[PontiacMatt72]

Planning to install a TKX into my 70 GTO. Replacing the Muncie 4-speed, car does not have a console.

Unless there is some benefit in keeping the Tremec’s shifter centered in the driveline (as it comes from Tremec) [-is there?] and moving the shifter hole in my GTO floor (closing the factory shifter hole and cutting a new one), I plan to use an offset shifter to place the shifter position in the GTO’s factory shifter hole.

I see there are a number of options for aftermarket offset shifters.
“White Lightning”, by American Powertrain
“STX” by Silver Sport
“Qwik-Stik” by Modern Driveline
“Nightstick” by Bowler

Does anyone have experience using these different shifters, or have advice one which ones are preferred? Or not? I’m sure they all will “work”, but surely one stands out as smoother, stronger, something?

[gtospieg]

When I put a Legend 5 speed in my 67 it came with an offset(to driver) shifter location. Does the TKX have such an option? I would think they do as these transmissions are supposed to be able to use the factory console if desired.

[PontiacMatt72]

Each of those options I listed are available for the TKX, and each with the option to order with the appropriate offset to place the shifter in the factory hole.

[scott70]

Not that it’s relevant to your question but I just put a silver sport tkx in my 70 gto with the stx offset shifter .I bought a replica round bar hurst shifter from hurst or/ Holley or whoever owns them because my original hurst handle is not a bolt on style. Seems like I can shift it quickly and even though I didn’t take measurements on this it seems like the shifter handle/ knob it closer to my leg than it used to be.

[chuckies76ta]

Hi Matt: I install my TKX in my 76 T/A. I used the rear position for my shifter. It was out of alignment, maybe 1/2" from my TKO from Keisler at the time. I did it this way as I didn't want the TKX case modified. I purchased a Shifter from “Qwik-Stik” by Modern Drive-line. I liked the style and design of there shifter. Has a gasket and sealed boot with it. Also, I liked the hardened beveled washers they used for centering the shifter.
Other thing I like about there shifters is they have lots of different adapters so you can locate the shifter handle where you want. I was still able to retain my console in my Car. I choose an adapter to also bring the shifter somewhat closer to the console lid. I then went with a different Hurst shifter handle and absolutely love it. https://www.holley.com/products/driv.../parts/5388550

[jhein]

I have the Qwik Stik shifter and I like it.

[Gator67]

I have a T56 magnum in my 70 Formula and use the Nightstick from Bowler...placement is perfect it and doesn't leak up through the shifter stub. We're running a TKX in my son's '79 TA from Silversport so set up with their STX offset shifter. Perfect placement of the shifter...but haven't driven it yet so no input on how well it works.

[65madgoat]

White lightning for the win. From American PowerTrain

[PontiacMatt72]

Discovered a couple other options…

“Revolver” by Tick Performance (kinda like the way that one is designed)
And Hanlon Motorsports makes a replacement “stem” made with offset, to bolt into the factory Tremec shifter assembly - https://www.hanlonmotorsports.com/pr...lock-position/

As far as shifter mechanics, feel, durability, etc - are these all essentially the same? I know they all have their own way of dealing with offset… but besides offset, what do I get for my ~$350-$425 with this deal?

[65madgoat]

No two are exactly the same feel. All shorten throw. Hanlon super short throws but notchy.

Only had 4 different shifters personally and really liked the American Powertrain White Lightning the most. 2nd fave was one an old McLeod guy apparently made and I thnk Modern Driveline sells.

Contact Jody's in PA for his take if you can't find cars in town to test drive with different shifters.

And none are cheap. $300+ common. May get lucky on ebay or facebook with a used shifter.

[chuckies76ta]

The one from Revolver” by Tick Performance looks like a nice shifter also. Hanlon looks like they incorporate adjustable stops. These shifters pretty much are all trying to do the same thing in my opinion. Centering the shifter as fast as possible so you can go to the next gear. Little history, When I had my TKO I purchased from Keisler, I never like the shifter unit it came with. It was very sloppy. Months later Keisler came out with a new shifter which I purchased. It was a much better design which had stiff springs to help center the shifter. Only thing I didn't like was the boot that had to be installed to keep the dirt out. Moving forward to the TKX. I went back and forth emailing Silver sport about the new STX shifter and was told they didn't have them for the TKX, so I moved one. The TKX does come with it's own shifter from Tremec.. I never gave it a second look. Just changed it out when Tranny arrived. You basically have to pick one see how you like it and go from there. I picked the MDL one as they are very robust and lots of different configurations. I also like the way they seal them with gaskets.

[FrankieT/A]

I have the White Lightening. It shifts great but rattles at times depending load. I spoke to them about it and sent them video right after the purchase, they didn't seem to want to do anything about it. I'll be looking into a different shifter eventually.

[chuckies76ta]

Originally Posted by FrankieT/A

I have the White Lightening. It shifts great but rattles at times depending load. I spoke to them about it and sent them video right after the purchase, they didn't seem to want to do anything about it. I'll be looking into a different shifter eventually.

Ya I had rattle on the shifter from Keisler on my TKO. Was a a certain rpm. The new TKX with the MDL shifter is so much better. Still maybe a tinny bit but not like before. I think no matter what shifter you have, there could be some vibration depending how you get everything setup. Dialing in that bellhousing to within .005 is task in itself. Tighten all the bolts and it's gonna move around.

[jhein]

Originally Posted by 65madgoat

No two are exactly the same feel. All shorten throw. Hanlon super short throws but notchy.

Only had 4 different shifters personally and really liked the American Powertrain White Lightning the most. 2nd fave was one an old McLeod guy apparently made and I thnk Modern Driveline sells.

Contact Jody's in PA for his take if you can't find cars in town to test drive with different shifters.

And none are cheap. $300+ common. May get lucky on ebay or facebook with a used shifter.

That's who I got all my stuff from and he recommended the Qwik Stik.

[chuckies76ta]

Originally Posted by jhein

That's who I got all my stuff from and he recommended the Qwik Stik.

Are these the same shifter as MDL? Thanks


https://redrobertsinc.com/?page_id=178

[65madgoat]

Should be. And that is a nice shifter with bellville washers. Ran one once. Just like the White Lightning more with adjustable bias.


Qwik Stik as seen on ebay too:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/114939303100

[PontiacMatt72]

Personally, I’d be wary of the “driveline components” and eBay version… they look the same as the MDL unit, maybe a ripoff?

I appreciate all the feedback.

I think im between the MDL Qwik-Stik ($360) and the Tick Performance Revolver ($420) at this point. And based on pricing, probably go with the Qwik Stik…

What’s the deal with the “belleville washers” used in the Qwik-Stik? I’m unfamiliar with them… I read one person claims they won’t lose tension like a coil spring?

Edited to show pic from MDL website of their shifter, which has their logo on it (assuming the photo is an accurate representation of their part)

[65madgoat]

I had that bellville washer shifter for a decade - same as day 1 as day 3650. Worked great.

The white lightning is spring loaded and you can adjust each gate firmness separately - and should the springs wear out, simple to replace.

[Scarebird]

If you have the tools and skill you can save a couple hundred and make a simple offset piece. I disassemble the shifter throw, cut off a section and rewelded it up as shown. Works perfectly fine.

[64speed]

I have the White Lightning on my TKO and I am not impressed. I am also no impressed by American Powertrains after sale service but thats another post.