C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

4 Speed Shifter

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 28, 2016 | 08:46 AM
  #1  
clatgeo's Avatar
clatgeo
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
Default 4 Speed Shifter

The shifter on my M21 tranny is not smooth going into second gear. It takes a little more effort to get into second gear than the other gears.

Has anyone else had this problem?
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2016 | 08:53 AM
  #2  
Capt Ken's Avatar
Capt Ken
Instructor
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 215
Likes: 6
From: Mebane, NC
Default Re

When I was having shifting issues, it turned out to be internal not the shifter. I don't think it calls for grease, but you could spray it first with some carb/brake cleaner as someone works the shifter to clean out any gunk, then follow up with some white grease to see if it makes any difference.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2016 | 09:08 AM
  #3  
Rodnok1's Avatar
Rodnok1
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 104
From: NC
Default

Usually points to an internal issue, syncros, forks for a start wear out . Disconnect the linkage and see if shifter moves freely. May need a going through first.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2016 | 01:11 PM
  #4  
clatgeo's Avatar
clatgeo
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by Rodnok1
Usually points to an internal issue, syncros, forks for a start wear out . Disconnect the linkage and see if shifter moves freely. May need a going through first.
I have disconnected the shifter rods and it goes into second easily.

The shift levers have two holes, one for short throw and another for long throw.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2016 | 02:05 PM
  #5  
Scottd's Avatar
Scottd
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
Default

Simple answer....yes. Thats EXACTLY what was going on with mine, as well as popping out of gear on heavy decel.

I had the transmission out 3 times and rebuilt it twice and still didnt fix the problem. I learned a lot and replaced everything on the inside
but it was still tough to get into 2nd and still popping out of gear, Then, on a whim, I replaced the side cover and fork detents (where the forks go through)
Problem solved!

So, like everyone else has said, check your linkage and pivots, make sure your shifter is lubed and properly assembled. If its still giving you problems, try the side cover. If that doesnt work.....its going to be your synchros and that means you get to learn how to tear apart a transmission just like I did!
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2016 | 06:36 PM
  #6  
rebel542's Avatar
rebel542
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 8
Default

Mine was doing that, jumping out of gear, and I ended replacing the sliders on both synchro's. I got them here at http://www.5speeds.com/newm22.html
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2016 | 08:56 PM
  #7  
63split63's Avatar
63split63
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 34
From: Ontario
Default Call 5speeds.com

If you call 5 speeds Paul will diagnose your problem for free and advise you on what parts you need . His parts are reasonably priced .
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 4 Speed Shifter





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:47 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE