While manual transmission Mustangs get a lot of attention, the truth is that automatics usually make up the bulk of what’s sold and on the streets. That doesn’t mean that automatic equipped Mustang owners can’t have a little fun banging gears themselves, especially when they’re doing so with the help of a B&M Hammer Shifter.
Ratchet shifters like The B&M Hammer have been around for decades. These shifters are great for having fun on the street, or banging gears on the track. The ratcheting mechanism prevents over-shifting as it will only move the shifter one position up or down when actuated.
The B&M hammer also has a reverse lockout to prevent accidental shifting into reverse, neutral, or park. This means if driver’s get a little over-zealous and are looking to grab another gear, they won’t accidentally bang the trans into neutral -or worse reverse, and cause damage to the car, or a crash.
In the video American Muscle goes over some of the other basic features of the Hammer shifter for 94-04 Mustangs, part number 81001. Those features include the O/D off switch which is moved to the cover plate, as well as the leather shift boot, and chrome B&M shift handle. All of these add improved looks to the inside of any SN95 or New Edge Mustang, replacing that bulky, stock shifter with something more stylish.
The B&M Hammer is also approved for NHRA and IHRA competition, which means if you’re the type of driver who frequents the dragstrip, this shifter won’t set off a red-flag with the tech guys.
Left: The bulky stock shifter. Right: The B&M Hammer Shifter Installed
Installation time should take most who are well versed in working on their Mustangs about 2 hours, and does require working underneath the car to make sure the transmission cables are connected properly. Some minor wiring modifications for the indicator lights and overdrive switch are also necessary.
Check out the video for more details and to see the shifter in action. For more information on the B&M Hammer Shifter, check out the B&M web-site and don’t forget they’re also available through American Muscle.