[Z06] Ripper Shifter-- necessary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 0
From: Stamford CT.
Re: Ripper Shifter-- necessary (Corpvette)
I would recomend it IF your going to power shift. The springs are much stronger and gates shorter but thay can be a pain if you are regularly in stop and go trafic. Nothing wrong with the stock shifter if your not raceing.IMHO Ric
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ontario
Re: Ripper Shifter-- necessary (Corpvette)
I just installed one. I petty sure I will be taking it out again very soon. IMHO, the effort is to high for regular non-competeition use. I'm also pretty sure I can shift as fast with the stock shifter. The Ripper does feel more precise but it transmits A LOT of noise into the car. After I removed the stock shifter I observed that it has a 2 piece shaft with a rubber isolation bushing built into it to reduce resonances. The B&M DOES NOT have this feature. To be honest I never had a problem power shifting with the stock shifter, I was hoping for an improvment. but the Ripper is not for me. :sad:
I'll give anyone in my area a heck of a deal on a slightly used one!
I'll give anyone in my area a heck of a deal on a slightly used one!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Point Richmond California
Re: Ripper Shifter-- necessary (Z06jerry)
Just drove my first Ripper last weekend in the very slightly used Z06 that I'm going to purchase (2002 order canceled). The effort is probably at least 10 times higher than any other stick shift I've ever driven, but even so, it's not bad. I plan on leaving it in the car (seller is providing original shifter as well). It gives a remarkably short throw, and feels much higher quality than the stock unit. The shifts just feel better, and I don't mind getting a little bit of a workout while I drive.
Oh yeah, I've heard that some have replaced the stock Ripper springs with lighter effort ones.
Oh yeah, I've heard that some have replaced the stock Ripper springs with lighter effort ones.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: Addison IL
Re: Ripper Shifter-- necessary (Corpvette)
I love my Ripper, the effort does not seem that high to me and the feel is greatly improved. The noise is the biggest negative, but it is bearable. The much more precise feel and shorter throws are worth putting up with the noise.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 10
Re: Ripper Shifter-- necessary (ADE 1000)
The noise is easily combatted if you use some dynomat to install the piece with. I have ZERO noise <quieter than stock> because I spent an extra 20 mins and $10 to install dynomat over the base of the ripper.
As far as difficulty shifting, well, it wears down over time and gets a lot easier. Combine that with the fact that your arm gets stronger and it's not difficult at all. Though, I do workout so maybe that's why I've never thought twice about it.
For those that can't stand the ripper I recommend the Kirban KwikShifter. It's OK and isn't hard to shift. Certainly more accurate than the stock sluchstick (shifter).
As far as difficulty shifting, well, it wears down over time and gets a lot easier. Combine that with the fact that your arm gets stronger and it's not difficult at all. Though, I do workout so maybe that's why I've never thought twice about it.
For those that can't stand the ripper I recommend the Kirban KwikShifter. It's OK and isn't hard to shift. Certainly more accurate than the stock sluchstick (shifter).
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ontario
Re: Ripper Shifter-- necessary (EdwardETraylorIII)
The noise is easily combatted if you use some dynomat to install the piece with. I have ZERO noise <quieter than stock> because I spent an extra 20 mins and $10 to install dynomat over the base of the ripper.
Jerry
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Pro
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Re: Ripper Shifter-- necessary (Corvette)
The stock shifter is a POS. The Ripper is much more stout and accurate. I drive daily with it, easy shifts. I have had my Ripper for about a year with a Kirban billet shift ball. There is no noise (no Dynamat needed). The springs do not increase effort in 1-2, 3-4 etc. The shaft is shorter and fulcrum is higher so if you want an easier shift just rotate the ball up to the top of the threads.
The real effort is caused by the M6 tranny. It is as close to a truck unit as you will find. I think GM needs to consider another vendor other than Tremec/TTS. Also syn. ATF will reduce shift effort will no ill effects.
The real effort is caused by the M6 tranny. It is as close to a truck unit as you will find. I think GM needs to consider another vendor other than Tremec/TTS. Also syn. ATF will reduce shift effort will no ill effects.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Re: Ripper Shifter-- necessary (C5TECH)
The stock shifter is a POS. The Ripper is much more stout and accurate. I drive daily with it, easy shifts. I have had my Ripper for about a year with a Kirban billet shift ball. There is no noise (no Dynamat needed). The springs do not increase effort in 1-2, 3-4 etc. The shaft is shorter and fulcrum is higher so if you want an easier shift just rotate the ball up to the top of the threads.
The real effort is caused by the M6 tranny. It is as close to a truck unit as you will find. I think GM needs to consider another vendor other than Tremec/TTS. Also syn. ATF will reduce shift effort will no ill effects.
The real effort is caused by the M6 tranny. It is as close to a truck unit as you will find. I think GM needs to consider another vendor other than Tremec/TTS. Also syn. ATF will reduce shift effort will no ill effects.