finally cutout an access panel from my tunnel and got the Hurst Blackjack installed. All I can say is the shifting ease and performance is much better than the stock Tremec shifter... bonus is that I don't have trans oil dropping on the exhaust cross-over and smoking at stops.

That's been a huge improvement with mine as well, no more leaks dropping all over the bottom of my car and garage.

Shifter feels nice, i'll try to put some more miles on it other than quarter mile passes and give some more feedback but i like it MUCH more than the factory Tremec.

You guys had problems with leaking on the stock shifter from Tremec? I'm a ways off from finding out myself, just taking notes for now.

Correct, when I removed the shifter boot the cavity was filled with fluid which caused the leakage out of shifter. That said, I didn't see any tears in the inner boot on the stock shifter, and after having a great time driving around with the new Blackjack shifter I just noticed residual oil leaking from it. Going to pull the t56 vent tube and make sure the check valve/breather isn't clogged. Damn... thought I was fixed and able to put the console back together.

Whole reason I went with Bowler was the seal design on the bottom side.

Mine was torn/blown apart and was leaking BAD.

well, after calling Hurst they offered to send out another unit to resolve the leaks I was experiencing from the inner boot. Second unit was installed and same leak. Tried replacing the check valve on the vent tube, but still leaks. Guess I'll have to throw away $$ on the Hurst and get a Bowler, flip the shifter to rear position, or install an open filter vent to stop any pressure from building up in the trans.

Are you sure it's pressure causing your issue?

I know magnums had pressure issues (lost a trans to it), but i thought the shifter leaking was it just splashing up to the shifter area and the boot being ripped lets it run out.

When my case was building pressure, it actually PUSHED the rear seal out of the trans.

If it's leaking around the yoke, try getting a better quality yoke. That stopped my leak but ultimately led to the seal coming out...

I've been 100% happy with the bowler shifter, I may get a shorter shift handle for it after last track outing, realize the longer handle is making for long shift times.

Not saying the pressure is higher than normal, just that the pressure has 3 places to release... tail shaft, shifter, and vent check valve. In my case the shifter just has the weakest seal causing the oil to leak there first.

Update... after recommendations from other members I flipped the Blackjack to the rear position and have been leak free. Just had to make a new OEM center console cover plate. Appreciate all the help and knowledge I get from this forum.

can I ask what product you all use to seal the new shifter to the transmission?
thanks