(POLL) Which Ratchet Shifter???

[khan0165]

Hey Folks,

I am running a 700r4 transmission and would like to install a rachet shifter.

B&M QuickSilver: http://www.streetperformance.com/ART/PR ... /B32-9.JPG
I love this shifter... I have used it previously in a 78 Camaro, on top of a TH350 trans. I love the feel, the look, and simplicity. I do not like the big chrome base however. There seems to be two different ones, with different part numbers, one listed for Camaros/Firebirds, and the other is listed for all other cars. What's the difference?

B&M MegaShifter: http://www.partshp.com/Shifter4.jpg
this seems to be a favourite amongst G-body owners. I'm personally not a fan of B&M, and especially unpleased by the flashy logos/emblems on this shifter. I've also heard stories of "jamming" and "clunky/sloppy rachet motion" from these. Again, there seems to be a few different ones, with different part numbers, one for Camaros/Firebirds with a short shaft, another for trucks, and another for all other cars. What's the difference?

TCI StreetFighter: http://www.compperformancegroupstores.c ... 300dpi.jpg
I like this shifter because it appears to be very similar to the trusted B&M Mega, but with alot less logos/emblems. I also trust TCI to be a better brand (B&M seems to be good for the budget hot-rodder). I've never used one of these shifters and don't know anyone else who has either.

Now with these shifters in mind, here's what I'm looking for...
I would like to use the shifter with my existing centre concole. I want to avoid flashy logos/emblems and maintain a under-stated look. I've sourced these shifters at a local shop in Ottawa, and the TCI is cheaper than the B&M Mega. I have yet to source the QuickSilver. I'm torn between the StreetFighter and the QuickSilver, but I could go with the Mega if you can give me a good reason.

Also, does anyone know what the difference between the Same-But-Different B&M shifters are? And which one would I need for my car, while maintaining the centre concole?

Thanks Everyone!

PS: please post your pictures! I would love to see your setup
PS: you are allowed to change your votes!

 

[Blake442]

Re: (POLL) TCI Streetfighter or B&M QuickSilver

I have nothing but good things to say about my B&M Megashifter.

The only thing "flashy" about it is the handle with the logo cast in it. You can buy a blank handle if it's that big of a deal to you.

The difference between the megashifters is height.
The "f-body console" the shortest.
The universal one is medium (what I have)
The truck one is tall.

 

[454muscle]

Re: (POLL) TCI Streetfighter or B&M QuickSilver

The B&M Megashifter is patterned after the original Hurst Vmatic shifter, they are only slightly cosmetically different (as I recall, B&M bought out Hurst).

TCI's new streetfighter shifter looks like a copy of the B&M Megashifter. If you think there were problems with the Megashifter I would trust an imitation even less -- albeit there are no problems.

You have to know what you're doing when shifting a Megashifter, and if you don't know, it will feel clunky and glitchy -- but it's not. It's precise and shifts well. Those bad reviews you got are likely from people who didn't know what they were doing.

Here is just a suggestion -- something I did with my previous Grand Prixs -- rip out the ugly center console and just mount/install the B&M Megashifter. It's good. :wink:

 

[khan0165]

Re: (POLL) TCI Streetfighter or B&M QuickSilver

thanks guys,

Blake, thanks for clearing up the B&M size differences.

What do you guys think of the QuickSilver?

 

[khan0165]

 

[DRIVEN]

I had a QuickSilver in a V8 240z about 12 years ago. It worked fine but what I liked best about it is that when installed without the cover(surround) it fit nicely inside the stock "leather boot" and didn't scream "I'm a race car". I guess it all depends on the statement you want to make with the car.

 

[monte olrac]

I have the hurst V-matic2 in my monte

 

[jrm81bu]

I like the V-Matioc 2 over the Megashifter. It seems to have more of a curve to the handle than the straighter Magashifter.

 

[454muscle]

I like the Vmatic stick too, but I don't like the plastic base because it has some additional lines and crap. I didn't end up using most of my Megashifter's base anyways -- most of it was cut off to fit the console. Also it takes like 10 screws to hold the top plate down (Megashifter uses only 4).

What do you guys think of the QuickSilver?

The Quicksilver -- not my taste, it's a matter of preference really. If you like it, by all means use it! Otherwise you won't be happy if you get something other's tell you to get. Be sure you like the functionality of it though. Seems solid to me.

Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hennlMxxZlA

It's similar to the Hammer shifter. I like this better than the Quicksilver, you might too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW_s5j4f2ds

By the way, I believe all these shifters have interchangeable handles, so if you don't like what it comes with, you can change it to something else. A tip: It's a good idea to use some Locktight when tightening the handle down!

 

[khan0165]

locktite is a great idea...

my old QuickSilver used to lose it's handle quite alot, ha ha