Core-Shifter for 3rd Gen V6

Shifting is smooth for a truck. The drivetrain on the Tacoma is not as refined as a high end sports car, but it isn't supposed to be. The shifts are crisp and precise - that is how I would define it. There is some "notchyness" due to the shifter mechanism, but its more of a classic Hurst "snicker snack" feeling. It felt the same exact way on my Ford Ranger with the Hurst shifter. Warranty shouldn't be voided unless they can prove the shifter did the damage. Its possible to shift faster than the syncro's if you are man handling the truck and banging gears, but if you drive spiritedly and work in harmony with the truck all will be fine.

 

agree 100%.

the more accurate you are with aim, the more fulfilling the Core is. originally i was planning to use my ultra heavy 700g knob on it. the Core just said no... it doesn't need weight to push through... it needs good aim, just that.

so my new custom knob for it will be about 200g only. it's all about being deliberate and w/o slop. it's made me improve my aim, which was already pretty good but not good enough for a light ball and clean feel.

 

My plan is to get this shifter and ovtune at the same time once my free oil changes run out. Not sure about accumulator delete yet.

 

Dooood. If you have clutch engagements that just don't feel right, like you feel that it shoulda been right but wasn't, well . . . the accumulator is messing with your head.

Just my $0.02.

 

I got my Core shifter Installed a couple of weeks ago. Amazing difference! Much more fun to drive. Shift throws are greatly reduced, much less play when in gear, more positive engagement into each gear. Definitely a worth while upgrade.


NVH is increased, without a doubt. You can always hear a hum coming from the shifter area. And the shift knob has more vibration when holding on to it. The noise can be drowned out with music though, so it doesn’t bother me too much. Just something to note.


Also, Shift know is moved closer to the drivers side of the vehicle. I like this, as there is less reach for every gear. But some may not like the lack of symmetry.


I had a guy at work help me build a bushing for my @7r41lbr34k3r shift knob. Took him like 20 mins using some aluminum bar we had laying around. Worked perfectly. Note from the photos, i did not end up using the nut below the bushing to lock to bushing on, it was bottoming out on the nut before the stick was bottoming out inside the knob, not allowing me to use shims to straighten the shift pattern.

 

I'm liking that Delrin and that the chrome shaft is hidden. Assymetry is cool in my book.



I still wish we could get this thing with just the Core base and bracket. No shaft or knob.

 

you can change the shaft. but for good fitment you'll likely need to fab one. the Hurst offerings look like 2 may fit with a slight change to knob position and height but neither were good enough position-wise for me to consider. basically i find the knob to sit too close to me a bit, and i was looking to move it forward towards the dash, and up since i use a tall knob setup.

 

But! I know a guy.

 

yeah i haven't forgotten.

 

It just seems silly to pay for parts that I don't want.

 

Just remember....when in doubt......

 

Ain't that the truth!

 

I personally like the long throws of stock better and I bought the core/hurst kit, tried it and took it off after a day. I’m looking to sell it, all packaged back up not a scratch on anything.

Here’s my Craigslist ad if anyone’s interested in a discounted kit.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/pts/d/napa-2016-tacoma-manual-transmission/6990118444.html

 

Got mine in today and I love it! The install was a little harder than I'd planned for but well worth it.

 

Installed mine today. I didn't think the stock shifter was all that bad but dang is this thing direct and precise. Throws are about as short as I would want them, any shorter and it would be obnoxious. 5th is much easier to get to. Its still a truck transmission, so its not particularly smooth but it does really feel like a bolt action. I think the shorter throws pair nicely with faster falling revs of the OVtune and the ADM.

There is some gear hum even with reinstalling the second boot which is probably why Toyota didn't do this from the factory. I think that comes with removing rubber and isolation from the linkage. If you have aggressive tires or the windows down I don't think you would really notice it but you should be prepared for a little bit of a hum.

Install was relatively easy but getting to the front bolts on the shifter mount and reattaching the vent tube is tedious. You'll need a small wrench/ratchet and some patience. I used a long 45 degree pliers for the vent tube but you have to be gentle.

I like it, I think its worth it, plus it looks really cool haha.

Update: I've been driving it a bit more and the hum and road noise transmitted through the stick is a bit annoying for a daily, you've been warned. Shift is still awesome though.

 

did the seats need to come out?

 

No, the center console is split right where the storage is and right in front of the shifter so you can lift the whole piece out without removing the cubby. I just moved the seats all the way back to make it easier to work in the cab but you don't even really have to do that.

 

how long was the Job? thinking about doing this over the weekend

 

Go for it! It should really only take an afternoon.

 

Well, if the internet says it should take an hour it takes me 4. Keeping that in mind, excluding the two front bolts for the shifter base, 45 minutes. With those 2 bolts and stopping to drink coffee and muck about, it took like 3 hours. I was getting 3-4 ratchet clicks each turn and they are long bolts. It was probably 400 ratchet turns each and you're working in a very tight space. They have to come out, and they have to go back in. Its not hard, its just tedious.