Anyone have a BPS shifter in their HHR SS? Ive read a few Cobalt SS/TC guys love em and theyre cheaper than the TWM. Are our shifters exactly the same as the Cobalt SS/TC shifters?
Thanks!

 

Our shifters are the same as the Cobalt SS TC. I have one of the BPS shifters in my HHR SS. I was able to pick one up for $185 during a group buy on cobaltss.net. The shifter is well made and performs nicely. I also like that you are able to use the stock knob or swap in a billet/delrin replacement if you like. I'm running the stock knob myself. With the black reverse lockout, someone would be be very hard pressed to tell its not stock, unless they knew the original was plastic and really looked hard.

If you're going to use the stock knob, be very careful pulling it off. Remove the trim piece with the shift pattern by gently prying up the edges. Then remove the screw that was underneath the cover. Now the knob is only held on by some glue. To get it off I used the method of putting the middle of the shaft a large screwdriver under the front edge of the stock knob while the stock shifter was still bolted in. Put one hand on the handle & the other near the tip. Pull up with a steady force. If yours is glued on like mine was, it will fell like you're trying to lift a 250lb kettle bell. Do not try to use the end of the screwdriver to pry up an edge. All you will do is scratch up the bottom of the knob.

The key to smooth shifts is to get the left/right front back clamps adjusted well. Its not hard to do. Just a little trial & error. Just search for a thread on HHR/Cobalt SS shifter adjustment. When I pulled back the shift boot to do the install and saw some white plastic shavings under the forward/reverse plastic clamp, I wished I would have ordered the BPS aluminum cable clamp. Perhaps if I order a BPS knob, I'll have them send me a clamp as well. However, I have not had any issues with the clamp during the past four months since the install. Wouldn't be bad to have the extra insurance though.

I highly recommend the BPS shifter.

 

Thanks for the info Mike! It was very helpful. I think the hardest part of switching the shifter is getting the knob off from what I've read.
People say the BPS shifter is a good amount cheaper than the TWM however when you load the BPS up with the bushings, the knob and the cable clamp like you get with the TWM they are actually within about ~$40 of eachother.

 

The BPS shifter comes with the bushings for free as opposed to TWM where you have to buy them separately. Also, BPS has free shipping, as opposed to TWM, who charges $65-$70 for shipping costs.

If you load up the cart for each site with similar equipment, BPS comes out $100 - $200 cheaper, depending on what knob you choose.

If you want a specialty finish on a metal knob or like the shifter extender, choose TWM. TWM makes a nice product, but you will definitely pay for it.

If you want to use the stock knob, use a delrin knob with a shift pattern on it, or save $100+, choose BPS.

Both will serve you well. Go with what your tastes & wallet dictate.

Both companies will do group buys if you can get enough people on this board to go in with you. If that is not an option, watch both companies for sales. They both have holiday, tax season, & black friday sales pretty often.

I chose what worked well for me & voted with my pocketbook.

 

I didnt realize the BPS came with the base shifters.. ha guess I should do my homework next time and actually read the full description