When you consider how important the functionality of a shifter is when operated behind a high-performance engine, then figure in the aesthetic and tactile impact on your senses, it's a wonder they don't cost many times as much as they do. Just think about it this way: How many bolt-on parts are there for a couple hundred dollars that can transform a car so significantly—even on the lowliest junkyard jalopy?
Yet in spite of their visual appeal and our dependence on their reliability, it seems like most people don't give a second thought to picking a shifter—when they even pick one at all. And while shifters for automatic transmissions are certainly one of the most pervasive commodities in the muscle car marketplace, there's no reason for treating the purchase of your cog selector as cavalierly as shopping for bread and eggs. After the steering wheel, the shifter is the main point of interface with your car—something car designers call a touch point.
Aesthetics aside, aftermarket shifters exist for a reason—they prevent errors in gear selection that can result in engine or driveline damage, and they can even prevent bodily damage. OEM shifters are designed to select the gear range while the car is stopped—set it and forget it. On rare occasions, an OE gear selector might be carefully moved at a modest speed, but not at or near the redline of a high-performance engine. Accidentally overshifting into Neutral, concentrating too hard on watching the gearshift indicator, or downshifting too many gears can lead to disaster, so don't chance it. Get a shifter that's gated for safety, and that has a confidence-inspiring linkage that you don't need to focus your eyes on at triple-digit speeds.
We've collected our favorite automatic shifters here—16 in all. They all offer safe, gated operation with a rock-solid feel for high-performance use, and we've included units at a variety of styles and price points. Don't trust the ancient gear selector in your classic to protect your driveline investment—check one of these out, and let the good times roll! —Johnny Hunkins
ATI PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
Automatic Shifter
Born in the pits at national event-level drag races, the ATI shifter is a gate-type unit with extremely smooth action. It uses high-quality parts throughout, comes with a Morse cable, and it'll work on any two- or three-speed automatic transmission. The shifter assembly is 15.25 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 9.25 inches tall, if space is a concern. It looks full-race, too.
Applications: Powerglide, TH350, TH400, 700-R4, Ford C6, C4, Chrysler TorqueFlite 727 and 904.
Street price: $265 (C4 with reverse pattern)
Source:
ATI Performance Products
877-298-5039
www.ATIRacing.com
B&M RACING PRODUCTS
MegaShifter
B&M's MegaShifter (PN 81035) and QuickSilver (PN 81025) are both designed to fit the '68-69 Chevy Camaro console. The MegaShifter features full ratchet action performance, a lighted gear position indicator, neutral safety switch, chrome stick and trigger assembly, a satin-finish aluminum B&M T-handle, and a reverse lockout feature that meets NHRA and IHRA requirements. The QuickSilver does the same without the hassle of a trigger. With both shifters, all the mounting hardware and a 5-foot precision B&M shifter cable are included.
Applications: any domestic two-, three-, and four-speed automatic transmission
Street price: $246.97
Pro Bandit
Built for high-performance vehicles, the Pro Bandit Shifter (PN 81045) features a billet aluminum Magnum Grip handle, an 8-foot-long super duty race cable, B&M Powerglide pro lever with quick-disconnect and cable extension (a CO2 cannister or an electric solenoid may be used on this shifter for a Powerglide). All Bandit shifters use the same gate plates as found in the Pro Stick shifters.
Applications: any domestic two-, three-, and four-speed automatic transmission
Street price: $354.97
Hi-Tek Street Bandit
B&M says its Hi-Tek Street Bandit (PN 80797) is the ultimate shifter for high-tech Pro Street cars and street rods with automatic transmissions. The Hi-Tek Street Bandit features a gated mechanism with a narrow aluminum housing, neutral safety switch, backup light switch, and an interchangeable billet knob. It also comes with all the mounting hardware required.
Applications: any domestic two-, three-, and four-speed automatic transmission
Street price: $340.97
Pro Stick Magnum Grip
B&M says it Pro Stick Magnum Grip (PN 81040) is the ultimate shifter for most two-, three-, and four-speed automatic transmissions. This gated shifter features a reverse lockout that meets NHRA/IHRA requirements, a neutral safety switch, and a lightweight brushed aluminum cover. We dig the pistol-grip handle too!
