Did Gm Factory install Hurst shifters in 1978??

[pagrunt]

Canadain first two, US second two

 

[79 GP 4 speed]

My source shows how much to upgrade to the 4 speed on some models and how much of a credit you got on other models

 

[79 GP 4 speed]

This is the book I use as my source

 

[blk7gxn]

I really appreciate all the input from everyone here, learned a lot. I wasn't able to get any pictures this weekend, however plan to soon. The shiftier lever is round with a flat area in the middle on the sides, that's where its stamped "Hurst"...I unscrewed the boot trim on the floor and peeked underneath and it looks like there is two bolts at the base of the handle.

 

[blk7gxn]

All of the 78-81 manual Chevrolet models came with the ITM. The Hurst came on the Pontiacs, some Oldsmobiles and some Buick's. Functionally they are about the same with the ITM requiring you lift the handle for reverse while the Hurst relies on the internal spring loaded detent in the gear box. The rest of the linkage and brackets are identical on the factory units. The after market Hurst shifter is a totally different beast in almost every way. Most noticeable they have a bolt on handle with a squared profile.

I have the Hurst handle, yet it has the bolts at the base, BUT I do not have to "lift the handle" to go into reverse ....I have no idea what i got now lol

 

[fleming442]

In my past experience, factory shifters had clipped in handles, and the Comp shifters are bolt-in. The tell tale would be the gate stops at the front and rear of the shifter body.

 

[blk7gxn]

In my past experience, factory shifters had clipped in handles, and the Comp shifters are bolt-in. The tell tale would be the gate stops at the front and rear of the shifter body.

So if i pointed the camera in under the shifter boot and took a few shots, you would be able to tell what I have in there?

 

[fleming442]

They're pretty easy to spot; you should be able to feel them with a fingertip- a 3/8-24 bolt with a jam nut sticking out of the shifter body...

 

[blk7gxn]

They're pretty easy to spot; you should be able to feel them with a fingertip- a 3/8-24 bolt with a jam nut sticking out of the shifter body...
View attachment 106999

Thank you for the info!!,... ill get some pics tonight, i cant stand not knowing lol

 

[pagrunt]

I really appreciate all the input from everyone here, learned a lot. I wasn't able to get any pictures this weekend, however plan to soon. The shiftier lever is round with a flat area in the middle on the sides, that's where its stamped "Hurst"...I unscrewed the boot trim on the floor and peeked underneath and it looks like there is two bolts at the base of the handle.

I have the Hurst handle, yet it has the bolts at the base, BUT I do not have to "lift the handle" to go into reverse ....I have no idea what i got now lol

That would be an over the counter Comp Plus shifter since you have 2 bolts holding the lever on. As for it being a round stick most likely who ever installed it ordered a round stick to replace the flat one. Still there can still be possible that the round stick was original to the shifter. Not knowing when it went in (or even a very slim chance that Hurst did ship bolt on stick units to GM) it is hard to say how it all came together for your car.