When installing a TKO into a classic Chevy, achieving shifter stick positioning in the stock shifter location is a priority for many applications. In addition to achieving correct shift stick positioning it is equally important to use a high quality shifter that is built to last and that has a good shifting feel. In other words a shifter that positions the shifter stick in the correct location but is poorly built is not an adequate solution. With these requirements in mind we recommend either the stock Tremec shifter or the Hurst Blackjack shifter for all TKO installations. In addition to being direct, bolt-on units that require no modifications to the transmission itself, both of these shifters meet Classic Motorsports Group’s quality and fitment requirements for each of the cars listed below.
Blackjack shifter
Shifter Applications
1967-69 Camaro & Firebird:
Using the stock Tremec shifter that is included with each new TKO transmission is one solution for first generation Camaros and Firebirds. When using the Tremec shifter, you will need to move the shifter from the factory installed (farthest back) location by unbolting it, rotating it 180°, and bolting it back down in the forward position. Using this shifter will require the following, minor modifications:
- You will need to cut a small “quarter moon” shape out of your floorboard (tunnel) on the right edge of your stock 4-speed shifter opening.
- For console cars equipped with a plastic “shift tunnel” bezel (the piece that extends from the bottom of your console shift plate down to the floorboard around the shifter boot) you will need to trim a small section off of the bottom of this piece to accommodate the taller Tremec shifter housing.
- While perfectly acceptable, using this shifter will position your shift stick slightly to the right of center of your shift stick opening.
Alternatively, to achieve perfect shift stick positioning within your stock console, and to eliminate the need to trim (cut) the floorboard or trim the plastic shift tunnel piece, you can use the optional Hurst Blackjack offset shifter. The Blackjack shifter is a direct bolt-on replacement shifter. Using this shifter requires no modification to your stock console and achieves perfect shift stick positioning. This is a “no cut, no modification” solution.
1970-81 Camaro & Firebird:
Using the stock Tremec shifter that is included with each new TKO is a common and acceptable solution for second generation Camaros and Firebirds. The factory installed location of the Tremec shifter is in the correct position and does not need to be moved. Using this shifter will require the following modifications:
- You will need to cut a small, “quarter moon” shape out of your floorboard (tunnel) on the right edge of your stock 4-speed shifter opening.
- For console cars equipped with a plastic “shift tunnel” bezel (the piece that extends from the bottom of your console shift plate down to the floorboard around the shifter boot) you will need to trim a small section off of the bottom of this piece to accommodate the taller Tremec shifter housing.
- While perfectly acceptable, using this shifter will position your shift stick slightly to the right of center of your shift stick opening.
Alternatively, to achieve perfect shift stick positioning within your stock console, and to eliminate the need to trim (cut) the floorboard or trim the plastic shift tunnel piece, you can use the optional Hurst Blackjack offset shifter. The Blackjack shifter is a direct bolt-on replacement shifter. Using this shifter requires no modification to your stock console and achieves perfect shift stick positioning. This is a “no cut, no modification” solution.
1964-67 Chevelle, 1962-74 Chevy II/Nova, & 1964-72 GTO/Lemans:
When using a stock center console, the required solution is to use the Hurst Blackjack offset shifter. You will need to remove the stock Tremec shifter from the TKO and install the Hurst shifter with the main body of the shifter in the forward part of the rear shifter mounting location. Simply unbolt the Tremec shifter and then bolt on the Hurst Blackjack. The Blackjack shifter is a direct bolt-on replacement shifter. Using this shifter requires no modification to your stock console and achieves perfect shift stick positioning.
1968-72 Chevelle:
To achieve optimal shifter positioning within your stock console, you will need to move the stock Tremec shifter from the factory installed location by unbolting it, rotating it around 180° and bolting it back down. By doing this you will position the shifter into the appropriate location for use with a stock Chevelle console. No console modifications are required.
1955-57 Chevy’s:
If you have bucket seats you can position your shifter in whichever position you prefer. Options include: using the stock Tremec shifter in factory location, rotating the shifter 180° to move it further forward, or you can use the Hurst Blackjack offset shifter.
If you have bench seats you can use the standard shifter rotated 180°, the Blackjack offset shifter, or you can use the optional mid-shifter that moves your shifter forward to the middle shifter plate on the transmission giving you even more seat clearance.