After test driving the wheel/tire/trans install for 500 miles or so I noticed the Hurst Blackjack optional shifter upgrade I ordered with the T56 Mag kit was weeping ATF out the top shift arm pivot.
Let me back up a little and explain that Hurst advise me prior to installing the new shifter to apply heavy grease to the underside of the pivot ball and cut the seal from the underside of the stock Tremec shifter and fit it to the underside of their shifter......that should have been my first clue.
After discovering the leak I spoke with Hurst technical and was advised to verify the fluid level and check the case vent to insure it wasn't pinched or clogged. Once that was confirmed and it was still leaking, I was told the they hadn't heard of the issue and asked again about the fluid level and vent. I told them it may take a little time to confirm the venting for sure and the tech was very accommodating leaving me a verbal open window of warranty time. So a couple months passed and during some other projects the created downtime I pulled the console and slit the carpet kit down the tunnel, and thanks to the access/clearance plate I built, pulled the shifter to thoroughly inspect.
During the multiple conversations I questioned them as to why no seal was engineered into the design. As is, the gear cluster throws oil onto the bottom of the shifter linkage and the trans builds a slight amount of pressure during operation (obvious with the Incorporated vent system) and if oil is on the pivot ball internal pressure can push it out the top side, seems logical to me anyway.
After calling Hurst tech again to say all looked in order even though I hadn't flow tested the vent line due to restricted access. They then told me they only knew of two others they were having leak issues with and they have about 2000 sold in the field? That's a 300% percent increase by my math.
They again questioned vent function and oil level. So.............
Here's the pressure tester I tossed together to verify vent function.
This and audible indication confirmed the vent was functioning and the max pressure registered was 2.5 psi. The oil level was checked on level ground via the inspection plug. When originally filled it took 3.6-3.7 qts and the specs say capacity is 4 qts.
FWIW - When I sent the guage pictures the communication stalled.
All said and done Hurst doesn't have an answer, though they have been very good to deal with (Jim Goodlad - tech rep). Jim early on in the process offered a new shifter, give a full refund and locate a new OEM shifter to replace the one I ruined at their advice to cut out the seal. They've fulfilled their obligation short of designing a shifter with a seal that insures it won't leak. I have no hard feelings because Jim is a real good guy and in a middleman position between non-enthusiast businessmen and college engineers that may have no real-world field experience.
So I'm returning the Hurst shifter for credit and just installed a White Lightning Shifter from American Powertrain.
A few things that stand out with the White Lightning: The shift pivot arm is slightly shorter which means the shift throw would be even shorter than the very acceptable Hurst unit. The other is the shifter plate uses recessed socket bolts which provide an extra 5/16" of tunnel clearance.
In my conversations with American Powertrain they were very good to deal with and obviously a company very focused on their reputation and customer service. I was told the first few prototypes of the shifter leaked and they Incorporated a seal in the design.
I have yet to test the unit so the verdict is unknown at this time. I can verify that the throw is slightly shorter and feels very precise. After a few hundred miles I should know if it's a keeper.