ratchet shifters

[topfuel]

Trying to decide which ratcet shifter to buy, wanted to hear some
feedback from Hurst Quarter stick and B/M megashifter owners.
I've never had a ratchet shifter and was wondering how they
worked. What are those "levers" for and when do you use them?
Thanks for your input...
P.S. This website ROCKS
Mike (new member)

 

[Nick Micale]

We use the B&M Megashifter.

Check out my web site for pics and info.

 

[topfuel]

Thanks Nick, your "how to" instructions will be very helpful with the install. How about actually "using" the shifter, will it go from
Park directly down to low 1 or do I have to rachet it 6 times to get there? and, when upshifting manually, do you push forward or pull back on the shifter?

Mike...

 

[Jimn8or]

I chose the B&M Quicksilver. Fits under console and works well.
HTH
Jim

 

[Nick Micale]

To operate the Megashifter, pull up on lock-out lever and shift to reverse, neutral or OD. From OD it will ratchet, one gear at a time in forward gears. Pull back and release for each shift.

 

[TurboTR]

Megashifter on a TH400 user chiming in Love it!

Yeah you just lift the lockout T handle to move from Park through to 1st gear (assuming a reverse pattern trans). Once in 1st you just ratchet the stick backward or forward to move through the gear sequence. The stick stays in the same position after each gear change. Works really great with a bench seat/no console car. Very comfy, just leave your arm on the arm rest and flick the wrist basically to bang gears. Like having a high hp La Z Boy really...

TurboTR

 

[topfuel]

quiksilver

Jim, does the quicksilver fit without any mods to the top plate?
And how does it operate, does the shifter return to the same
position after each upshift or does it move progressively forward?
I see that it doesnt have a release lever either...

 

[Turbo 6 Justin]

I also have the quicksilver and I did have to 'modify' the top plate some to get it to fit but I think if you mounted it lower than I did it should work with the stock counsel (others say it will) I have mine on a 400 with reverse pattern, there is no release lever instead you pull the whole thing up and move it to reverse or neutral pull it back to go into 1 and it returns to the same position up to 3rd. to downshift push forward till it is in neutral but it will not go into reverse unless you lift the lever again. I love this shifter. that is my thoughts on it!

 

[topfuel]

Thanks Justin...

Wheres all the quarter stick users???

 

[WE4]

You are just creating one more thing to have a problem with

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use a RATCHET shifter. Ever!

use a gate shifter. So stick moves with the gear change whether it be a cable or linkage.

Again let me reitterate..

DO NOT USE A RATCHET SHIFTER!!!!
NEVER NADA AT ALL!

Ratchet shifters are a novelty. They have caused more trans failures than any other reason besides heat. Number 1!

Notice I did not name companys. This is because I dont care which ones , they are ALL JUNK!!!!!

A true reliable and competition shifters all have a gate. This is the best and most reliable.

Kick down that big cash for the ratchet. It is like buying a picture for a wall, looks cool, but now what?


Bruce

 

[Nick Micale]

Re: You are just creating one more thing to have a problem with

Originally posted by WE4
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use a RATCHET shifter. Ever!
........
A true reliable and competition shifters all have a gate. This is the best and most reliable. Bruce

Gee, guess I should tell some of the people holding national records their ratchet shifter is junk?

Would imagine you have some reason for this other than "junk"?

 

[Robert]

Gotta agree with you there Nick, awful lot of people out there using rachet shifters. Belive me, since I work for NHRA I see them!! Got a B&M Pro Rachet on my project car & love it

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Ratchetz

I use the B&M Pro ratchet w/ a stock console and a custom lid.
I used it so I could trigger the INNOVATIVE boost controller in each gear. I have a micro set up to trip each time I pull a gear change... works for me!!

 

[GNVAIR]

I use a Hurst Quarter stick. Works great and was easy to install. I removed the reverse lock up lever for street driving. It is very positive and I always know what gear I am in.
I understand where Bruce is coming from with the ratchet shifters. The damage he is talking about is from the shifters not always lining up with the shift valve in the valve body. Basically you can cause a situation where it is not completely in the detent where it is supposed to be. Listen to the trans guy as he has definitely had his hands in more TR transmissions than probably anyone here.

 

[Tims87T]

I also have the B&M Megashifter. Very nice & easy to install too. But its just my opinion & we all know about those.

 

[topfuel]

never,never,never,nada

BruceWE4,
You've stated your point very clearly...
Do you have any examples of gate shifters that will work well with our cars??? The Turbo Action Cheetah scs is the only one I could find that mentioned the word "gate" in the desciption.
I've read your previous posts on the subject and still dont know what you do recommend. (besides modifying the stock shifter)
More input would be appreciated... thanks

 

[WE4]

Ok that was pretty blatant

The ( see I didnt want to name names) But the Pro Ratchet by B&M is about the best. They have made their ratchet set up diffrerent by "double securing"
Yes the cable will stretch and not line on the detent. This is NOT GOOD considering it only takes .030 to bleed off. Asb far as your Cheatah, they are very good. Also, any gated cable shifter, your Pro Stick, your quarter sticks all of them are ok. Just be very careful with ratchet shifters. Trust me......Also, never buy a used one.

Bruce WE4

 

[Nick Micale]

Re: Ok that was pretty blatant

Originally posted by WE4
The ( see I didnt want to name names) But the Pro Ratchet by B&M is about the best. They have made their ratchet set up diffrerent by "double securing" ...........................................................Yes the cable will stretch and not line on the detent. Bruce WE4

The Pro Ratchet is what I just installed in my race car. It comes with the HD cable. B&M uses the regular cable in the Megashifter, but we have replaced many of them with the HD version. For street use, it has not had problems. Lots of track time with a Stageright-type trans brake, the HD cable is recommended.

Also, in the GN installation of the Megashifter, or any aftermarket one, it is very important that the cable leaving out through the floor NOT be in any bind.

Bruce is right about the ratchet sometimes not engaging well. If the above items are done, and it is PROPERLY adjusted, it works very good and engages the way it should every time.

 

[topfuel]

Thanks...

Thanks to everyone who responded, I learned a great deal about
shifters. After much research, I decided to try the B&M Prostick,
It's a "gate" shifter, it was reasonably priced and within my
"I dont REALLY need it, but want it" budget. Next thing on my list is some new Nittos on the rear. Hey does anybody know what
backspacing I need to..............just kidding!
Mike

 

[NOSjohnWE4]

shifter

i can't give you much advice on the shifters now, BUT I DO KNOW WHERE YOU CAN GET SOME NITTOS !



John C.
LedSLED Motorsports
(315)298-1000
jcofolla@twcny.rr.com
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