T56 Magnum White Lightning Shifter - update on the way
I just spoke to American Powertrain regarding the White Lightning shifter, and specifically asked them about leaking issues. I was talking to Jason in tech support, and he was quick to acknowledge that there is a leaking issue on the original design, but they have a new base design being machined right now which has a lip on the base to use a seal to stop the leaks. My guess would be that they are going to use something like the original Tremec seal, but I didn't ask for sure.
He said that they are expecting these to be ready within about a week. I didn't order one yet, I may try out the stock Tremec shifter first. But for those of you who have had problems in the past, maybe there is finally a solution.
On a related note, I recall reading that Hurst has updated the Blackjack similarly. Does anyone have experience with this updated version to know if the leak issues have been resolved? I'm trying to line up the shifter I want to use for TOW.
Spoke with Hurst end of last week, their's should be ready to ship in couple of weeks. They completely re-engineered the design and are standing behind their product for those of us that bought the original unlike the other company who promised their's was far superior to Hurst's and wouldn't leak.
Video's worth a thousand words..........
It leaked 60-80% more than the "inferior" Hurst product
Shifter feel and throw is similar, the WL may have a very slight edge but that's debatable. Hurst has went out of their way to take care of this situation financially and re-engineering the product with input from myself and others. This started in the summer of 2011 and I wasn't swept under the carpet.
Thanx for the update on the BlackJack as well! I unfortunately read somewhere that they don't sell them independently though, only as part of a kit. Do you know if that is true or not?
For now, I'm going to start out with the stock Tremec and see how I like it. I'm going to use a short stick, since my transmission is raised. We'll see how that combination works out.
Thanx for the update on the BlackJack as well! I unfortunately read somewhere that they don't sell them independently though, only as part of a kit. Do you know if that is true or not?
For now, I'm going to start out with the stock Tremec and see how I like it. I'm going to use a short stick, since my transmission is raised. We'll see how that combination works out.
Good question!
The original was somewhat of a prototype, I'm guessing they'll take this one to the general market to recoup the investment. I'll inquire.
Scott
Thanks for the thorough explanation. Our original Blackjack was tested and didn't leak but over time as design changed to improve shift feel we started getting feed back of fluid weeping up through the shifter. Our re-engineered design incorporates a seal that will hold up even when power washed from the gear below. Anybody who owns one of the affected shifters can call me to discuss a replacement.
Jim Goodlad
Hurst Driveline Conversions www.hurst-drivelines.com.
760-859-6635 Tech Department [email protected]
"Specializing in Tremec TKO & T56 Magnum overdrive conversion kits".
#1 Tremec Elite Distributor!
#1 In Customer Service and Support!
I also welcome you to the site. Already great to have manufacturer representatives here to help us out!
Regarding my question below, any insight?
Thanx!
Sorry for the loooooong delay getting to this thread. I've been busy with new projects.
Hurst Driveline DOES sell parts individually and ships them FREE. Some parts that are contained within an assembly are not available separately unless you have the assembly and it has a broken or worn out part. An example would be if you want a hydraulic master cylinder mounting bracket that is normally sold as a kit and you need a new bracket to replace one for what ever reason we would sell this to you without question. If you want to purchase just the bracket and don't have our hyd kit we don't sell the bracket separately. Reason being it won't fit most other hydraulic master cylinders and we wind up getting it back for a refund. If anybody has any questions please contact me. I'll be happy to help you with what you need.
Jim
Wow, now this shifter too? I know a few folks who changed from the Black Jack shifter to the White Lightning shifter specifically because their Black Jack shifter was leaking. That right there would be irritating. Thanks for sharing this information. I was interested in the White Lightning, but I think I'll just stick with the Tremec shifter and avoid the issues, regardless of upcoming 'revised editions' that don't leak like the first edition should have done. Where's the testing on these products? I guess we're the testers, using our own $$$ of course. Now, if a compay steps up and does a free replacement of the defective first edition with the corrected edition, then they're doing it right.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
T56 Magnum White Lightning Shifter - update on the way
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