If Hurst Drivelines hadn't instructed me to cut the seal out of my stock unit and fit it to their Blackjack the stock shifter would be on! Makes me wonder why they'd have me do that in advance for a shifter they've hadvery few leak issues with.

I've tried getting one of those stock boots from Tremec.......doesn't appear to be an option for retail customers.

I'm not sure on clearances, but somehow securing fine stainless screen under the shift shaft might work.

I have a call into to American Powertrain, we'll see.

I was thinking something flexible around the shift rod.

The issue is fitment with the OEM console..........which may not be long for this world. Then I can build a custom positioned shift-lever similar to Stielow's.

Like fuel-cell foam? If it's heat and ATF resistant.

Just got off the phone with Jim @ Hurst. That gear turns the same rpm as the output shaft, so it's a slinger. They'd like me to build a baffle to shield the shifter pivot from that gear...........

Also heard Tremec stopped product on the T56 Mag as they can't get shifters from their current supplier.

Go figure. Buid it and patent it. Then sell them the patent. :lol:

Just finished pulling the console and shifter and analyzing the situation. The clearance between the gear and shift-shaft is about 4mm, trying to fit a baffle plate in that space is to close for my comfort. Going to require more thought and sleep. :)

Locating a sealing boot that will slip over the shifter rod that has a flange so I can secure it to the underside of the shifter base might.

In the interim while waiting for American Powertrains response, Hurst I'll put it back together with with the shifter in the rear position away from the gear and see what happens. If that doesn't leak I could opt for:

1) Dump the stock console replace the new carpet, build another tunnel cover, and buy or build a shift lever.

2) Modify/build/buy a new console, build a tunnel cover, and new shifter.

:willy:

Don't you just love hot rodding?

Having an interior shop build a custom console isn't really that big of a deal, besides then you could have some cup holders :lol:

Matt

It actually sounds like Hurst is commited to engineering and incorporating a seal into the Blackjack shifter design. I also learned that the T56 Mag case is designed to accept an internal oil pump and has bosses for external cooler lines.

Currently they are right in the middle of relocating the company and employees from SoCal to new facilities in Sacramento.

I having trouble grasping how an engineer can design a shifter for that trans that in one of two mounting options will sit over the top of a large oil-bathed gear that spins the same rpm as the drive shaft and think that pivot ball design will not need a seal. I'm imagining that area of the trans housing looks somewhat like blender.

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/Hurst-B.../IMG3685-M.jpg

Hot rodding and my project timing. I had to laugh at Skip's comment about sitting back watching and learning from all our trial and errors before starting his own project.

What's frustrating is I discussed my issues with the Blackjack in detail with two key people at American Powertrain and asked them if their shifter would leak and was told it wouldn't. I left a phone message early yesterday and sent an email with pics mid-day, we'll see how they handle it.

I'd like to retain the OEM console and look, if not I'll retro another GM style or possibly build one myself next winter........I really just want to drive my car with the new transmission! :)