1978 Trans Am With Manual Transmission - Shifter Bushings Replacement?

[gtbguy]

I'm in the process of purchasing a 1978 TA with a manual transmission; the seller is telling me the car may need shifter bushings.

It goes into gear fine, doesn't pop out of gear, nor grinds.

Does anybody have any experience replacing these?

What is the estimated cost of this job?

I've looked for YouTube videos, but there is nothing for a TA.

I appreciate any help you can provide.

 

[jenniferny]

It is a simple job, but you need to decide your objective.
1) Keep the car stock.
2) Tighten the shifter to achieve shorter, tighter, more precise shifts.

When Old Man Engineering in Amherst, NY, rebuilt my Super T10 about 25 years ago, they drilled out the factory bushing holes to install the metal bushings that come with aftermarket Hurst shifters.

Then, they removed the rubber grommet that holds the Pontiac-installed Hurst Shifter in place and drilled out the assembly so that the Hurst shifter handle could be solid-mounted to the shifter itself.

It makes the mushy factory-installed shifter as short and precise as an aftermarket Hurst shifter like the Competition Plus.

Just remember one thing.

The Pontiac factory-installed Hurst shifters do not have shifter stops like aftermarket Hurst shifters do, so you must remember to NOT rest your hand on the shifter while driving.