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[Z06] shifter opinon

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Old Dec 21, 2001 | 12:09 PM
  #1  
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Default shifter opinon

Greetings! I know this subject has been discussed before but I finally stepped up & installed one of the shifters that have been recommended. My first impression was that compared to the orginal it was a great improvement. After completing the installation & the intial road test I came away disappointed
with the added gear noise & the additional shift effort, both of which I find
unacceptable since 90 % of my driveing is just normal. On the plus side if I was to use my car for strictly competition this would be the way to go. The shifts are defiantly more positive & faster. So I guess it's back to the stock sloppy shifter for now, :nopity
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Old Dec 21, 2001 | 01:39 PM
  #2  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

My suggestion would be to give it a while. I installed a Ripper in my Z06 and was initially concerned with the additional effort. After a couple months the shifter loosened up some and I got use to it. It doesn't bother me at all now and I'd hate to go back to the sloppy stock shifter. As for additional noise, that's generally related to using the stock ****. The plastic insert with the shift pattern is the problem. Switch to an aftermarket **** or put something under the insert to reduce the transmitted vibration. I use the stock **** on mine but the only time I notice the noise is when I really get on it and at those times I'm concentrating on other things so it doesn't really bother me.
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Old Dec 21, 2001 | 05:25 PM
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

turbolou, I'm a member of the small majority here that has no complaints about the stock shifter. Once I got used to it, it's precise enough for me to bang through the gears confidently and competently. Before reaching that conclusion, I drove friends' C5s with Rippers and a Kirbans. Neither one seemed to improve my shifting over the stock rig.

So, go with your instincts, while recognizing that many will disagree with your choice.

Ranger
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Old Dec 21, 2001 | 10:15 PM
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Default Re: shifter opinon (Ranger)

Let's just say if you can row 'em with the stock rubber shifter you can surely flat out bang 'em with the Ripper. Bangin' is more fun anyway!:D

Cheers!
VetterMan
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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 04:31 AM
  #5  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

My first impression of the Ripper was that it was too stiff also. In a month or less it will loosen up. I was close to going back to stock. As it loosened up I fell in love with it. The more you use it the better you will like it and be glad you didn't go back to stock. Whiteboy :chevy
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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 08:18 AM
  #6  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (whiteboy)

I have a Ripper in my car now, it works well, much better than stock, I have a sample Hurst shifter that I hope to install when I get back after the first on the year. I also had a Kirban which was a good shifter as well :)
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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 02:02 PM
  #7  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (hcvone)

I have a Kirban and love it. There is more effort but the shifts are very precise. There is a bit of noise but as loud as my car is anyway it is lost in the symphony of exaust noises!! :D
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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 08:29 PM
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Default Re: shifter opinon (Ranger)

Thanks for the input, Im rather surprised that some one hasn't accused me of being old & tired again, I installed the stock shifter back into it & back to being happy, As I orginally suspected the z06 is so well engineered that one would be hard pressed to improve apon it with out some undesirable side effects. regards Lou czarnota :)
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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 08:57 PM
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

So Lou, what shifter was it? And are you just going to sell it cheap now since its barely used? ;)
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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 09:04 PM
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Default Re: shifter opinon (newme)

I personally don't have a problem with the stock shifter and have never missed a shift yet BUT there is always better.....so I have a Hurst on order and when it comes in I will give my honest opinion......Any guys in the area that are thinking of the Hurst can check mine out when I install it.
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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 10:42 PM
  #11  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

Turbolou, We have reached the same conclusion. For regular driveing and raceing(if you concentrate) it's fine. I have the ripper and it helps me in my old age from takeing my eye off the ball.;) Ric
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Old Dec 23, 2001 | 05:11 PM
  #12  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (newme)

I will only say that the shifter I tried was from a vendor that is highly respected
& has agreed to take it back. So I'm really reluctant to make it appear as if it's a product defect. Just because It didn't suit my needs. From what I've come to understand with any of the shifter's that are out there. That you have to be willing to accept some trade off's. Maybe the new hurst unit is the answer?
& adress's these issues. That will be interesting to see. so thanks all for the valuable input. Happy Holiday's Lou

:)
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Old Dec 23, 2001 | 05:53 PM
  #13  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

I really hate my stock shifter, the 2-3 shift is killing me. I have a Hurst shifter on order. :rolleyes: My car is put away for the winter, so I am no big hurry for it to get here, but as soon as it does, she is going in!!!1 :D
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Old Dec 23, 2001 | 09:58 PM
  #14  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

I will only say that the shifter I tried was from a vendor that is highly respected ... Happy Holiday's
Good deal Lou, have a great x-mas! :cheers:
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Old Dec 24, 2001 | 01:14 AM
  #15  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

Turbo,
I think the stock shifter is too long so I cut 5/8" off of it and put the stock **** back on.
It is a definite improvement but I would like to have taken about an 1 1/4" off.
You would have to re-thread the shifter and re-work the boot to get that.
There have been other threads about the procedure. It really is quite easy.
I also do not have any problems going from second to third gear under hard acceleration. I have my suspicions on what causes the problem.
Dave
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Old Dec 24, 2001 | 10:49 AM
  #16  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

I also have a Hurst on order. I have missed the 2-3 shift several times. BUT- her's what I have found over the past couple weeks- When your're going to do a fast 2-3 shift do not hold the shift ****! Simply push from behind it and wala- the factory shiftewr will always gate perfectlt for the 3rd gear gate! I was holding the **** and in my excitement putting to much right hand froce on the shifter and hanging up some where between the 3rd and 5th gear gate.
I like the idea about cutting the stock shifter down and I'm going to do so. I figure around 3/4 inches. Does anyone know the correct tap size for the factory shifter?

Happy Holidays to all!
:seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya
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Old Dec 24, 2001 | 11:25 AM
  #17  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (rickvette)

Does anyone know the correct tap size for the factory shifter?
9/16 I believe. :seeya
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Old Dec 24, 2001 | 02:35 PM
  #18  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

Thankd for the tap size. I already, this morning, got out the hacks saw and cut 3/4/ inch from the factory shifter! Got the **** off 1,2,3 and went to work. The factory shifter is soft steel so it cut very easy with the saw. The **** went right back on (after a little clean up of the threads) and WOW!

What a difference it makes! The throws are shorter and its like a whole new shifter in the car. Total time to accomplish this mod- 15 minutes!!!!! Not including a clean up. I'm cancelling the Hurst after the holidays. To much chatter about all after market shifters-noise, stiffness, etc.

Before anyone buys an after market I would recommend trying this first- you have nothing to lose.
;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
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Old Dec 24, 2001 | 05:14 PM
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Default Re: shifter opinon (rickvette)

When your're going to do a fast 2-3 shift do not hold the shift ****! Simply push from behind it and wala- the factory shiftewr will always gate perfectlt for the 3rd gear gate!
Ahh so you found the secret.....I have been doing this all along and have never missed a shift.Guys try this out and you will never miss this shift. :cheers:
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Old Dec 24, 2001 | 06:11 PM
  #20  
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Default Re: shifter opinon (turbolou)

I have a cut down Kirban shifter with a Harbar shift ****....AWESOME combo! Fubu/Les
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