Ratchet Shifter: Quicksilver vs. ProMatic

[Bomber '67]

I have a 200 4R in my '65 ElCamino, its a nice PTS Extreme to back up a 496 BB.

When I had first installed the trans I used the Hurst ProMatic that I had on the previous TH400. Of course I had to make a few changes to the ProMatic to make it work (I believe that Hurst has a separate version for the 4 speed autos). Well, after 9 years of use the ProMatic got worn out enough that it had a hard time properly shifting into first, so I replaced it with a B&M Quicksilver. It now shifts great again, but I'm not too thrilled that when in manual mode the Quicksilver allows me to shift into neutral like it was a regular upshift rather than having to lift the shift lever before shifting into neutral.

For all I know the proper Hurst ProMatic is the same, although my modded TH400 ProMatic never allowed neutral after fourth without first lifting the handle.

Also, are there other shifters that work well on the 200 4R? I do use the manual mode, with WOT upshifts usually taken at just under 6,500 rpm.

Thomas

 

[WE4]

Chuck the ratchet shifter!!!

Buy a gate shifter. Example of this would be a Pro Stick B&M or something of the like. Art carr used to make a neat one. But, Buy a GATE shifter, and throw away any ratchet shifter.

Bruce
WE4
www.PTSXTREME.com

 

[Bomber '67]

Bruce, I've never had a gate shifter - can you describe their shift action. Other than personal preferences, can you tell me why you dislike ratchet shifters?

 

[WE4]

well................

You have to know how a ratchet shifter works. it doesn't move so you never know if the cable is moving all the way into the detent. All it takes is .020-.050 of a leak at the manual valve to cause issues. A gate shifter moves with the cable all the time. Much more reliable and consistant. Ratchet shifters are for looks and for show, Gate shifters are for useage and correct performance. I could type a 20 chapter book on this. I hope I answered your question.

Bruce
WE4
www.PTSXTREME.com

 

[Bomber '67]

Yes, you answered my question. I understand your concerns about being .020 - .050 off on the detent position. I've added checking the shifter precision to my list of items like lug nut torque to be checked from time to time. Its actually fairly easy to check: just compare shifter position to detent position. Hopefully the next time I am at a national event they will have displays to allow me to check out the shift action of some gate shifters.

Thomas