there seems to be some "play" of the shifting levers within the assembly. I am curious to know if anyone has had this problem, and what was done to correct the situation.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Nesato

chuckbrandt · #2 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 07:35 AM

Thanks, Chuck

BB427 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 09:19 AM

I have the same problem. I would also like to hear from someone that has fixed this.

It does keep my wife out of the seat though. She can not get it in reverse.(-:

chuckbrandt · #4 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 12:25 PM

It's just nasty, even with the alignment pin in and no rods attached it snaps and clashes as you move it sideways. It ain't right. Wonder how hard it is to take apart. Mr. Gasket tech support is evidently overwelmed with calls, no answer from e-mail either. I really think it needs a file taken to it.

Chuck

BB427 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 12:35 PM

I am sure part of it is a leverage problem. In a normal floor shift application you would have a long shifter with plenty of leverage to pull side to side but in a Cobra you sit next to the trans and the shifter is only 8" long.????

rhino · #6 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 01:11 PM

Neasto, I had the same problem. I solved it by rebuilding the shifter. There are shim plates between the slector leavers. The shims wear and slip past the slector pin blocking if from sliding into the slector slot. Also be sure there is enough clearance around the shifter handle where it comes through the floor.
Rhino

chuckbrandt · #7 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 01:27 PM

It was either him or one of his minions. Since this is a new shifter I doubt it needs to be rebuilt. The shifter arm is approximately 12". Mr. Gasket says that it's new and just needs to be broke in, if I can get it in reverse there isn't a problem. Anybody have another shifter for a toploader they like?

Thanks, Chuck

Bryan Wilson · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 01:12 AM

I think it must be just the nature of the beast I have to use two hands to overcome the spring to get it into reverse also.
At least I can't inadvertantly select reverse.
Regards,
Bryan

chuckbrandt · #9 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 03:06 AM

I'm afraid you are right, it seems to be a common complaint. It also doesn't seem real easy to take it apart, I assume you'd have to press the bushing out that the large mounting bolt goes through. I think the ideal situation would be to find a shifter that uses the lockout trigger as original.

Chuck

larryar · #10 (**permalink**) 09-23-2003, 05:10 AM

There must be a trick to it, mine is no problem getting into reverse on a toploader. I can't take credit for it because I didn't install it. My only problem, and it's operator error, is wanting to shift from 1st to 4th. I have to make a concerted effort to hit 2nd.
Larry