B&M Ripper Vs. Hurst Billet Plus Shifter

**seppburgh** · 11-02-2008, 07:12 PM

What are folk's experience with the Hurst Billet Plus Shifter vs the B&M Ripper? Have a 95 Trans Am, stock used for daily driving and car shows. Not planning on racing or modifying for street. Will be using the stock shift nob.

I'm from the old school (2th gen Firebirds) so am very use to the old Hust 4 speed. Something I do get lost with 6 speeds to select from.

Thoughts as to comfort and feel of the B&M vs. Hurst?

Thank you.

**frisco88** · 11-02-2008, 07:55 PM

i have the B&M and i like it very much,easier to find the gears the short shifter is not too short,meaning you still have enough leverage to put it in reverse.It took about 45min.to install.
I've never used the Hurst but i remember from the old days it was a great shifter

**konigandy6** · 11-06-2008, 03:22 PM

Pro 5.0 all the way! (I think they make them for LT1's?)

I love mine, gear selection is simple and smooth and has a nice short throw.

**Wesman** · 11-06-2008, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by konigandy6

Pro 5.0 all the way! (I think they make them for LT1's?)

I love mine, gear selection is simple and smooth and has a nice short throw.

Another vote for the Pro 5.0.

I've never used the B&M, but from the reviews I've read of people who have used both the Pro 5.0 and B&M, most rate the Pro 5.0 as the better shifter.

As for the Hurst, my car had one when it was stock, I wouldn't say it was a precise or postive feeling shifter by any means.

**JwMonE99** · 11-09-2008, 06:41 AM

Well there is a difference between the stock hurst and the aftermarket hurst shifters.

**Firebirdjones** · 11-09-2008, 09:16 AM

Correct, We currently have the optional factory installed hurst shifter and it's pretty nice. Has more of a stock feel with short throws.

We previously used the Hurst billet plus in another 6 speed car, (which is the aftermarket version) and I personally didn't care much for it. I had a hard time finding 3rd gear, seemed to feel like an offset notch in the pathway. I switched this car back to the sloppy stock shifter and it was great, never missed a gear with it. Still a sloppy shifter by most peoples standards but I just never had a problem with the stocker.
The hust billet plus currently sits in the box on the shelf. As I said, our newest 6 speed car has the optional factory hurst shifter,,,and so far it's pretty good, wife even likes it so I guess it stays.