T56 Magnum Shifters

[Nitrous]

I have a T56 Magnum in my 69 Camaro. The stock shifter isn't horrible but I feel like I might be a little more confident if the shifter would center harder than it does so that when I shift hard from second to 3rd I'd feel a bit more confident.

Are the aftermarket shifters like the black jack or white lightning much better when it comes to centering and providing a short throw?

Thanks

[dontlifttoshift]

If it's not leaking yet, don't change it until Bowler comes out with their shifter.

[paulk68]

If it's not leaking yet, don't change it until Bowler comes out with their shifter.

do you have any info on the one that they are working on?

[dontlifttoshift]

Supposed to be awesome and not leak. That's all I know.

[raustinss]

Donny you're the best ...love the answer lol "be awesome and not leak" lol well s*** im sold

[dontlifttoshift]

:lmao: What more could you want from a shifter?

[raustinss]

Looks ...price ....quality or is that all included in "awesome"

[dontlifttoshift]

Bah, details.

The stock Magnum shifter works fine, I think. The inability to keep the trans fluid inside the trans is what makes me crazy.

Bonus points to anyone that comes up with a shifter that doesn't leak _and_ has a manual reverse lock out.

[Sieg]

The problem I had was when running the shifter in the front position over the top of the gear. Without a baffle over that gear sealing will be a challenge.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cxPpSsr/0/XL/i-cxPpSsr-XL.jpg

I altered my '69 Camaro stock console to use the rear mount position and that neutralized the leak problems. With my NGR quick release steering hub and the rear shifter position the relationship is ideal for me.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-czRXsgR/0/XL/i-czRXsgR-XL.jpg

The new generation of Hurst Blackjack shifters utilize this seal which I work with them on as the first shifter leaked like a sieve when mounted in the forward position.

Here's the new shifter seal:
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XfNN9TC/0/XL/i-XfNN9TC-XL.jpg

Regarding the shifter itself, I haven't driven a car with better gate/throw shifter. Especially taking into account the length of the shift lever.

I also had an early version of the White Lightning and it leaked worse than the Hurst. It felt similar to the Hurst but I'd still give the Hurst the edge.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Lb5cBf3/0/XL/i-Lb5cBf3-XL.jpg

[Nitrous]

Do the Hurst and Whilte lightning actually shorten the throw much over the factory tremec shifter? Do they center harder with tighter springs or is it about the same?

Pretty bad these companies have to keep redesigning their shifter because they keep leaking. Figure it out BEFORE you put a product to market.

[raustinss]

I have two shifters ...im lost on how damn hard would it be to mill a small relief or groove around the perimeter to maintain either a gasket or silicone

[Sieg]

Do the Hurst and Whilte lightning actually shorten the throw much over the factory tremec shifter? Do they center harder with tighter springs or is it about the same?

Pretty bad these companies have to keep redesigning their shifter because they keep leaking. Figure it out BEFORE you put a product to market.

Throw is shorter. Reasonably firm spring tension.

The first Hurst was acceptable in the OEM (Tremec) shifter location.

Hurst was great to work with, they could have discontinued the product, personally I'm glad they didn't.

How many auto recalls has there been in the last 5 years? :D

I have two shifters ...im lost on how damn hard would it be to mill a small relief or groove around the perimeter to maintain either a gasket or silicone

There's so many factors that come into play, getting optimal mechanical function and tactile feel is a very fine line.

The optional forward shifter position over that gear that's slinging ATF with serious velocity really dictates the need for a mechanical baffle in the transmission IMO.

I'm glad I decided to build a shifter access plate as the 3 shifter changes I made would have required R&R of the trans.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9qq3n86/0/L/i-9qq3n86-L.jpg

[dontlifttoshift]

I have two shifters ...im lost on how damn hard would it be to mill a small relief or groove around the perimeter to maintain either a gasket or silicone

It doesn't leak there. It's the boot under the shifter that gets hard, cracks, and then it leaks through the shifter mechanism. Tremec will warranty at least one.

