Zl1 shifter how does it differ from standard ss trim line? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Minge · 12-15-2012, 05:50 PM

I need some help from the zl1 owners here. I was ready to place my order for a 2ss/rs convertible with a hurst short throw shifter when I got a call from my dealer saying the hurst short throw is no longer available. The regional gm rep said that an upgraded shifter option will be available to order but not until late January. It is assumed the upgraded shifter to be offered is the same one used in the zl1. My question to you zl1 owners is what the shifter in the zl1? Is it a short throw and how does it differ from the standard ss shifter in the lower trim levels in the camaro? Is it worth holding off on my order to see what is offered? I really wanted a short throw shifter in my car and I wanted to reach out to Hopi zl1 folks and get your thoughts.

Thanks everyone.

One-Bad-ZL1 · 12-15-2012, 07:30 PM

I owned an SS with the STS and my ZL1 is also equipped, as they all are, with an STS. Only thing that I noticed different is the actual handle is not as large on the Z which I actually like. It's worth it, but they are also pretty easy to change. So I wouldn't deprive myself of a sweet SS if I were you.

Skylane765 · 12-15-2012, 07:42 PM

Remember, shorter throw = less force. You do not want it too short of a throw.

The shifter in the Z is shorter but I have heard it is the same fulcrum point.
I would not want it any shorter throw.

Minge · 12-15-2012, 07:50 PM

One bad ss thanks for the response. To clarify, did you have the hurst in your ss or the stock offering? I am interested in how the stock ss trim level shifter would compare to the zl1? I have two choices except the standard shifter in the ss or wait a month or so for the upgraded offering in late January. I live in minesota so I really do not need the car until April 1st or so nex year so I have some time to work with if need be.

One-Bad-ZL1 · 12-15-2012, 08:25 PM

Mine came equipped with it. If you can afford the wait, it's worth it. IMO.

13GreyVert · 12-15-2012, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylane765

Remember, shorter throw = less force. You do not want it too short of a throw.

The shifter in the Z is shorter but I have heard it is the same fulcrum point.
I would not want it any shorter throw.

Might want to rethink that. A shifter is basically a lever and anytime you shorten a lever you must use force to accomplish the same task.

HDRDTD · 12-15-2012, 10:08 PM

I had the optional Hurst STS in my 2011 Vert, and I have the manual in my 2013 ZL1 Vert. To me they feel about the same.

Skylane765 · 12-15-2012, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDRDTD

I had the optional Hurst STS in my 2011 Vert, and I have the manual in my 2013 ZL1 Vert. To me they feel about the same.

They are about the same.

I do not understand why so short of throw? In the 60s the shifter was so long we used Hurst. Nowadays the stock shifter is so short and we do not use linkage like the old days the shifter is very very good. Now for looks that's a different matter.

Skylane765 · 12-15-2012, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13GreyVert

Might want to rethink that. A shifter is basically a lever and anytime you shorten a lever you must use force to accomplish the same task.

looks like you agree with what I think about the new shifters. Less force for the shifter, more force for the operator. Maybe I did not explain it well. You will have less force to shift into gear with a shorter throw, so the Operator will have to use more or there will less force to shift the gear synchro.

You get the shifter to short of a throw more likely to miss a speed shift.

HDRDTD · 12-15-2012, 10:47 PM

A shorter throw means your hand doesn't have to move as far when shifting gears resulting in the ability to shift gears faster.

mxkx250 · 12-15-2012, 10:48 PM

My ZL1 shifts like butter. I love it but never drove an SS to compare.

Skylane765 · 12-15-2012, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDRDTD

A shorter throw means your hand doesn't have to move as far when shifting gears resulting in the ability to shift gears faster.

Yes, but they are real short nowadays compared to the old shifters. There has to be a limit to where you need more shifter force to get it into gear.

In the 64 Chevell and the roadrunners the throw was like about 12 inches.

Minge · 12-16-2012, 01:34 PM

I am coming from a 70 chevelle that I had the stock Muncie in when I restored it as I wanted it as correct as I could. That was like surfing a wet noodle and you did not know what you were going to get day to day with that shifter. I could not wait to pull that shifter in favor of a hurst.

Want to make sure I make a good educated decision on this one. If the zl1 shifter is indeed a significant improvement over the stock ss shifter and I can order it in a few weeks I will wait if I can gather enough intel that shows it is worth the wait.

