I have a 99 6 speed, I want to try to improve the feel of the shifter. the stock shifter is too tall and to difficult to shift. I also don't like the so-called notchiness of the stock shifter. I was thinking about a 3 step process to trying to improve the situation some from what I've read about on the forum:
1. Tranny fluid change to Royal Purple. supposed to make shifting smoother. can someone tell me exactly what I need to get? Is there a specific number on the bottles I need to look for? also how much do I need and can I find it locally?
2. anti-venom mod. I've read this helps with the notchy feeling in the shifter. I found some threads about it but no one seemed to have any pictures. does anyone know where I can get more info on this? it sounds like something I would be interested in.
3. last but not least, replace the stock shifter with something shorter. I don't want a very short shifter, and I definitely don't want one which is difficult to shift as I've heard about many of the popular aftermarket options. the whole point is to get the car to shift easier and smoother. with the research I've done here I think the C6Z shifter might be exactly what I need. its supposed to be shorter than the C5 shifter, but not as short as many of the aftermarket ones. I like the looks of my C5 shift **** and boot, can I still use them with a C6Z shifter? where is the best place to find a detailed how-to on replacing the shifter with another one? what should I expect after making the swap? does it seem to deliver what I'm after?

I've never messed with anything like this before, and I could use any info anyone has. I know plenty of people on here have experience in this area, so I thought I would tap into this huge repository of great people and much knowledge!

thanks!

 

very good question....
any1 ??

 

 

woohoo group purchase going on for C6Z shifters. anyone have any comments on my thread? I think its the best one out there for me, so I think I'm going to buy one. but I thought I would ttt this thread before doing so.

 

I'd say you're on the right track, although I personally wouldn't mess with the C6Z06 unit and would get a Hurst. It's still kinda notchy but its way better than a stock unit.

 

Since you have a 99, if I remember correctly, you can only use Amsoil synthetic or GM syncromesh tranny fluid. Something to do with the paper blockers in the tranny. I used the Amsoil and found shifting a little smoother. As for as the shifter. I have the C6Z shifter and love it. You can't use the C5 **** but the C6 **** feels way better, and you will need a new shift boot since the C6 **** actually holds the top of the boot. I got mine from Vette Essentials and can tell you that the quallity is far better than factory. It fells nice too. BTW, when removing your boot. Make sure to be very careful as the plastic ring that the boot is attached to will break easily.

 

can you post a few pictures of what the C6Z shifter looks like in a C5?

as for Amsoil, is it just Amsoil ATF? (or are there other types of Amsoil ATF?) I find that strange since its a manual transmission, but last time I was under there it said to use ATF oh well! how much does it take to change the fluid? do you know of any chains or local places that might sell it or does it have to be ordered online?

thanks for any help!

 

Try changing with with the stock fluid first (Dexron III). When I first picked up my 62k mile 98, it shifted notchy and was hard to get into first. Changed the fluid and it felt good for 200 miles. Changed it again and it still feels good 1 year later.

Never been a fan of the aftermarket fluids. If it needed a better fluid, then GM would have put a synthetic in to begin with.

 

Exactly what I did and I love it, too. Very easy, tight shifts. Here's a detailed how-to:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1022661

And here's a photo of mine (the shifter, that is...):
BTW, also check to see if your clutch fluid is clear and clean. It helps.
Good luck.

 

I would start with the anti-venom mod. I just did mine 30 min ago, using only 2 of the washers. 95% of the notchiness is gone. It is not quite as tight, but my wife can now shift it without using her bodyweight. Less than $3 and takes maybe 15 min. That would be a good place to start. Just my $.02, or $3 actually.

 

The C5 manual transmission requires a fluid meeting Dexron III specifications, which is an ATF. The AMSOIL ATF meets this specification. I've been using this fluid in my 02 Z06 for years with good results (no failures in 30 races).

Ordering info to benefit the forum is in my signature.

 

Do the C6 Z06 shifter and the "anti-venom" mod. You will thank me.

The anti-venom mod involves using a few washers to reduce the pressure of the detente bolt where the shifter rod connects to the transmission. You will find this on the passenger side in the middle of the tranny toward the top.

Here a little more info.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1464382

Did these two mods to my car and all I can say is wow!! Shifts so much easier and better.

 

Mine is A4 so.....................

 

I just replaced my Hurst with a C6Z06 shifter last night and the Hurst is for sale.

 

From what I understand the sale is over today.If I were you I would jump on it.(C6 Z06 shifter)

 

 

Your the first one I've heard describing the stock shifter as notchy! In that case, I think you would hate most other aftermarket shifters. My Hurst is very notchy, but its a confident "snick" into every gear. Occasionally it doesn't go all the way into gear, and the short throw makes it hard to judge if it is completely engaged. Usually I just let the clutch half way out and it will pop into gear if I'm not sure. Typically this only happens in 1st/Reverse. 95% of the time, its perfect. Sounds like the C6Z06 shifter would be your best bet though.