I've removed a few of these and never had any problems. Others curse the day GM designed it... I guess I've been lucky. 
Quick question - stupid I know.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,079
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From: Richmond VA
Quick question - stupid I know.
I am replacing my shift ****, and the **** doesn't want to simply twist off, am I missing something? i wanted to ask before I did something ridiculous to get this thing off. Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
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Carefully pry out the 6-speed pattern piece on top of your shift **** and you will see the demon key that SeaLawyer is talking about.
Spray it with some penetrating oil, let it sit for 15 minutes, then try working it out.
Spray it with some penetrating oil, let it sit for 15 minutes, then try working it out.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
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From: Mustang OK
Following from the C5 Tech Tips section of the Forum. Procedure is the same for all model year C5s:
Step by step shift **** install on a 2000 Corvette Coupe
Good luck!
Step by step shift **** install on a 2000 Corvette Coupe
Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 447
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From: Huntsville AL
St. Jude Donor '10
You may have to resort to prying the demon key up with two flathead screwdrivers. I used the screwdriver technique after numerous failed attempts to remove the key with small vise grips, pliers, & needlenose pliers. Just simultaneously (& gently) pry the key up from the sides using 2 screwdrivers. I used a small towel to cover & protect the shift **** from any damage. Good luck, most of the time the shift **** pin is a real pain to get free. 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego CA
Here's my method; I've used it on many C5s and haven't met a demon pin that didn't come out by using this technique:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm
Melting Slicks
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From: Annapolis MD
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Burning Brakes
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From: Deerfield VA
St. Jude Donor '07
I used a medium size regular vise grip and a cloth covered block of wood as a lever, and a screwdriver as someone mentioned. It worked beautiful. I tried two screwdrivers at first, it broke the tangs off on the end of the key and didn't budge. The **** setup setup on these cars, SUCKS!
John
John
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If it is the 6-speed, after removing the cover plate on top of the ****, take a pair of vice grips and clamp down on the key and then gently tap up on the side of the vice grips with a hammer. Worked very well for me. Key popped right out.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Central Ma
This worked for me also. I'd vote for this method over prying.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Just pretend you are a dentist pulling out a big old molar....
pull and wiggle front to back with the vicegrips as you sharply tap the side with a hammer...
it will pop out so fast and easily you will need to make sure you don't hit your forehead with the vice grips 
pull and wiggle front to back with the vicegrips as you sharply tap the side with a hammer...
it will pop out so fast and easily you will need to make sure you don't hit your forehead with the vice grips