Hurst Shifter Cable

Giving Your Vehicle Smooth, Precise Shifting with a High-Quality Shifter Cable

The Hurst Shifter Cable is an essential component for vehicles with manual transmissions. This specially engineered cable connects the gear shift lever to the transmission, allowing smooth, precise gear changes. As a critical drivetrain part, having a high-quality shifter cable like the Hurst brand is important for proper mechanical operation.

When it’s time to replace your shifter cable, the Hurst Shifter Cable is a top choice for restoration builds, racing applications, and stock replacement. This buying guide will explore everything you need to know about selecting the right Hurst Shifter Cable for your vehicle.

Key Features of the Hurst Shifter Cable

The Hurst Shifter Cable stands out for its durable construction and ability to provide crisp, accurate shifting feel. Here are some of the main features and benefits of the Hurst Shifter Cable:

• Spiral-wound housing – The steel cable housing is spiral-wrapped in wire, giving it excellent flexibility while retaining shape for precise routing. This allows smooth cable movement inside the housing.
• PTFE-lined housing – The interior of the housing is coated in PTFE (Teflon) to reduce friction and prevent binding or sticking. This enhances smooth shifting.
• Stainless steel inner cable – The high-tensile stainless steel inner cable is corrosion resistant while providing strength and long-lasting performance.
• High-quality end fittings – The cable ends feature machined aluminum fittings to securely connect the cable housing and inner wire. This provides durability.
• OEM-quality construction – Hurst Shifter Cables are built to match or exceed OEM standards for flawless fit and operation.
• Kink-free design – Special housing construction prevents kinking and maintains proper cable geometry during tight routing.
• Smooth shifter feel – Precision spiral housing and slick PTFE liner minimize friction for one of the smoothest shifter feels available.

The heavy-duty materials and engineered design result in a shifter cable that delivers exceptional performance, long life, and consistent shifting accuracy.

Compatible Vehicles and Installation

The Hurst Shifter Cable is designed as a direct replacement for the original factory shifter cable in a wide variety of vehicles. Hurst offers specific shifter cable kits for popular models like the:

• Ford Mustang
• Chevy Camaro and Corvette
• Dodge Challenger
• Pontiac Firebird
• Jeep Wrangler
• Mazda Miata
• Nissan 350Z
• Mitsubishi Eclipse
• Subaru WRX

and many others. Generally, the Hurst Shifter Cable can fit any rear-wheel drive manual transmission vehicle.

Installing a Hurst Shifter Cable follows similar steps as replacing the original cable:

• Apply parking brake and put vehicle safely up on jack stands.
• Locate existing shifter cable mountings under vehicle.
• Disconnect old shifter cable from transmission shift lever.
• Unbolt cable bracket(s) to release cable from chassis.
• Route new Hurst cable into position, attaching hardware to mount cable securely.
• Connect cable end fitting to transmission shift lever.
• Check cable adjustment and test shifter through all gears to ensure smooth operation.

With basic hand tools and mechanical ability, the Hurst Shifter Cable can be swapped for the factory cable in under an hour. Always refer to vehicle service manual for full procedures. Proper installation is critical for correct shifter function.

Where to Buy a Hurst Shifter Cable

Hurst Shifter Cables are sold through automotive parts retailers online and local auto parts stores. Major suppliers like Summit Racing and Jegs offer a full catalog of Hurst shifter cables for most popular vehicle applications. Amazon also stocks select Hurst cable kits with free Prime shipping.

When purchasing, make sure to match the specific Hurst shifter cable design for your year/make/model vehicle. Providing your VIN to the parts retailer can help ensure you get the right fit. Expect to pay $60-150 USD for most Hurst Shifter Cable kits.

Comparison to Other Brand Shifter Cables

The Hurst Shifter Cable stands out from other aftermarket brands like B&M, ACDelco, and Dorman through its patented spiral-wound housing and PTFE-lining. This unique construction gives Hurst cables their smooth, OEM-quality shifter feel.

Lesser brands often use generic shifter cables with plastic bushings and basic housing. These designs tend to bind up over time and lack the crisp precision of Hurst cables. For critical performance applications, only the Hurst Shifter Cable delivers consistent, long-lasting shifting accuracy.

When selecting a replacement shifter cable, avoid no-name generic cables that can have poor fit and sloppy tolerances. Pay a little more for the Hurst Shifter Cable to get proven OEM-equalling quality that seriously upgrades the shifting feel.