Applications: any domestic two-, three-, and four-speed automatic transmission
Street price: $260.07
Pro Ratchet
The B&M Pro Ratchet (PN 80842) is easy to operate and features NHRA/IHRA reverse lockout, backup light switch, neutral safety switch, brushed aluminum cover, a white plastic shift knob and 5-foot super duty shift cable. It features a single-hand-operated reverse lockout that meets NHRA and IHRA requirements, it's quick and easy to operate, the stick will always return to the center position, and it's the easiest shifter to double shift with.
Applications: any domestic two-, three-, and four-speed automatic transmission
Street price: $272.97
Source:
B&M Racing Products
707-544-4761
www.BMRacing.com
HURST SHIFTERS
Pistol-Grip Quarter Stick
The Hurst Pistol-Grip Quarter Stick Shifter (PN 3162001) is designed for a firm but comfortable, natural grip. Featuring the same qualities of the original Quarter Stick, this model includes controlled detent activation, a one-hand operated spring-loaded reverse lockout mechanism, and a neutral safety switch. The pistol-grip handle is CNC-machined from billet aluminum for increased strength, and features a snap-action switch that is ideal for operating a Hurst Roll/Control, nitrous system, or transbrake.
Applications: GM Powerglide automatic transmissions with an aluminum case and forward or reverse valvebody, GM TH250, 350, 400, and 375 automatic transmissions with a reverse valvebody
Street price: $276.97
V-Matic 3
The Hurst V-Matic 3 (PN 3838530) is a front-exit-cable shifter designed for most three- and four-speed automatic transmissions. This shifter is designed with a park and reverse lock trigger system that allows smooth ratcheting through the forward gears. The universal base allows for floor mounting and can be trimmed to custom fit any floor. The forward exit cable is designed for quick installation and accurate shifting, and the reverse lockout trigger feature meets NHRA and IHRA requirements. The shifter also includes a neutral safety switch, backup light switch, a lighted gear indicator, and brushed aluminum Hurst T-handle.
Applications: GM TH200, TH250, TH350, TH375, TH400, 700-R4, 200-4R, 4L60E and 4L65E; Ford C4, C6, and AOD; and Chrysler TorqueFlite A727 and A904transmissions 1966 and later
Street price: $292.47
Quarter Stick
The Quarter Stick Automatic Shifter (PN 3160006) was designed to provide positive gear change control for street or racing applications. This shifter is designed for two- and three-speed automatic transmissions in forward valvebody shift patterns. Detent activation is controlled by a chrome-plated trigger contoured to fit comfortably in the driver's hand. Extremely compact and lightweight for tight-fitting installations, the Quarter Stick comes with a factory installed neutral safety switch (backup light switch is available separately), controlled gate stop activation for a positive feel, and a one-hand operated spring-loaded reverse-lockout mechanism. All necessary installation hardware is included along with a 5-foot shifter cable.
Applications: GM TH250, 350, 375, and 400 automatic transmissions with a forward valvebody
Street price: $202.97
Source:
Hurst Shifters
707-544-4761
www.Hurst-Shifters.com
TCI AUTOMOTIVE
Streetfighter
The TCI StreetFighter Shifter (PN 616443) is compatible with both forward- and reverse-pattern valvebodies. It features an NHRA/IHRA-approved reverse lockout, a lighted, original-equipment-style gearshift indicator, and a cover that can be custom fit to your transmission tunnel for a professional final appearance. It also has a Park/Neutral safety switch and reverse light activation switch.
Applications: all popular GM, Ford, and Chrysler three- and four-speed transmissions
Street price: $247.97
Fast-Gate
The TCI Fast-Gate (PN 616540) is a universal design, which allows it to be used in virtually any three- or four-speed application. The Fast-Gate also includes a stylish and durable injection-molded cover, a cable, and all the required hardware for a simple installation, so there is no need to buy extra accessory pieces. We liked it so much, we dropped one in PHR's Project Nova beneath a second-hand Dodge Neon console, where it reliably shifts cogs on our PerformaBuilt 700-R4.
Applications: fits most popular three- and four-speed GM, Chrysler, and Ford applications
Price: $148.75 (without T-handle)
Paddle Shifter
If you've always envied Ferrari drivers with their fancy paddle shifters, TCI has a shifter just for you. Their paddle shifter (PN 301442) communicates wirelessly to the transmission control unit on modern four-, five-, and six-speed automatics with no signal interference, lag time, or disruption. It mounts to the backside of a five- or six-bolt steering wheel and comes with several spacers of varying width, allowing you to set the steering wheel location for personal preference.
