Not that i really need it as I think my MGW shifter is right near perfect but thought I'd try this to see how much of an effect it had on the shift action.

This is the original instruction pic posted by forum member AntiVenom.


I picked up a couple of different types of washers - two M20 copper and two M20 crush washers - to have a couple of options to try. The only other tools needed are a 24 mm socket and possibly a flashlight to locate the detent screw.


The car was already on the lift so no jacking was required. You'll need to get it high enough to reach the shift detent if you decide to try this. The detent is located on the upper passenger side of the tranny just under the reverse-shift solenoid as indicated in the pic below.


You'll need to reach in between the over-axle exhaust pipe and tranny with the 24 mm socket to unscrew the detent.


The detent is a few inches directly above where my middle finger is pointing in this pic.


Here's what the detent screw looks like. It's a spring-loaded ball detent plunger. The section above the threaded portion is the plunger that translates in and out under spring load.




I decided to start with two copper washers - they measured about .047" each or .094" stacked.


Popped the washers on.


I reinstalled the detent screw, lowered the car and tried the shifter. It seemed a bit too soft for my liking so I raised the car and removed one of the washers. When I tried it again, it seemed OK so I decided to leave it in for a while to see how it feels on the road. As I mentioned before, the MGW is pretty much ideal to me so this is just an experiment to explore yet another variation on the C5 shifter action.

 

What exactly does this do? I just installed a B&M and to me its PERFECT, but I am just curious as to what this will do.

 

Excellent info and pics Ed

Chuck

 

I liked this mod. I found it helped with the notchiness (is that a word?) between the gears. I mean when shifting from gear to gear I always noticed a notch feeling in the middle if shifting. Now I don't feel that anymore and its more of a smooth action from one gear to the next.

Toque

 

I just did this modification myself, having recently picked up last year a 4000-mile Coupe whose shifting was so balky and unpleasant that I almost ditched it out of frustration. A change to premium lube (Royal Purple) helped, but I was looking for better.
Like Marc, I found two washers made the feel a little "loose" or sloppy and went to one. Either one or two washers make initial first-gear selection a little easier but for me at least did nothing to make gear-to-gear engagement smoother.
I didn't get much from the mod, but it is so easy and inexpensive there's no reason not to try it and see what you think.
Regards, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina

 

Some folks complain aftermarket shifters can be difficult to get into gear to to a notchy action that requires more force to engage than desired. Adding the washer(s) softens the effect of the detent plunger and makes it a bit easier to push the shifter into gear.

If you think the Ripper is perfect then you can skip this mod. I think my MGW is optimum as well but, as folks who know me here know, I often like to try mods myself and report on installation and results.

 

Always hated the stiffness of the factory shift. After a new clutch which I needed I switched to Royal Purple. Noticeable improvement but still annoying. So I bought a used Hurst with a ZO6 base. I used the lite springs. Still annoying. About 3 weeks ago I did the Anti Venom mod. 100% satisfaction.

Advice to those who dislike their shifter because it's too stiff. Save your money on the after market shifters, Royal Purple fluid and do the $1.29 mod first. Then move to the other stuff if you're still unhappy.

 

Great job!! Its always nice to save a ton of money!!

 

Excellent write-up and review, I'm sure this will prove valuable to many here.

 

Nice write up Ed

Peace
Chip

 

I have the B&M shifter and it was really hard to shift. Did this mod a couple months ago and it made a huge difference. Very nice now.

 

I plan on doing this mod myself in the next few days. Right after I install my custom screened vararam.

 

First rate write-up....as we've come to expect from you.........Thanks again....

 

Does anyone know if this affects the side to side centering action of the stock shifter? Iam talking about if you go from any gear an pull it toward the center then release it will automatically snap into the center. This stock feature helps with automatically finding the right gear when your shifting. Iam just curious if this "mod" kills the centering spring action.

 

I'm subscribing to this one - great thread and info!

 

Subscribing so I can get the washer part numbers later on. Thanks for the write up!

 

This mod has its effect only when going into, or out of gear, and would have no effect upon the centering of the shifter once its out of gear...

 

I tried this mod with my Hurst and ended up removing it. It was OK for daily driving, but not drag racing. I need to feel the gear shift. This mod is really just personal preference. Some like it, some don't. Unfortunately you have to try it to find out.

 

What's that?

 

I believe he's referring to the Hurst shifter with the section of the stock shifter that any aftermarket shifter sits on top of. It hase the two mounting slots along with the receiver shaft for the lower shifter ball/bushing, the adjustment lockout pin hole and the output shaft that attaches to the shift rod coupler that goes to the tranny. The C5 version is pictured belo but the Z06 version is almost identical.