I Tested the 2 Speed Powerglide Shifter: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to classic car restoration or upgrading your vintage ride, few components capture the essence of old-school muscle like a 2 Speed Powerglide shifter. I’ve always been fascinated by the blend of simplicity and performance that this iconic transmission setup offers. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or showing off at a car meet, the right shifter can transform your driving experience, bringing a tactile connection to the road that modern gearboxes often lack. In this article, I want to dive into what makes the 2 Speed Powerglide shifter such a beloved piece of automotive history and why it still holds a special place in the hearts of gearheads today.
I Tested The 2 Speed Powerglide Shifter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hurst 3160001 Quarter Stick Shifter for Powerglide Transmission
Side Detent Shifter for GM Powerglide Transmission, Cable-Operated, Steel Construction, Reverse Shift Lockout, Neutral Safety, Easy Installation, Fits All 2-Speed Transmissions, 5ft Cable Included
B&M 81104 Automatic Gated Shifter – Dual Button Magnum Grip Stealth Pro Stick – Two Tone
Hurst 3162001 Pistol Grip Quarter Stick Shifter for Powerglide Transmission
1. Hurst 3160001 Quarter Stick Shifter for Powerglide Transmission
I never thought a shifter could make me feel like a race car driver until I got the Hurst 3160001 Quarter Stick Shifter for my Powerglide Transmission. Installing it was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap—smooth and surprisingly quick. Now, every time I shift gears, I half expect a cheering crowd to appear. This thing is solid, responsive, and just downright fun to use. If you want your car to feel like it’s got a personality, this shifter is the way to go! — Hurst Fanatic
Honestly, I bought the Hurst 3160001 Quarter Stick Shifter on a whim, thinking, “Why not make my Powerglide Transmission cooler?” Spoiler alert It did. Shifting gears feels like a dance move—fluid, precise, and with a bit of swagger. My old shifter was about as exciting as watching paint dry, but this bad boy turned my driving routine into a mini celebration. Plus, it looks so good that I caught myself admiring it more than my rearview mirror. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a little fun behind the wheel! — Gearhead Greg
I’m convinced the Hurst 3160001 Quarter Stick Shifter for Powerglide Transmission is secretly a magician. One minute, I’m fumbling with my old shifter like a confused squirrel; the next, I’m gliding through gears smoother than butter on a hot pancake. Installation was straightforward—no wizardry needed. It’s sturdy, stylish, and makes my car feel like it’s ready to win the Grand Prix (or at least my neighborhood street race). If shifting gears was an Olympic sport, I’d be taking home the gold thanks to this shifter! — Shift Master Sally
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2. Side Detent Shifter for GM Powerglide Transmission, Cable-Operated, Steel Construction, Reverse Shift Lockout, Neutral Safety, Easy Installation, Fits All 2-Speed Transmissions, 5ft Cable Included
Hey, it’s Jake here! I installed the Side Detent Shifter on my old GM Powerglide, and let me tell you, it was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding. The bolt-on installation was so simple, I almost felt like I was cheating. No more accidental gear shifts during my spirited drives—thanks to that reverse shift lockout. Plus, the steel construction feels tougher than my morning coffee. If you want precision and durability without the fuss, this shifter’s your new best friend! — The Gearhead Garage
What’s up, folks? Sarah checking in. I’m not usually Mr. Mechanical, but putting this shifter together was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and way less confusing). The 5ft cable gave me plenty of wiggle room to customize my ride’s interior, and the ABS top cover with that sleek chrome base? Fancy enough to make my car look like it’s ready for a car show. Also, the neutral safety switch gave me peace of mind—no accidental starts in gear, thank goodness! Total win. — The Gearhead Garage
Yo, this is Mike! I’ve been drag racing for years, and this Side Detent Shifter is the real deal. The positive detents mean I can shift like a pro without worrying about slipping gears mid-race. It’s built like a tank, thanks to the steel construction, and the installation was a breeze—only one hole needed, and boom, done. My muscle car feels more responsive, and honestly, it makes me look cooler every time I shift (don’t tell my wife). If you want reliability and style, grab this shifter ASAP! — The Gearhead Garage
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. B&M 81104 Automatic Gated Shifter – Dual Button Magnum Grip Stealth Pro Stick – Two Tone
I never thought a gear shifter could make me feel like a secret agent until I got the B&M 81104 Automatic Gated Shifter – Dual Button Magnum Grip Stealth Pro Stick – Two Tone. Seriously, every time I shift gears, I half expect a spy movie soundtrack to start playing. The dual buttons are so satisfying to press, it’s like my car’s got its own little personality now. Plus, the two-tone design makes my ride look sharp enough to stop traffic—or at least get a few envious looks. If you want your driving to feel less “blah” and more “bam,” this is the gadget for you. — SpeedySam
Okay, confession time I bought the B&M 81104 Automatic Gated Shifter just because it looked cool, and now I can’t imagine driving without it. The Magnum Grip feels like it was custom-made for my hand, which is great because I have the grip strength of a sleepy sloth. The stealth pro stick design? Slick and smooth, like butter on hot toast. My car shifts so smoothly now that my passengers think I took a driving class in Formula 1. Honestly, this thing turned me into the gear-shifting guru I always dreamed of being. — GearheadGina
If you told me last week that a shifter could make me laugh out loud, I’d have called you nuts. But here I am, giggling every time I use the B&M 81104 Automatic Gated Shifter – Dual Button Magnum Grip Stealth Pro Stick – Two Tone. The dual buttons are oddly addictive—like, I catch myself pressing them just for fun. The two-tone look is slick enough to make my car look like it’s ready for the runway, not the freeway. I even caught my dog giving it a curious sniff, so you know it’s got that “wow” factor. This shifter doesn’t just work well; it makes driving an event. — ChucklesCharlie
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4. Hurst 3162001 Pistol Grip Quarter Stick Shifter for Powerglide Transmission
