[Z06] Question: Stiff Shifter Normal?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 6
From: NS
Question: Stiff Shifter Normal?
Just picked up a 2003 Z06. Been a C4 guy up until now. My C4 has the ZF6 transmission. My Z06 has the Tremec M12 transmission I am told. The shifter obviously has a completely different feel than my C4's ZF6. The Z's shifter is much stiffer than the ZF6.
I'm wondering if I need some lubrication somewhere or if this is a normal feel? When I move the shifter left and right in neutral I can hear some faint squeaking. It's tight but still shifts well. Wondering if it is normal since I'm use to the ZF6 which I can easily shift with 2 fingers. Never driven a Z06 up until now.
By the way, it's got 59,000 miles and came from Florida.
Thanks
I'm wondering if I need some lubrication somewhere or if this is a normal feel? When I move the shifter left and right in neutral I can hear some faint squeaking. It's tight but still shifts well. Wondering if it is normal since I'm use to the ZF6 which I can easily shift with 2 fingers. Never driven a Z06 up until now.
By the way, it's got 59,000 miles and came from Florida.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Picking on the weakest kid in the yard.
Never heard about a squeek and never driven a manual C4, but the shifter in my car does take more effort to move around than any other sports car I have driven. No two-finger shifting. Takes a while to get use to. Do you know if your shifter is stock? Aftermarket ones will take more effort.
Team Owner
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From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
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Ranger's tip about gripping the shifter with cupped fingers and no thumb to pull and heal of hand no thumb to push made a big difference in my gear change accuracy. That said the stock shifter is known to be "notchy". What about the "anti-venom" mod to help cut down on it? 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 6
From: NS
Never heard about a squeek and never driven a manual C4, but the shifter in my car does take more effort to move around than any other sports car I have driven. No two-finger shifting. Takes a while to get use to. Do you know if your shifter is stock? Aftermarket ones will take more effort.
The "squeak" noise I'm hearing might just be the rubber boot below the console. Sounds like rubber squeak to me.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
The oem shifter is enclosed in a rubber "bearing". That's what gives it the spring action and is for noise/vibration control.
It's possible for that rubber to get dirty and/or dry and cause a noise. The heat in the tunnel from the exhaust below must be like an oven.
You could try a little of your favorite spray lubricant, but I would do so only after R&R of the shifter mechanism to avoid WD40 or whatever puddling where it shouldn't.
After market shifters are enclosed in a nylon "bearing". Even they need some type of lubricant and come from the manufacturer with heavy grease applied.
It's possible for that rubber to get dirty and/or dry and cause a noise. The heat in the tunnel from the exhaust below must be like an oven.
You could try a little of your favorite spray lubricant, but I would do so only after R&R of the shifter mechanism to avoid WD40 or whatever puddling where it shouldn't.
After market shifters are enclosed in a nylon "bearing". Even they need some type of lubricant and come from the manufacturer with heavy grease applied.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
First, you need to determine what you have. 
You can tell the stock shifter by the shaft. If it goes from about 9/16" up to about 1-1/2" below the boot, then it is most likely the factory shifter. You can also disengage the plastic ring that holds the boot in the console, lift up the boot, and look at the base of the shifter. If it is a stamped steel base, factory, if it is a machined alloy base, aftermarket.
You can tell the stock shifter by the shaft. If it goes from about 9/16" up to about 1-1/2" below the boot, then it is most likely the factory shifter. You can also disengage the plastic ring that holds the boot in the console, lift up the boot, and look at the base of the shifter. If it is a stamped steel base, factory, if it is a machined alloy base, aftermarket.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert AZ
I have a 92 coupe and a modded 03 Z06.
They both have stock shifters except the Z is cut down about an inch.
The shifting feel isn't that different even though the Z has the long linkage to the diff/tranny!! Are you sure you don't have an aftermarket shifter??
I took out the Hurst in the Z cuz it was just too notchy and tight!!
Just a thought.
Ken
They both have stock shifters except the Z is cut down about an inch.
The shifting feel isn't that different even though the Z has the long linkage to the diff/tranny!! Are you sure you don't have an aftermarket shifter??
I took out the Hurst in the Z cuz it was just too notchy and tight!!
Just a thought.
Ken
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 6
From: NS
Thanks guys. I'll check for the aftermarket shifter in the morning. From what TEXHAWK said about the shaft I'm reasonably sure it's the factory shifter. I'll pop of the boot and look under.
It's not that stiff that it's hard to drive, just stiffer than what I'm use to with my '95 ZF6. The throws are definitely shorter that the ZF6 as well.
It's not that stiff that it's hard to drive, just stiffer than what I'm use to with my '95 ZF6. The throws are definitely shorter that the ZF6 as well.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 101
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From: Dallas,Tx
Yeah Atok--you are right on with your description of the shifters.. I had a 90ZR1 with the trans you had and the throw is longer and the feel is much softer.. My 04 Z06 is stiff and notchier and also as you said somewhat shorter.. sounds like you have the stock shifter.. It's supposed to get better with the royal purple fluid change..
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,692
Likes: 5
From: Hayward CA
Coming from a ZF6-equipped C4....I can tell you, the C4 shifter is worlds above the C5. The C4 shifts like butter compared to the clunky, notchy C5 trans. What you feel is normal, get used to it.
