[Z06] First timer here
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
First timer here
Recently bought a 03 EB Z mint 7300 miles with chromed Z06 style rims and a 84 month 7 year warranty paid 35K.I have read most of the posts over the last six weeks and this site has been very helpful being a first time Vette owner or sports car period.The only major weakness my 03 (built in 02)has is the aluminum shift fork or forks.Can someone explain to me the purpose and how the shift forks work.Can my mechanic friend and I replace the aluminum forks with the metal ones or is this a complicated procedure that a shop should do.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,162
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles, CA.... I know a guy who has a Lambo with Corvette doors
So do you have a problem with your trans? If yes, then since you said you have a warranty, that's what it's for, to fix problems. If you don't have any problems, why deal with it now? If you have a problem in the future, then use your warranty then. You did say there was 7 years left on it, riiight!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by WM03ZO6
Can my mechanic friend and I replace the aluminum forks with the metal ones or is this a complicated procedure that a shop should do.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,527
Likes: 373
From: Philadelphia PA
Hey folks, maybe we should take it easy on the new guy. He just asked a couple of simple questions which warrants simple answers. I'm sure he's fully aware he's got the warranty and knows nothing is wrong with it now, but wants to proactively take care of the issue before it comes to haunt him (if it even does). I mean do you like to take your Z's to the dealer? No. And for those who got CLB's, why did you get them? Was anything wrong? No. You just took preventive action.
So if someone in the know could just answer his question, which was what the purpose of the shift fork is, how it works and can it be replaced by a non-chevy mechanic in a garage on the side.
By the way, congrats on your Z...have a blast with it...
So if someone in the know could just answer his question, which was what the purpose of the shift fork is, how it works and can it be replaced by a non-chevy mechanic in a garage on the side.
By the way, congrats on your Z...have a blast with it...
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St. Jude Partner since 89
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 774
Likes: 4
From: Lebanon, TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Welcome to the forum. I assume your shift forks are in pristine condition since it is shifting without problems. May I suggest a Hurst aftermarket shifter with the gear stops to prevent future problems.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Thanxs bluestreak63 it is preventive maintaince or piece of mind to replace S.Forks and if it is easy to do.. why not? Does anyone have any info on the hurst shifter with gear stops;price,installation,how it feels when shifting and how noisy is it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,162
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles, CA.... I know a guy who has a Lambo with Corvette doors
Originally Posted by WM03ZO6
Thanxs bluestreak63 it is preventive maintaince or piece of mind to replace S.Forks and if it is easy to do.. why not?
.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
From: I'm not quite middle aged and I only own one gold chain! San Jose CA
Welcome to the forum and congrats on the purchase of your Z06. I bought mine new in 04. It is my first Vette and I love it! You will find this to be a helpful site with the occasional smart#%* present from time to time like all sites, but overall this forum is a great place to get help and some pretty great comic relief too, but don't tell the moderators! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,788
Likes: 6
From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Hi WM03ZO6 -
Without too much detail - your transmission works by a series of gears riding on separate shafts, mating on each other.
The gears have "dogs" machined into them in such a way as they can "interlock" when they are pushed together -
When you move the shift lever, you are actuating this sliding motion on the gears.
The "forks" are the pieces that push against the gears to slide them back and forth, thus causing different combinations of gears to be mated and in turn vary the gear reduction.
As said above - don't worry - be happy, and if it becomes a problem, address it then.
Welcome and congrats!
best regards -
mqqn
Without too much detail - your transmission works by a series of gears riding on separate shafts, mating on each other.
The gears have "dogs" machined into them in such a way as they can "interlock" when they are pushed together -
When you move the shift lever, you are actuating this sliding motion on the gears.
The "forks" are the pieces that push against the gears to slide them back and forth, thus causing different combinations of gears to be mated and in turn vary the gear reduction.
As said above - don't worry - be happy, and if it becomes a problem, address it then.
Welcome and congrats!
best regards -
mqqn
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I'll be the lone dissent here. I was on a nice drive in the mountains, far from home and any repair shop when I bent the aluminum shift forks in my '02. Being the second owner I didn't have a warranty. It cost me just under $3K to get the repair done. I recommend having the work done at your convenience before you're inconvenienced in the middle of no where. Imagine being the driver responsible for stopping a caravan on it's way to the Z06 'fest because your shift forks bent while passing through BFE. Your aluminum forks may never bend but I recommend peace of mind. Better to have and not need than need and not have.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 670
Likes: 46
From: New Orleans LA
Greetings fellow Z bro's. New '02 MY owner here as well. I was wondering if the hurst shifter with gear stops is the way to go to prevent any bending of forks, and for that matter knives and spoon 
Def. don't want to run into the problem that straatien ran into !!
TIA
Def. don't want to run into the problem that straatien ran into !!
TIA
