[Z06] Short Shifter?????
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 838
Likes: 17
From: Maple Valley WA
St. Jude Donor '10
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
Short throw just enhances...................
The OEM C5 or C6 shifters are inexpensively produced , just look at the stamped steel shifter assembly. The C6 is slightly easier ergonomically with aprrox. 10% shorter throw.
I asked myself : self why are there so many aftermarket shifters ( that are of a much higher quality than OEM) on the For Sale topic section? Hurst, MGW, B&M. ect. are all short throw shifters (average 35%) that ENHANCED the effort and 'notchy' feel. (Some of the aftermarket shifter mfg'ers actually warn of increased shifting effort from their shifters).
So I extended the shifter arm two (2) inches on my new Hurst C6 shifter (3915086) installed in the C5 Z06. I use a Hurst 2 inch ball. This made a noticable difference. Then replaced the factory shift arm side to side tension springs with the lightest of the three (3) sets . This also helped . Finally I added the Anti-Venom modification with an aluminum dented bolt that I shortened by .062.
These all added to a much smoother shift than the C6 Z06 shifter I had been using. I sure that I will refine this shifting 'feel' over time with spring tension and shifter arm length.
I asked myself : self why are there so many aftermarket shifters ( that are of a much higher quality than OEM) on the For Sale topic section? Hurst, MGW, B&M. ect. are all short throw shifters (average 35%) that ENHANCED the effort and 'notchy' feel. (Some of the aftermarket shifter mfg'ers actually warn of increased shifting effort from their shifters).
So I extended the shifter arm two (2) inches on my new Hurst C6 shifter (3915086) installed in the C5 Z06. I use a Hurst 2 inch ball. This made a noticable difference. Then replaced the factory shift arm side to side tension springs with the lightest of the three (3) sets . This also helped . Finally I added the Anti-Venom modification with an aluminum dented bolt that I shortened by .062.
These all added to a much smoother shift than the C6 Z06 shifter I had been using. I sure that I will refine this shifting 'feel' over time with spring tension and shifter arm length.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 40
From: San Diego Ca
The stock shifter really detracts from the driving experience.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville NC
Just get a C6 Z06 shifter. You can find them used on this forum and the install is very easy. I installed mine a few months ago and couldn't believe the difference from the C5 Z06 shifter. I ran at VIR and my shifting was much smoother and quicker. On the interstate I haven't missed 5th gear into 3rd gear since I put the C6 shifter in. The price isn't bad either.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Willie Nelson Country TX
Whattttt?????
I had the MGW and while it did soften up from when I first got it, it was just too stiff and annoying going laterally. Im a 26 y/o dude and normally I wouldnt complain about something like that but man, it did get annoying. I think I may try the C6Z shifter, but then again, the LG is looking nice at that price, but I am unsure of how stiff the LG is compared to the MGW.
Guess that's why they make vanilla and chocolate ice cream but I installed my MGW about 6 months ago in my '02 Z06 and have loved it ever since. I don't have to think which gear I'm going to and point the shifter - it just goes where it's supposed to. Yeah, it's stiffer than stock but it's supposed to be. I'm 67 and no Charles Atlas but get along just fine - never missed a speed shift either. Mine is only cranking out 425.2 hp on the dyno but it still gets your attention - so far the LG long tube pros, 3" x pipes and Borla Stingers haven't gotten the cop's attention - knock on wood! Wonder if the cop would let an old "geezer" slide???
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 141
From: Kaukauna WI
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 92
From: Lakeland FL
Anything is better than stock shifter
Just get a C6 Z06 shifter. You can find them used on this forum and the install is very easy. I installed mine a few months ago and couldn't believe the difference from the C5 Z06 shifter. I ran at VIR and my shifting was much smoother and quicker. On the interstate I haven't missed 5th gear into 3rd gear since I put the C6 shifter in. The price isn't bad either.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
This is a personal feel modifiication. Suggest you try several. My choice was B&M with a a Delrin ****.
Haven't missed a shift on the track since I swithced to it.
Noise and rattle are a consideration for street use. I believe B&M is the best in this regard
Haven't missed a shift on the track since I swithced to it.
Noise and rattle are a consideration for street use. I believe B&M is the best in this regard
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Willie Nelson Country TX
Where to find - -
Here's the URL - Think he only sells direct - super nice guy! Oh, and mine has no noticeable noise increase over stock and certainly no rattle!
http://www.mgwltd.com/corvette.shtml
Last edited by bojangles5169; Jan 2, 2010 at 04:11 PM. Reason: Added thought
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
C5 and C6 shifters ...........
Next to the insidious 1-4 upshift, the factory shifter is the worse thing on the C5. Sux is putting it mildly. Going to anything else would be an improvement, but I went to C6Z06. Even my non-gearhead wife liked it, she wouldn't drive the car when it had the C5 shifter. Now I can't keep her away from it. 2003 Z06.
Mentioned is the Z06 which is just the shifter box solid bushings that all C5 Z06es have. All three (3) of my C5es have or had the C6 shifter and /or the complete C6Z06 assembly installed.
The C6 shifter has an approx 10% shorter throw but was just as notchy and demands just as much effort to shift. My wife likes the better positioning of her wrist.
The Hurst I've been working to refine is this 3915086 C6 Hurst
Last edited by dieseldave56; Jan 3, 2010 at 01:40 AM. Reason: added images