[raustinss]

Oh....i wondered because when I pulled mine apart there looked to be a spot that would cause a leak ....someone was being cheap with the silicone

[carbuff]

I started a thread a few years ago on this topic looking for ideas, and there was some good information posted in it at the time (should be easy to find with my username). Funny, because I just looked at it a couple of weeks ago.

I just purchased a new version of the White Lightning. Apparently it's on its 5th iteration now. I haven't installed it yet, because it's going to be harder to get to the bolts than I realized. There is a seal on the unit which looks like it should work ok. I get to use the rear location so it's not right over the gears that throw the oil.

One seemingly nice feature of this unit is that there are 2 adjustments on top of the tower which you can use to change the tension on the springs which force the centering of the shifter from the 1-2 to the 3-4 and from the 5-6 to the 3-4 gates.

I've been pretty happy with the stock Tremec shifter to be honest, but when I was watching an in car video from my day at COTA, I realized that my shifter throws were a lot longer than I thought. That got me started on the idea of an update, and thus rereading my old post, and finally the purchase. I really think that if the leak problems are solved (won't know until I try it) that either the Hurst or White Lightning would be nice units with a more crisp feel than the Tremec, but again, I've been pretty happy with the Tremec...

Good luck!

[gnx7]

I have been running the T56 Magnum and selling them for about 3-4 years now. The first version that Red's made leaked like crazy and I was replacing seals truly every other week. They would get hard and crack like dontlifttoshift stated.

I've found that also with the stock T56 Magnum shifter over time it will too get hard and crack the lower internal seal. They simply warranty out the shifter which puts the car down for a bit. It shifts actually pretty good for a stocks shifter. I'd say a little better than the Hurst shifter for the 4th gen Camaro SS.

The Sikky shifter that positions it about 3.75" further back from the rear most position leaked like crazy on its first version also. Being $500 you would expect more.

I've been selling the White Lightning setback shifters as of Q2 2016 and my customers report that it is better than the Red's shifter, a modified stocker, with shorter crisper throws. No leaks yet.... I'll be putting one in my own RX-7 with setback shifter when the 441ci motor is up and running.

[colorado80439]

If it's not leaking yet, don't change it until Bowler comes out with their shifter.

Any updates on a non leaking shifter white lightning or other? I called Bowler and they had no idea what I was talking about

[SlowProgress]

I am subscribing to this one. Seems like the leaky shifter thing has been going on for years now. I have the stock Tremec in the front position for now. As slow as I work maybe someone will actually have a good design when I am ready to drive! People keep mentioning baffles for the front position. Does anyone have a photo of a baffle design that works ?

Thanks!

[dontlifttoshift]

Any updates on a non leaking shifter white lightning or other? I called Bowler and they had no idea what I was talking about


Really? I have installed one and after a few months it is still leak free. I have another one in a box to go on my Camaro.

[SlowProgress]

It would be awesome if you posted up the part number and a quick photo of the internal seal.

Scott

[dontlifttoshift]

Part number 650000 on the box.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/Data-log/n-2FTWs/i-5w7qJck/0/4a17bd6c/XL/i-5w7qJck-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/Data-log/n-2FTWs/i-H2xDHk9/0/e23786e5/XL/i-H2xDHk9-XL.jpg


There is no "seal"..... Apparently this is a OEM design for Viper T56s that has been adapted to the T56 Magnum.

[SlowProgress]

Thanks I appreciate the time it took to do that.

Scott

[colorado80439]

Part number 650000 on the box.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/Data-log/n-2FTWs/i-5w7qJck/0/4a17bd6c/XL/i-5w7qJck-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/Data-log/n-2FTWs/i-H2xDHk9/0/e23786e5/XL/i-H2xDHk9-XL.jpg


There is no "seal"..... Apparently this is a OEM design for Viper T56s that has been adapted to the T56 Magnum.

Awesome, Thanks Donny!

[colorado80439]

If it's not leaking yet, don't change it until Bowler comes out with their shifter.

Hey Donny any comment on the performance of that bowler shifter?
Thanks Again, Dave

[dontlifttoshift]

You mean other than doesn't leak?

Feels good to me. I'm not big on short throws and the Bowler shifter doesn't feel significantly faster than the stock one. It does feel more refined though....not as clunky as the stock shifter.

[colorado80439]

You mean other than doesn't leak?

Feels good to me. I'm not big on short throws and the Bowler shifter doesn't feel significantly faster than the stock one. It does feel more refined though....not as clunky as the stock shifter.

Refined is a good thing, I'm giving them a call

[Sheck44]

Donny, how much is Bowler asking for these ?
Thanks
Steve

[colorado80439]

Donny, how much is Bowler asking for these ?
Thanks
Steve

They told me $350, but give them a call

[will69camaro]

I asked them and they sent me a link

https://www.bowlertransmissions.com/shop/manual-parts/t-56-magnum-parts/t-56-magnum-night-stick-shifter-oe-replacement/

William

[XLexusTech]

So this is not for camaro basd on position?

[will69camaro]

Don't know. Looks like it would.

[dontlifttoshift]

The description is weird.

That part number 650000 is a direct replacement for the red oem shift tower that ships on a Magnum T56.

[will69camaro]

Yea i sent the pic above w/ part number on the box and stated part number and that's the link they sent. I think the description isn't updated likely from the "template" they used when putting that page together.

[Nwl3_21]

I’m looking for a short throw shifter also was looking into the white lightning but was also wondering if anyone has tried the mal wood units?

[Nwl3_21]

The problem I had was when running the shifter in the front position over the top of the gear. Without a baffle over that gear sealing will be a challenge.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cxPpSsr/0/XL/i-cxPpSsr-XL.jpg

I altered my '69 Camaro stock console to use the rear mount position and that neutralized the leak problems. With my NGR quick release steering hub and the rear shifter position the relationship is ideal for me.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-czRXsgR/0/XL/i-czRXsgR-XL.jpg

The new generation of Hurst Blackjack shifters utilize this seal which I work with them on as the first shifter leaked like a sieve when mounted in the forward position.

Here's the new shifter seal:
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XfNN9TC/0/XL/i-XfNN9TC-XL.jpg

Regarding the shifter itself, I haven't driven a car with better gate/throw shifter. Especially taking into account the length of the shift lever.

I also had an early version of the White Lightning and it leaked worse than the Hurst. It felt similar to the Hurst but I'd still give the Hurst the edge.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Lb5cBf3/0/XL/i-Lb5cBf3-XL.jpg

Looks good! How many more inches back does the shifter come through the tunnel?

[CarlC]

Back from the dead with some $0.02 worth....

I'm on the second set of lower seals (hence second shifter since it is not replaceable) for the T56 Magnum shifter after having made a simple modification that helped a bunch to stop leakage.

The lower seal cracked like every other one I've seen after having been run for a while. However, upon inspection of the new parts the boot is way over stretched to fit on the shifter shaft. This excessive hoop stress in the boot caused it to fail prematurely. The fix? Machine the shifter shaft to accept the boot bore with a more reasonable fit.

https://i.hmjimg.com/images/2020/04/22/Shifter-shaft-reduced.jpg

After three years the lower boot is still in good shape but a small amount of liquid still ended up above the lower boot but not leaking out of the top boot. With the shifter being rear mounted / not above the gear, I'm attributing this to a possible overpressure condition within the gearcase. So, two things to do: 1) Apply sealant to the bore of the boot and a small bead around the lower edge of the seal-to-shaft interface, and 2) Figure out how best to monitor the gearcase pressure. The as-supplied vent is not kinked, restricted, etc. A better venting system may be needed if on-track pressures are found to rise above atmospheric.

Has anyone tried the Bowler shifter with the Viper lower section?

[python]

Anyone have a T56 shifter that bends back 2 to 3 inches?

