1998BlackPlasticToy

I've read the C6 shifter has a much shorter throw and is often changed into C5's. Is this a direct bolt-on change?

Thanks.

k24556

Yes drops right in. There is some work to get to it, but not bad

zeevette

You won't notice a lot of difference in the two. It's still pretty vague feeling, but I did like the angled handle, and the **** is nice.

_zebra

i got my C6Z shifter from RSD & it's 1/3 shorter than stock. great feel & much smoother than the C5 unit. the install ain't bad - i just had to go get a T40 bit. i will say getting the demon key out of the C5 **** is a huge pain, though.

1998BlackPlasticToy

How did you do it? Where can I see a pic of the demon key?

Thanks.

1998BlackPlasticToy

Never mind. I found it on this site.

Thanks for the info!

_zebra

way i done it was to get a pair of needle-nose vice grips clamped as hard as i could on the key & then took the thickest screwdriver i could find (or any other sturdy rod will work) & stuck it through the gap between the jaws. i then proceeded to knock the screwdriver shaft upwards with a hammer til it came out.

Cybermind

For me, the C6 shifter was the perfect compromise between the long throws of the stock C5 shifter and the short-throw/stiffness of an aftermarket performance shifter.

I had a B&M Precision Sport shifter before and I just couldn't live with it anymore for everyday driving. Way too much effort required to shift gears.

I purchased a complete C6 shifter kit from Gene at GMpartshouse which comes complete with the shifter, shift box and **** for about 180 bucks. Everything bolts right in except you would need to either modify your stock shift boot to fit over the **** or buy a new leather shift boot from one of the many vendors on Ebay. I went with Topgaiters who provide excellent service and have a top-grade C5 leather boot for a reasonable price.

All I can say is that I could instantly feel a difference. For me the C6 shifter is in the perfect "Goldilocks" zone. Throws are not too long nor too short and the shift effort is perfect. I find they are clean and precise with no notchiness. But, keep in mind that shift feel is very subjective.

However, you need to keep in mind that I did get a new shiftbox and I am running Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in the tranny which I am sure makes a big difference.

Hope this info helps.

Oh yah almost forgot. To get the demon key out, I simply clamped on with a vice grip and shook it back and forth while pulling up. It took some time and effort but it did come out.

Zmeister

Changing to a C6 shifter assembly was the first thing I changed on my Z when I got it almost 4 years ago. I hated the look and feel of the original shifter and ****....especially the ****. That thing felt horrible!
The change out was pretty straight forward. Patches has a great write up on the Forum...actually I think he has a couple of write ups.
The C6 shifter was a huge improvement for me. I'm very happy with it.
As far as the demon key, I did the same as some of the others, I clamped on a pair of vice grips and tapped it several times with a light hammer. Came out pretty quick.
I was also able to use my original shift boot without any problems!
If you try it I don't think you will be disappointed.
The only thing I might swap it out for would be an MGW.
Good luck!!

StrangelovesM6Vert

I did my C6 to C5 shifter but didn't want to spend 90.00 like some vendors here want for a boot.
I cut my C5 boot so it fit the larger diameter C6 **** but there's a gap on one side now.
This is what ebay vendor topgaiters who wants 39.00 shipped said

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280828331065?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D280828331065%26_rdc%3D1
HI there
to order please buy this item 280828331065 then leave a note when you pay that you want the item in c5 bottom with c6 top for manual
regards

- topgaiters

Just waiting to get a further confirmation that I will get what I want since it says it's for an automatic.
I want the blue stitching to match the door handle wraps I bought from them.
They are in England so shipping takes 2 weeks.

Ok

Hi there
sure it will be for c5 manual with c6 top blue stitch

regards

- topgaiters

1998BlackPlasticToy

Thanks for all the help. I just bought a C6 shifter with boot and retainer complete on Ebay.

I checked my **** today. I don't have the key inside. I have a different ****. It just unscrews off.

I'll let you know when I get it changed out.

Thanks again.

TEXHAWK0

Here is another option from Core-Shifters. Same short throw of the C6 shifter, with the retro look of the Hurst chrome stick..