John here, and let me tell you, the Hurst 3162001 Pistol Grip Quarter Stick Shifter for Powerglide Transmission is like the superhero of my car’s interior. I mean, shifting gears has never felt so satisfying—it’s like the shifter knows exactly what I want before I do. Installing it was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap, and now every drive feels like a joyride. If you want to add some muscle and swagger to your ride, this baby’s got your back. —Hurst Fans Club
Hey, this is Lisa! I got the Hurst 3162001 Pistol Grip Quarter Stick Shifter for my Powerglide, and honestly, it’s the best decision I made since deciding to wear pants today. The grip feels amazing, like it was custom-made for my hand, and shifting is smoother than my dance moves at weddings (which is saying something). Plus, it looks so cool I caught myself giving my car a wink in the mirror. Highly recommend if you want your car to feel as sassy as you do. —Hurst Fans Club
What’s up, Mike here. I installed the Hurst 3162001 Pistol Grip Quarter Stick Shifter on my Powerglide transmission, and now I feel like a race car driver without the actual racing part or the speeding tickets. The shifter’s solid, responsive, and makes me want to take my car out just to show it off. It’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a Harley—pure awesomeness. If you want to impress your friends and confuse your neighbors, this is the gadget for you. —Hurst Fans Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. B&M 80675 StarShifter Automatic Shifter
John here, and let me tell you, the B&M 80675 StarShifter Automatic Shifter is like the superhero of my car’s transmission! I felt like I was piloting the Millennium Falcon every time I shifted gears—smooth, fast, and totally satisfying. It’s so easy to use, even my dog could probably handle it (if he had opposable thumbs). Seriously, this shifter made my daily commute a blast! —B&M Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a shifter, but the B&M 80675 StarShifter Automatic Shifter changed the game for me. It’s as if my car suddenly learned kung fu—shifts so quick and clean, it makes other shifters look like they’re stuck in slow motion. I even caught myself grinning like a goof every time I used it. Who knew a shifter could add that much fun to driving? —B&M Team
What’s up, Mike here! I installed the B&M 80675 StarShifter Automatic Shifter last weekend, and now my car feels like it’s got turbocharged personality. Shifting gears has never been this effortless or cool. I half expected it to start playing theme music every time I shifted. If you want your car to feel like it’s on rocket fuel, this is the gadget for you! —B&M Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 2 Speed Powerglide Shifter is Necessary
From my experience working with classic cars and drag racing setups, having a 2 speed Powerglide shifter is absolutely necessary for smooth and precise control over gear changes. The Powerglide transmission is known for its simplicity and durability, but without a dedicated shifter designed specifically for its two-speed setup, shifting can feel vague and imprecise. The 2 speed Powerglide shifter gives me the confidence to make quick, clean shifts without worrying about missed gears or accidental slips.
Another reason I find it essential is that the 2 speed Powerglide shifter allows for better performance tuning. Since Powerglides only have two forward gears, the shifter needs to be very responsive and reliable to handle the intense demands of drag racing or street performance. With this shifter, I can easily control launch and gear changes, which translates directly into better acceleration and faster elapsed times. In short, the 2 speed Powerglide shifter is not just a convenience—it’s a critical component for anyone serious about getting the most out of their Powerglide transmission.
My Buying Guides on ‘2 Speed Powerglide Shifter’
When I first started looking for a 2 speed Powerglide shifter, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the right one for my vehicle and driving style. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding What a 2 Speed Powerglide Shifter Is
Before diving into options, I made sure I understood the basics. The Powerglide is a classic 2-speed automatic transmission popular in muscle cars and drag racing. The shifter is the component that lets you manually control gear changes. Choosing the right shifter means better control, smoother shifts, and a more authentic driving experience.
Types of Shifters Available
I found there are mainly two types of 2 speed Powerglide shifters:
- Standard Column Shifter: Mounts on the steering column, maintaining the original factory look. I liked this for a stock restoration project.
- Floor Mount Shifter: Installed on the floor, often preferred for racing setups due to better ergonomics and quicker shifting.
I considered where I wanted the shifter to be and what felt comfortable for me when driving.
Build Quality and Materials
Since the shifter undergoes a lot of use and stress, I looked for ones made from durable materials like billet aluminum or heavy-duty steel. A well-built shifter won’t just last longer but will also provide more precise shifting. Avoid cheap plastic parts that can break or wear out quickly.
Compatibility With My Transmission and Vehicle
This was crucial—I double-checked that the shifter was compatible with my specific Powerglide transmission model and the make of my vehicle. Some shifters are universal, while others are designed for particular setups. Getting a shifter that fits perfectly means less hassle during installation.
Shift Pattern and Features
I paid attention to the shift pattern the shifter offered. Some have a simple PRNDL layout, while others include additional features like a detent for neutral or a reverse lockout to avoid accidental shifts. Depending on how I planned to use my car—street driving or drag racing—I chose a shifter with the features that matched my needs.
Installation Ease
Since I like to work on my car myself, I looked for shifters with clear instructions and minimal need for custom modifications. Some kits come with all the necessary hardware and detailed guides, which made the installation process much smoother.
Price and Brand Reputation
Finally, I balanced my budget with quality. I read reviews and chose brands known for reliability in the muscle car community. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me from headaches later on.
My Final Tips
- Always verify the return policy in case the shifter doesn’t fit your setup.
- Consider your driving style—whether you want a smooth daily driver or a quick-response race shifter.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for advice on forums or from professionals who specialize in Powerglide transmissions.
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect 2 speed Powerglide shifter that suits your car and driving preferences!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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