[gnx7]

Cheapest way to accomplish more setback:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sda-555-7153?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKCAjw2uf2BRBpEiwA31VZjwiXR03d_UQRTZB3GPS3 JhlhVHRKQ5Zym85TEAfvvS6nskUaIYUkUhoCvzcQAvD_BwE

[will69camaro]

For what it's worth, I just put the Bowler in my car and seems very nice to drive. Haven't put many miles but will revert back on leaky-ness, rattly-ness and shift quality.

[ADY]

I'm waiting for Hurst Backjack arrive, so we'll have a mix bag of shifter reviews shortly.

I didn't need the shifter stick or knob in the '68 Camaro kit (https://www.holley.com/products/drivetrain/driveline_conversions/parts/3913004), so called Hurst and they were nice enough to throw in the offset adapter so I could save nearly $200 off the kit price:

Item Qty Price Subtotal Est. Available
BLACKJACK SHIFTER TREMEC MAGNUM 6 SPEED
Part # 3917309 1 $238.95

OFFSET STICK WELD ASSY, T-56 MAGNUM 68-6
Part # 2397317 1 $0.00

[ADY]

finally cutout an access panel from my tunnel and got the Hurst Blackjack installed. All I can say is the shifting ease and performance is much better than the stock Tremec shifter... bonus is that I don't have trans oil dropping on the exhaust cross-over and smoking at stops.

[will69camaro]

That's been a huge improvement with mine as well, no more leaks dropping all over the bottom of my car and garage.

Shifter feels nice, i'll try to put some more miles on it other than quarter mile passes and give some more feedback but i like it MUCH more than the factory Tremec.

[jmac]

You guys had problems with leaking on the stock shifter from Tremec? I'm a ways off from finding out myself, just taking notes for now.

[ADY]

You guys had problems with leaking on the stock shifter from Tremec? I'm a ways off from finding out myself, just taking notes for now.

Correct, when I removed the shifter boot the cavity was filled with fluid which caused the leakage out of shifter. That said, I didn't see any tears in the inner boot on the stock shifter, and after having a great time driving around with the new Blackjack shifter I just noticed residual oil leaking from it. Going to pull the t56 vent tube and make sure the check valve/breather isn't clogged. Damn... thought I was fixed and able to put the console back together.

[will69camaro]

Whole reason I went with Bowler was the seal design on the bottom side.

Mine was torn/blown apart and was leaking BAD.

[ADY]

well, after calling Hurst they offered to send out another unit to resolve the leaks I was experiencing from the inner boot. Second unit was installed and same leak. Tried replacing the check valve on the vent tube, but still leaks. Guess I'll have to throw away $$ on the Hurst and get a Bowler, flip the shifter to rear position, or install an open filter vent to stop any pressure from building up in the trans.

[will69camaro]

Are you sure it's pressure causing your issue?

I know magnums had pressure issues (lost a trans to it), but i thought the shifter leaking was it just splashing up to the shifter area and the boot being ripped lets it run out.

When my case was building pressure, it actually PUSHED the rear seal out of the trans.

If it's leaking around the yoke, try getting a better quality yoke. That stopped my leak but ultimately led to the seal coming out...

I've been 100% happy with the bowler shifter, I may get a shorter shift handle for it after last track outing, realize the longer handle is making for long shift times.

[ADY]

Not saying the pressure is higher than normal, just that the pressure has 3 places to release... tail shaft, shifter, and vent check valve. In my case the shifter just has the weakest seal causing the oil to leak there first.

[ADY]

Update... after recommendations from other members I flipped the Blackjack to the rear position and have been leak free. Just had to make a new OEM center console cover plate. Appreciate all the help and knowledge I get from this forum.

[paulk68]

can I ask what product you all use to seal the new shifter to the transmission?
thanks

[ADY]

I used a high-temp RTV I had sitting around. Just to be clear, the leak was not between the t-56 case and the shifter plate, it was through the inner boot and the shifter shaft.