So, my comet has a C4 transmission, and while I was looking at shifters I found this Hurst Shifter for C4 transmissions: http://www.hurst-shifters.com/hurst-products/PISTOLGRIP-QUARTER-STICK/PISTOL-GRIP-QUARTER-STICK I may just be transmission-stupid, but can someone explain to me what this shifter would do on an automatic? Would it just be a substitute for the OEM shift knob on the steering column? Or would it have to be used with the manual valve body I've heard of people putting on the C4?
You can use it either way. You can use it on a OE trans or a highly modified one. This is the exact shifter I am putting in my car but with a C6.
But I would have to modify the transmission if I wanted it to work like a manual? Would be cool to see how that goes on your car by the way.
Yes you would have to modify your trans to have it work like a manual. PaulS should be able to point you in the right direction for that. The shifter however has nothing to do with how the internals of the trans work except for the shifting part.
the stock column shifter is a...manual shifter...1st....2nd...drive... putting it in the floor would not change anything...the stock floor shifter shifts the same. the...full manual valve body...just does away with...drive...option. you will have to shift the gears...up and down...everytime. this is the shifter i just installed in my car... Megashifter * Cable operated for quick installation and accurate shifting. * Reverse lockout feature meets NHRA and IHRA requirements. * Includes neutral safety switch, backup light switch, lighted gear indicator & polished aluminum T-Handle & cable. * Can be used with a reverse pattern valve body. Fits Ford C4,
Ok, thanks a lot, I think I understand it a bit better now. My transmission might need to be rebuilt soon, so I'll probably try to get the manual valve body on it when I'm already working on it anyway. Thanks again.
A manual valve body is a bit harsh on a daily driver or a street only vehicle. If you don't mind not having a Drive position and the harsh shift then you can use a manual valve body. I would recommend either getting a valve body from Jay at Broader Performance or his manual kit that modifies your valve body to full manual operation. Call and talk to im about the use and he can set it to fit your needs better. He may also recommend other mods that will help the transmission live longer.
Thanks Paul, my car is my daily driver, so I'll look into that. I had no idea. I'm still pretty confused about the whole thing really. If the manual valve body turns the drive into only first gear, then I have to shift into the 2nd and 3rd that are on the column... I'm not really sure what my question is. I've never even put an automatic car into the 2nd or 3rd gear position past the drive position, so I don't really know how it would act. If I were to use the manual valve body and not put in a different shifter, would I just pull on the shift on the column without using a clutch? And if I did install the hurst shifter above, would there be a clutch in that situation? Would I have to pull on the handle everytime I started it or needed to brake? Thanks guys, sorry I'm so lost hahaha
With a manual valve body you have to start in the "1" or LOW gear position. Then when you get up some speed you shift to "2" or second gear position. When you get more speed up then you shift to the "D" or Drive position which is now 3rd gear. If you put the shifter into the "D" position at a stop it will try to take off in 3rd gear - kinda like a turtle with bad knees.
Too see them in action: http://www.youtube.com/results?sear...&search=Search&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&spell=1
what shifter did you choose? i might be buying the b&m megashifter, but i need one by tomorrow. anywhere in can get one in orange county?
If you get a shifter like the one you mentioned...you are only moving the shift lever from the column that you have now, to the floor. It will operate on the same principle that you are using now to shift your transmission. Instead of pulling the lever on your column down to D, you would be pulling the floor mounted shifter down to D. It will not change the performance of your trans in any way. In your case, it would be purely for cosmetics. Which is as good a reason as any to get one lol. I would definitely prefer one to a column shift lever myself.
