69 Z/28 Day II Project (Air Force Brat)

[NorCam]

You have to cut for the side of the shifter body to come through the side of the tunnel. The top of the body comes through about 2 inches and that protruding body then tapers down as the tunnel runs out towards the floor. The cut must run down below the lower tabs of the shifter body and then you have the 3/4 rod that attaches on the outer leg. That shift rod then needs the floor cut for at least 4"-5" forward of the shifter and it needs about 3/4" relief for the rod to not be in contact with the tunnel. I am sure you could pound that out with a big hammer, but I'd rather cut it than pound it out. Here's a picture that shows how much of the body is going to be sticking through.



I don't think the big block is that much different from a small block in terms of tranny positioning is it? Like maybe 1/4" or something? In either case, this shifter mount locates the body up high and needs relief cuts in the top of the tunnel and through the driver's side or the shifter isn't going to fit. You can maybe close it in tighter and negate making the box as I did, but then you need to wrap a large boot down and around the side of the tunnel which I don't like the looks of? Unfortunately, I didn't see any shortcuts in how to do this right and did what I could to close it in while keeping it neat.

The current model Super Shifters have smaller diameter shifter rods but they are weaker design than the older ones like I have here. I'm pretty sure the Super Shifters have always used this particular mount, but as I have done in the past, there are ways to mount it down low using a different mount and the lighter offset shift rods. That means less cutting but don't think the functionality is as good with those modifications.

FWIW...I'm no expert at this. Just doing what I can with what I have here and pretty happy with how it's turning out so far.

[NorCam]

Here's another shot from the underside as I was sizing things up. I started with a smaller cut and tried to hinge that side cut out to box in the shifter body along the bottom edge, but it wasn't going to give me anything to mount a new boot around so I later enlarged the hole and then built the box to close everything in. You can see from this picture that even the lower shift leg for 3/4 needs to go out beyond the tunnel side. They are a very invasive install as compared to anything stock. LOL

[njsteve]

I did not know about the different offsets. And yes my pace car was a 350.

[big gear head]

I think the Mr. Gasket V Gate and the Long shifters require an even larger hole, which is why I haven't installed one of them in my car.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Love the shifter decisions!!


I personally love chaulk marks, and paint daubs, but I would cut up a floor in nearly any car to get a bad ass shifter in place.


This car with a stock shifter would have been a big miss in my opinion. I bet the shifter is the most fun item on the whole car, and each time you drive it you will be happy you cut some sheet metal the heck out of the way!!


I offer my Sawzall skills to any muscle car owners who want a big hole in the floor and can't bring themselves to do it. Not kidding.


Ryan W31.


This has motivated me to improve my shifter hump :-)

[3X24SPD]

I never knew Hurst made another inline shifter besides the Vertigate. I also have a Mr. Gasket Vertigate, and that shifter is identical to the Hurst except for the script. I had to look up what makes a RamRod different than a Vertigate. Found a great pic to share.

[X66 714]

Hurst made the RamRod first. I used them for years when I was younger. Kind of a theft deterant. Most people that road with me didn't know how to work it...Joe

[rszmjt]

Originally Posted by 3X24SPD

I never knew Hurst made another inline shifter besides the Vertigate. I also have a Mr. Gasket Vertigate, and that shifter is identical to the Hurst except for the script. I had to look up what makes a RamRod different than a Vertigate. Found a great pic to share.

Never owned a Ramrod or Vertical Gate. I did own 4 Hurst Super Shifters 1,s at 1 time, 1 had 4 Chrysler Liberty 4 speeds for my S/G car which I raced for 12 years. If we burred a Pro Shift Hub we could change the trans in 7 mins between rounds . Did that in 1990 @ Seattle. Never missed a gear in 12 years, they worked Mint, never saw the need for a Vertical Gate as they were big & clunky IMO.
That is world champion Mike Federer in the Penzoil roadster in the other lane.

Graeme, your going to love that shifter.

[NorCam]

Hope so. Just waiting on a set of Z/28 frame mounts to come up from the US so I can finally get the motor into the car and mount the shifter and the headers. Full steam ahead after that and hopefully no more delays.

[NorCam]

Just finishing my coffee before heading out to the shop for the day. Going to finish up the carpet install. swap the clock out for a center fuel gauge, install a new 3967939 heater switch and reinstall the column, boot & carpet shield. After that, I have some gauges and an ignition box to install and prewire ahead of the motor and trans going in.