Hard Shifting
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach, FL
Hard Shifting
Hello! This is my first post, so I hope it's in the right place.
I bought my first Corvette 10 days ago, so I'm pretty new. I've been having this problem where when I'm in drive, it'll shift up and down pretty rough where you can hear and feel it with a slight bump. Here's what I find strange: when I put it in Overdrive, it removes that problem entirely. I'll be changing the transmission fluid soon, since it is dark and it'll need it anyway. It's not my first antique, but first with overdrive. I hope you guys can help me out and point me in the right direction. Thanks so much for your attention, y'all!
I bought my first Corvette 10 days ago, so I'm pretty new. I've been having this problem where when I'm in drive, it'll shift up and down pretty rough where you can hear and feel it with a slight bump. Here's what I find strange: when I put it in Overdrive, it removes that problem entirely. I'll be changing the transmission fluid soon, since it is dark and it'll need it anyway. It's not my first antique, but first with overdrive. I hope you guys can help me out and point me in the right direction. Thanks so much for your attention, y'all!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 516
Likes: 272
From: Marysville WA
You don't mention the year (something that forum members will always want to know) but on my '84 with a shift kit and Z51 3.07 rear end I experience the same hard shift when I leave it in D but much smoother shifts in OD, so I just leave it in OD all the time since Mrs Boomer is always with me and I can't get away with too much hooning.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 362
Likes: 88
From: Alaska
Are you referring to manually shifting through the ranges, ie select L1 to start off, shift through L2, D and end in OD?
Or are you comparing the shift feel of D V/S OD?
I haven't done either on the '91, intentionally, but I've gotten it in D instead of OD accidentally, and I didn't notice a shift firmness difference. It's why I ask.
Or are you comparing the shift feel of D V/S OD?
I haven't done either on the '91, intentionally, but I've gotten it in D instead of OD accidentally, and I didn't notice a shift firmness difference. It's why I ask.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach, FL
You don't mention the year (something that forum members will always want to know) but on my '84 with a shift kit and Z51 3.07 rear end I experience the same hard shift when I leave it in D but much smoother shifts in OD, so I just leave it in OD all the time since Mrs Boomer is always with me and I can't get away with too much hooning.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach, FL
Are you referring to manually shifting through the ranges, ie select L1 to start off, shift through L2, D and end in OD?
Or are you comparing the shift feel of D V/S OD?
I haven't done either on the '91, intentionally, but I've gotten it in D instead of OD accidentally, and I didn't notice a shift firmness difference. It's why I ask.
Or are you comparing the shift feel of D V/S OD?
I haven't done either on the '91, intentionally, but I've gotten it in D instead of OD accidentally, and I didn't notice a shift firmness difference. It's why I ask.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 939
Likes: 242
From: Fruita CO
First, welcome to the forum. There are lots of great folks here to guide you thru any problems. Put the car in OD for smoother shifts. How many miles on your 91? You mention having the trans serviced. You will probably get different opinions, but, high mileage transmissions should be drained and refilled. Many feel that the flushing systems most garages use cause more problems that they solve. I bought my 91 in Mar of 2023, with just over 100,000 miles. Check the date codes on your tires. Most Corvettes don't get driven much, so the tires "age out" before they wear out. You should add your local to your profile. That will help you get the correct answer. Finally, here on the forum, we really like lots of pictures. Be sure to post photos of your new ride!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach, FL
Is it normal for OD to have smoother shifts in general?
I got it with 102,595 miles.. I'd usually drain and refill myself like I do with my other cars, but since I work with my father's tools all I got is an old jack that is too high for the car lol. Plus the community where we live has been keeping an eye out on any driveway repairs so it's going to a shop for a tune up whenever I'm free.
The tires I know their years, which for me I'd use, but for some folks I knew would change (Front passenger 2019, both backs are 2021, the weird one is front driver, which I can't for the life of me find the date)
I'm gonna definitely take some pictures soon!
I really appreciate your response
I got it with 102,595 miles.. I'd usually drain and refill myself like I do with my other cars, but since I work with my father's tools all I got is an old jack that is too high for the car lol. Plus the community where we live has been keeping an eye out on any driveway repairs so it's going to a shop for a tune up whenever I'm free.
The tires I know their years, which for me I'd use, but for some folks I knew would change (Front passenger 2019, both backs are 2021, the weird one is front driver, which I can't for the life of me find the date)
I'm gonna definitely take some pictures soon!
I really appreciate your response
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 939
Likes: 242
From: Fruita CO
Did you get an owners manual with the car? You need to get one if you don't. The C4s have a lot of quirky features that aren't obvious. Unless someone removed it, there should be a factory jack inside the spare tire cover.
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