Shifter Cable Materials and Construction

The Hurst Shifter Cable utilizes heavy-duty materials and precision engineering for flawless performance:

• The housing consists of spiral-wound steel sheathed in a seamless zinc coating. This prevents corrosion while retaining shape even through tight-radius bends.
• Inside is an ultra-smooth PTFE (Teflon) liner that allows unimpeded inner cable movement without friction or sticking.
• The inner wire cable features a 7×19 strand stainless steel core rated to over one ton of tensile strength. Stainless steel prevents rust or contaminants that could degrade smooth shifting.
• Machined aluminum end fittings attach the cable precisely at mounting points while eliminating potential failure points.
• High-temperature rubber bushings provide cushioning and noise reduction where the cable enters the housing.

Every component is optimized for shifting performance, durability, and impact/vibration resistance in the driving environment. Meticulous craftsmanship results in the Hurst Shifter Cable’s unmatched smoothness and precision.

Maintaining and Caring for the Hurst Shifter Cable

Like other drivetrain components, keeping the Hurst Shifter Cable properly maintained ensures lasting performance:

• Inspect cable routing regularly to check for binding, kinking, or damage to the housing. Misrouting can cause poor shifting.
• Lubricate cable contact points at lever connections to prevent binding and reduce friction. Use a light oil or lubricant spray.
• Check cable ends for corrosion buildup and clean fittings to ensure full articulation.
• Replace worn or damaged bushings that can cause slop and vague shifting feel.
• Verify hardware is tight, including shifter lever clamp bolts, cable bracket mounts, and transmission lever connections.
• Adjust cable slack periodically to account for cable stretch over time. Follow adjusters per specific vehicle.

With periodic inspection and lubrication, a Hurst Shifter Cable should deliver years of crisp, precise shifting. Replace cables showing excessive wear, damage, or poor functioning.

Benefits of the Hurst Shifter Cable

The Hurst Shifter Cable brings several key benefits:

• Smoother shifting – The slick PTFE-lined housing minimizes friction for one of the smoothest, lightest shifter feels.
• Crisp precision – The spiral-wound housing maintains its shape for accurate cable alignment and positive shift changes.
• No binding or sticking – The unique housing and liner construction prevents binding or sticking, even in tight radius bends.
• Corrosion resistance – Zinc-coated steel housing and stainless inner cable resist rust and withstand harsh conditions.
• Easy bolt-on install – Direct OEM-replacement design allows easy installation with common hand tools.
• Proven reliability – Hurst quality and engineering is trusted by professional racers and enthusiasts alike.
• Upgraded feel – Gives worn-out shifters an ultra-precise, OEM-smooth shifting feel.

For buttery smooth, precise shifts, the Hurst Shifter Cable is a proven upgrade over original-equipment cables. The quality materials and engineered construction deliver flawless mechanical performance.

Models and Options

Hurst offers direct-fit shifter cables for most popular domestic and import models. Available options include:

• Vehicle-specific kits – Application-specific cables guarantee perfect fit and function for your particular year/make/model.
• Universal conversion cables – Allow adapting shifters from one vehicle platform into another for custom drivetrain swaps.
• Adjustable length cables – Feature telescoping ends to allow adjusting the cable length during installation as needed.
• Short throw shifter cables – Optimized lengths and routing for short throw shifter kits to enhance shift precision.
• Armored cables – Use extra abrasion-resistant casing for added protection in off-road conditions.
• Stainless steel cables – Offer full stainless steel housings and fittings for ultimate corrosion resistance.

With direct OEM-replacement or specialty cables, Hurst has the shifter cable to meet your vehicle’s needs.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Hurst Shifter Cable earns consistent 5-star reviews for its excellent quality and smooth, precise shifting performance. Owners report a superior “OEM-like” feel compared to lower-quality aftermarket cables. The ease of installation and durability are also highly praised.

Critical reviewers mainly cite improper fitment for their specific vehicles, pointing to the need to precisely match the right Hurst cable design to your year/make/model. While a bit more expensive than generic cables, most agree the Hurst Shifter Cable is worth the extra investment for the quality.

Improved Shifting Performance

Installing a Hurst Shifter Cable makes an immediate improvement in shifting feel and precision on worn-out transmissions. The butter-smooth PTFE-lined housing gives easy gear changes without the clunky friction of deteriorated OEM cables. The structured spiral housing prevents slop or vagueness for precise engagement.

Whether restoring a classic muscle car or upgrading a daily driver, the Hurst Shifter Cable provides crisper, more accurate shiftingacross all gears. The quality materials withstand constant use without succumbing to binding, sticking, or loosening over time.

Warranty Coverage

Hurst provides a 12-month/12,000 mile limited warranty on all shifter cables against defects in materials or workmanship. This protects against the cables failing from normal use over their first year of service.

While less coverage than some premium brands, the Hurst Shifter Cable’s durability and longevity record means it’s unlikely you’ll need to take advantage of the warranty. Still, it provides peace of mind the product delivers as promised.

Customization and Adjustment

One benefit of the Hurst Shifter Cable is the ability to make adjustments for optimal shifting performance:

• Fine tune cable slack with adjustable tensioners to dial-in the ideal shifter throw and precision.
• Use universal conversion cables to adapt shifters to non-original transmissions for custom drivetrain builds.
• Combine short throw cables with short shift kits to customize throw length and positive engagement.
• Opt for stainless steel cables for custom vehicles requiring maximum corrosion protection.

While the Hurst Shifter Cable bolts directly in for most vehicles, added adjustability and sizing options allow dialing in enhanced shifting performance.

Professional Installation?

The Hurst Shifter Cable can be installed by DIYers with automotive experience, as it directly replaces the OEM part. All it requires is basic hand tools to complete the swap. The key is taking time to properly route and secure the cable to avoid binding.

For inexperienced mechanics, having a professional handle the install ensures everything isadjusted properly to avoid post-installation problems. Some choose professional installation for the added warranty protection as well.

But the Hurst cable’s direct fitment and included instructions allow most do-it-yourselfers to handle the job if they havebasic mechanical skills and the factory service manual. Just be diligent during installation.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Here are some tips for keeping your Hurst Shifter Cable operating smoothly:

• Clean cable ends and mounting points to remove dirt, grease, and corrosion buildup. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
• Apply light oil or lubricant spray to cable ends, bushings, and moving connection points. Don’t over-lubricate.
• Inspect routing and check for debris stuck on the cable that could impede smooth operation.
• Check condition of rubber grommets, seals, and bushings. Replace damaged ones immediately.
• Adjust cable slack back to spec if shifts become loose or vague over time.
• Replace ripped boots and seals to avoid contaminants damaging the cable.
• Install protective conduit on cables exposed to off-road splashes to avoid water and debris ingress.

With routine cleaning and lubrication, the Hurst Shifter Cable will continue providing smooth, precise shifting.

History of Hurst Shifters and Shifter Cables

The Hurst brand has been synonymous with high-performance shifters since the 1950s when founder George Hurst developed the iconic “T-handle” shifter. This revolutionary design dominated racing for decades and became standard equipment on muscle cars.

In the 1960s, Hurst patented the first dual-action shifter for the iconic Oldsmobile 442. Through the 1970s, Hurst was an OEM supplier for shifter assemblies on Pontiac GTOs, Plymouth Barracudas, AMC Javelins, and more.

Today, Hurst continues this racing legacy manufacturing premium shifters and shifter cables. The patented spiral-wound housing was introduced in the 1980s and further refined to the present design known for its smooth, precise control.

With over 60 years focused on shifters, Hurst Engineering sets the standard for quality, performance, and iconic style. Its shifter cables deliver this experience in an easy-to-install bolt-in package.

Potential Issues and Problems

The Hurst Shifter Cable is engineered for lasting performance, but here are some potential issues to look out for:

• Binding/sticking – Can result from too-tight cable routing bends or housing damage. Ensure proper cable geometry during install.
• Slipping/loose shifts – Caused by excessive slack in the cable allowing sloppy shifts. Adjust cable tension back to spec.
• Detached fittings – If connections loosen, the cable can detach at mounts. Torque all hardware to factory specs.
• Corrosion – Severe rust/corrosion can bind cables or cause detachment. Use protective lubricants in harsh conditions.
• Damaged housing – Cracks, kinks, or penetrations in the housing can impede the inner cable. Avoid routing cable next to hot exhaust or pinch points.

Catching issues early and correcting cable routing or tension can prevent damage and keep your Hurst shifter shifting perfectly for miles.

In Summary

The Hurst Shifter Cable is a top-quality replacement cable that restores smooth, precise shifting to worn-out manual transmissions. The patented housing design provides exceptional durability, friction-free operation, and crisp performance.

Bolting one in is an easy upgrade to improve shifting feel. With Hurst’s reputation for quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust you are installing one of the best shifter cables money can buy. Follow the tips above to get the right fit and enjoy buttery smooth shifts for years to come.