Skylane765 · 12-16-2012, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minge

I am coming from a 70 chevelle that I had the stock Muncie in when I restored it as I wanted it as correct as I could. That was like surfing a wet noodle and you did not know what you were going to get day to day with that shifter. I could not wait to pull that shifter in favor of a hurst.

Want to make sure I make a good educated decision on this one. If the zl1 shifter is indeed a significant improvement over the stock ss shifter and I can order it in a few weeks I will wait if I can gather enough intel that shows it is worth the wait.

I am looking for a Muncie shifter handle, do you still have the stock shifter? (thick with finger pull for reverse)

12-15-2012, 05:50 PM	#1
Minge Drives: 2013 2SS Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 279	Zl1 shifter how does it differ from standard ss trim line? I need some help from the zl1 owners here. I was ready to place my order for a 2ss/rs convertible with a hurst short throw shifter when I got a call from my dealer saying the hurst short throw is no longer available. The regional gm rep said that an upgraded shifter option will be available to order but not until late January. It is assumed the upgraded shifter to be offered is the same one used in the zl1. My question to you zl1 owners is what the shifter in the zl1? Is it a short throw and how does it differ from the standard ss shifter in the lower trim levels in the camaro? Is it worth holding off on my order to see what is offered? I really wanted a short throw shifter in my car and I wanted to reach out to Hopi zl1 folks and get your thoughts. Thanks everyone.

12-15-2012, 07:30 PM	#2
One-Bad-ZL1 So easy to love Camaros Drives: 2013 ZL1 VR #3457 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Marlborough, CT Posts: 3,768 View My Garage	I owned an SS with the STS and my ZL1 is also equipped, as they all are, with an STS. Only thing that I noticed different is the actual handle is not as large on the Z which I actually like. It's worth it, but they are also pretty easy to change. So I wouldn't deprive myself of a sweet SS if I were you. __________________

12-15-2012, 08:25 PM	#5
One-Bad-ZL1 So easy to love Camaros Drives: 2013 ZL1 VR #3457 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Marlborough, CT Posts: 3,768 View My Garage	Mine came equipped with it. If you can afford the wait, it's worth it. IMO. __________________

12-15-2012, 10:48 PM	#11
mxkx250 Drives: 12 ZL1, 98 Camaro SS, 67 RS/SS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Morgantown, WV Posts: 385 View My Garage	My ZL1 shifts like butter. I love it but never drove an SS to compare. __________________ 2018 ZL1, Red Hot, M6, ECF 2017 LS Camaro Hyper Blue,Turbo, M6. 2012 ZL1, VR, M6, ECF, Polished 5 spokes. 1998 Camaro SS, Red, M6. 1986 IROC-Z, Red, A4, 1973 Camaro Motion Tribute, Blue, 454, M4 1967 Camaro RS/SS, Black, 350/295, A2, 2008 Avalanche LTZ, Black, A4

12-15-2012, 07:42 PM	#3
Skylane765 Drives: ZL1-1LE, Z/28 Join Date: May 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,262 View My Garage	Remember, shorter throw = less force. You do not want it too short of a throw. The shifter in the Z is shorter but I have heard it is the same fulcrum point. I would not want it any shorter throw.

12-15-2012, 07:50 PM	#4
Minge Drives: 2013 2SS Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 279	One bad ss thanks for the response. To clarify, did you have the hurst in your ss or the stock offering? I am interested in how the stock ss trim level shifter would compare to the zl1? I have two choices except the standard shifter in the ss or wait a month or so for the upgraded offering in late January. I live in minesota so I really do not need the car until April 1st or so nex year so I have some time to work with if need be.

12-15-2012, 10:08 PM	#7
HDRDTD Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 Vert M6 ECF Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Trenton, Michigan Posts: 7,047	I had the optional Hurst STS in my 2011 Vert, and I have the manual in my 2013 ZL1 Vert. To me they feel about the same.

12-15-2012, 10:47 PM	#10
HDRDTD Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 Vert M6 ECF Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Trenton, Michigan Posts: 7,047	A shorter throw means your hand doesn't have to move as far when shifting gears resulting in the ability to shift gears faster.

12-16-2012, 01:34 PM	#13
Minge Drives: 2013 2SS Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 279	I am coming from a 70 chevelle that I had the stock Muncie in when I restored it as I wanted it as correct as I could. That was like surfing a wet noodle and you did not know what you were going to get day to day with that shifter. I could not wait to pull that shifter in favor of a hurst. Want to make sure I make a good educated decision on this one. If the zl1 shifter is indeed a significant improvement over the stock ss shifter and I can order it in a few weeks I will wait if I can gather enough intel that shows it is worth the wait.