Applications: designed to work with any automatic four-, five- or six-speed transmission, as well as the TCI 6x six-speed with EZ-TCU transmission controller
Street price: $636.97 (with display)
Outlaw
TCI's Outlaw Shifter (PN 616331) is one of our favorites—we put one through the wringer in PHR's Project Street Fighter '68 Chevelle, and it always kept our 496 big-block Chevy in the right gear while looking good. Constructed of billet aluminum, the Outlaw has an ergonomic pistol grip shifter and a black-anodized cover with an optional quick-release setup. It's also rugged enough to handle both street and race-duty, and complements the interior of any vehicle. It's NHRA/IHRA legal too.
Applications: GM Powerglide and most popular GM, Ford, and Chrysler three- and four-speed automatic transmissions
Price: $336.25 (forward three-speed with cover)
Source:
TCI Automotive
888-776-9824
www.TCIAuto.com
POWERTRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS
PCS Paddle Shifter
The PCS Paddle Shifter (PN PS-2000) is designed to provide paddle shifting capability to your hot rod with the look and feel of an OEM system. Easily installed behind any aftermarket five-, six-, or nine-bolt steering wheel, the Paddle Shifter does not require any external wiring or messy splicing into your vehicle's wiring system. The paddle unit is powered by attachment to the horn button wire, eliminating any external wiring on the column. The Paddle Shifter communicates with the transmission control unit (Simple Shift TCM-2300, $550) via a wireless receiver module. This receiver module plugs into your PCS transmission control unit harness with one simple, preinstalled plug. The paddle shifter optional display allows the driver to view a ton of information, including the current gear, throttle position, vehicle speed, manifold pressure ... the list goes on and on.
Applications: any electronically controlled domestic transmission and five-, six-, or nine-bolt steering wheel
Street price: $549 (steering wheel not included)
GSM Push Button Shifter
The GSM Push Button Shifter (PN GSM-5000) is an electronically controlled shifter that offers precise, split-second shifting capability with the push of a button. Its slim touch-pad control module and compact, sealed actuator give you virtually unlimited mounting options for tight spaces or grueling environments. The GSM replaces the shift lever for nearly any automatic transmission, and can be surface or flush-mounted and is small enough to fit in consoles, dashes, door panels, or even armrests. Each button is recessed to avoid inadvertent touches and brightly backlit for darker environments. An easy-to-read display shows you what gear you're in. Standard control modules use a PRND configuration along with "+" and "-" buttons for a tap-up/tap-down feature. We installed the GSM-500 on PHR's Project Laguna, where it controls our Phoenix Transmission Products 700-R4. The control actuator box is mounted under the driver seat, and mechanically controls the shift lever on the side of the transmission with quick, precise shifts. Can also be combined with the PS-2000 Paddle Shifter system.
Applications: any automatic transmission
Street price: $1,149
Source:
Powertrain Control Systems
804-227-3023
www.PowertrainControlSolutions.com
TURBO ACTION
Cheetah SCS
The Turbo Action Cheetah SCS Shifter was created, engineered, and prototyped in 1980 and debuted at the 1982 NHRA Gatornationals, so you know it was made for competition. Our previous experience with one in a low 10-second Mustang proved it to be confidence inspiring with totally reliable operation and zero missed shifts or overshifts. It features a rugged construction, precision gating for proper engagement of each gear, a high-tech look, one-hand reverse lockout, automatic clearing of reverse to Neutral, two-finger lift to reverse and park, a spring-biased handle for safer, smoother shifts, and a built-in control switch for nitrous, a line lock, or a transbrake.
Applications: Chrysler 727 and 904; GM Powerglide, TH200, and TH400; and Ford C4 and C6
Street price: $309.97
Source:
Turbo Action
904-741-4850
www.TurboAction.com
MSD Transmission Control Module
Designed to work with MSD's Atomic EFI system or as a completely stand-alone deal, the Atomic Transmission Control Module (PN 2760) lets you easily modify the operating parameters of late-model electronically controlled four-speed auto transmissions. You can adjust shift points, torque converter operation, shift firmness, and set it up for auto, manual, or dyno modes. A handheld monitor means you don't need a PC to program it, and you can monitor the trans in real time. It has a plug-in harness with OEM-style connectors too. When used with the Atomic EFI, it basically connects inline and the same handheld monitor is used to tune both the EFI and the TCU, which means less wiring and only one controller to deal with.
Applications: GM 4L60E, 4L85E, and 4L70; Ford 4R70W/75W, 4R100, and E4OD
Street price: $540.86 (harness sold separately for $134.96)
