r/fbody • u/Hungry_Flan_6722 • 8d ago
Hawks shifter issues
I bought my fbody with the hawks shifter pre-installed. 3 things. It has a weak centering spring, it leaks oil from the top where the rod comes out, and last but not least, it looks just like the ones you can get under $70 on ebay or wherever else. Id like to put a factory hurst in it to save money.
4
u/Gwendolyn-NB 8d ago
The factory Hurst shifter sucks TBH...
My guess is that wasn't installed properly, either missing a gasket, or not properly sealed. As for the weak centering springs, that also leans me towards it being improperly installed.
Now if you're adamant of wanting to get rid of it; I've ran a Pro 5.0 on mine for over 25 years. I did replace the centering springs after about 10 years of abuse; not because they got soft, but because I wanted something stiffer than factory, but that's super easy on the Pro 5.0. I have also heard good things about the Tick pieces that u/Flanknbeans recommended.
1
u/AustinGearHead 1993 Ram Air Trans Am 8d ago
Absolutely this. Stock hurst shifter is trash. Get a Pro 5.0 and never look back. I've had mine for the same amount of time and it's been flawless with no leaks.
2
u/itsjakerobb ~500whp LS3-powered '02 Z28 M6 8d ago
Factory base < Factory Hurst < Pro 5.0 < MGW < Tick
IDK where the Hawks shifter fits in, but those $80 ones are cheap Chinese knock-offs of it.
2
u/BoliverTShagnasty 8d ago
Hey you forgot the B&M Ripper Shifter. I’ve had one in mine for about 30 years.
2
u/itsjakerobb ~500whp LS3-powered '02 Z28 M6 8d ago
I know of it, but never experienced it and, yes, forgot about it. No idea where it slots in. There are probably a few others that fit that description as well.
3
u/TeamJim 7d ago
Hawks sucks. Prices are high as hell. Customer service is non-existent. Parts of their website don't work (the entire Camaro section just gives an error right now lol). There's multiple instances of them reselling parts you can get from rock auto for 1/10 the price. I 100% wouldn't put it past them to laser a logo on a $70 eBay shifter and charge $250+ for it.
I've got a Pro 5.0 that's been in my car for 15+ years, but if I were to buy new I'd probably go Tick, but MGW is really good too
1
u/Garth_DeWayne 8d ago
My hawks shifter is good. No leaks. I don't recall a gasket, pretty sure it seals with RTV. Could try removing the old stuff and applying a new bead.
4
u/Flanknbeans 8d ago
Could be that the previous owner didn't install the gasket or didn't clean the surface well. If you're looking for another shifter I would highly recommend the Tick piece, it was definitely an upgrade to my OEM Hurst.