[Z06] Short Shifter?????
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Short Shifter?????
I have a 2003 ZO6 Vette (Manual) and was looking to get a short shifter. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas? Any good ones or ones to stay away from? Please let me know and thanks.
Chris
Chris
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Portage Indiana
I've got the Hurst on my Z. Some don't like it's notchiness... Hurst is the best name in shifters for most of history... that's got to say something!! Compared to stock, ANY of the aftermarket shifters are a huge improvement!
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 9
From: Heath Texas
I may be a lone wolf on my position. Don't flame, just presenting another viewpoint.
I think the shifter style (length) depends on use. For rally style or even drag racing, I'd recommend a longer shifter. "WHAT?" utters the masses. A shift **** as close to the steering wheel is a definite plus. The more time with the right hand on the wheel the better. Also, the shifting is quicker (less hand transit time).
Now, I had a rally style shifter on a prior non-Vette supercharged machine. The construction of the shifter resulted in a change in the pivot point that did not lengthen the "throw" of the shifts. I nicknamed it the Viagra Shifter, but it worked much better than stock (which was a short shifter anyway).
So the grand theory is a short shifter doesn't work for optimal steering wheel control for racing. Thus, a short shifter for any other reason is pure rice in my book. Sorry.
I think the shifter style (length) depends on use. For rally style or even drag racing, I'd recommend a longer shifter. "WHAT?" utters the masses. A shift **** as close to the steering wheel is a definite plus. The more time with the right hand on the wheel the better. Also, the shifting is quicker (less hand transit time).
Now, I had a rally style shifter on a prior non-Vette supercharged machine. The construction of the shifter resulted in a change in the pivot point that did not lengthen the "throw" of the shifts. I nicknamed it the Viagra Shifter, but it worked much better than stock (which was a short shifter anyway).
So the grand theory is a short shifter doesn't work for optimal steering wheel control for racing. Thus, a short shifter for any other reason is pure rice in my book. Sorry.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
You will never get a consensus of opinion on "which is the best shifter". Some people change their shifters as often as others change their shorts...all in search of the holy grail.
You can review the thousands of past threads. In C5 Tech, use search or search this forum (in the red banner), using keywords "shifter" or similar.
If you want to narrow it down more, use "b&m shifter", "c6/z06 shifter", "mgw shifter", "hurst shifter", "breathless performance (bpp) shifter", "mti shifter", "pro 5.0 shifter", "callaway shifter" and any others you can think of.
You can also modify your oem shifter, making it shorter and/or changing out the ****.
You can review the thousands of past threads. In C5 Tech, use search or search this forum (in the red banner), using keywords "shifter" or similar.
If you want to narrow it down more, use "b&m shifter", "c6/z06 shifter", "mgw shifter", "hurst shifter", "breathless performance (bpp) shifter", "mti shifter", "pro 5.0 shifter", "callaway shifter" and any others you can think of.
You can also modify your oem shifter, making it shorter and/or changing out the ****.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Dec 29, 2009 at 01:29 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I have the hurst billet. Its short and tight. It takes some getting used to. The throw from 4th to 5th especially took some getting used to for me. I never drove the z with the stock shifter, but from the pics that I've seen, It sure does stick up pretty far. I've gotten used to the little short shifter with the delrin ****. I like that setup for me.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,704
Likes: 4
From: Lone Star State
Hurst here. Tight and notchy. I love how you can feel the gears your ripping into. You will hear people talk about shifter noise. What I did was split a tennis ball in half, cut an X on the top of it, and slid it to the base of the shifter. ZERO noise. I didnt have it before, but I figured what the hell, take care of it while your dealing with it anyways!
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16,897
Likes: 412
From: Lewisville TX
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Hurst does make a well designed shifter that is for sure. We have been stocking Hurst and B&M both for years until we decided to go out and make our own!
For those wanting a good bang for the buck try out one of our LG shifters. Just $149 and they include your choice of ****! Throw is dramatically reduced from stock, and the springs are light enough to make it a positive 3/4 gate center without having to fight the shifter when going into gear. NO MORE MISSED 3rd gear shifts!
These will accept the stock ****, or any one of our threaded *****. You have your choice of either at no extra cost when you purchase!
LG Delrin Tall ****
LG Delrin Round ****
Purchase online here:
LG CORVETTE SHIFTER
For those wanting a good bang for the buck try out one of our LG shifters. Just $149 and they include your choice of ****! Throw is dramatically reduced from stock, and the springs are light enough to make it a positive 3/4 gate center without having to fight the shifter when going into gear. NO MORE MISSED 3rd gear shifts!
These will accept the stock ****, or any one of our threaded *****. You have your choice of either at no extra cost when you purchase!
LG Delrin Tall ****
LG Delrin Round ****
Purchase online here:
LG CORVETTE SHIFTER
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle, NY New York
Hurst does make a well designed shifter that is for sure. We have been stocking Hurst and B&M both for years until we decided to go out and make our own!
For those wanting a good bang for the buck try out one of our LG shifters. Just $149 and they include your choice of ****! Throw is dramatically reduced from stock, and the springs are light enough to make it a positive 3/4 gate center without having to fight the shifter when going into gear. NO MORE MISSED 3rd gear shifts!
These will accept the stock ****, or any one of our threaded *****. You have your choice of either at no extra cost when you purchase!
LG Delrin Tall ****
LG Delrin Round ****
Purchase online here:
LG CORVETTE SHIFTER
For those wanting a good bang for the buck try out one of our LG shifters. Just $149 and they include your choice of ****! Throw is dramatically reduced from stock, and the springs are light enough to make it a positive 3/4 gate center without having to fight the shifter when going into gear. NO MORE MISSED 3rd gear shifts!
These will accept the stock ****, or any one of our threaded *****. You have your choice of either at no extra cost when you purchase!
LG Delrin Tall ****
LG Delrin Round ****
Purchase online here:
LG CORVETTE SHIFTER
Have one. FANTASTIC PRODUCT
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 838
Likes: 17
From: Maple Valley WA
St. Jude Donor '10
MGW, hands down 
I used to have a Hurst and it was just way too notchy. Some complain about the MGW being too smooth and not providing positive gear engagement, but I've experienced nothing of the sort. In fact, when cruising, it's even a little notchy; but when you open it up and start slamming gears, it's
I used to have a Hurst and it was just way too notchy. Some complain about the MGW being too smooth and not providing positive gear engagement, but I've experienced nothing of the sort. In fact, when cruising, it's even a little notchy; but when you open it up and start slamming gears, it's
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Pine Beach NJ
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 838
Likes: 17
From: Maple Valley WA
St. Jude Donor '10
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 838
Likes: 17
From: Maple Valley WA
St. Jude Donor '10
It's actually very easy and they're all pretty much the same. However, if you aren't confident in your abilities, take it elsewhere - You'll probably be charged an hour or less.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
In C5 Tech, use search or search this forum (in the red banner), with keywords "installing a c6/z06 shifter" or similar.
It's the same procedure for all oem or after market shifters. You should come up with multiple past threads with details and images. Here's two pages to start with...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/sear...rchid=14043492
Here's a detailed narrative...
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Shifter
I switched out the stock shifter as soon as I could as I was tired of rowing thru shifts and missing shifts! I bought the "KIRBAN" It is very well made and shifts great. I actually shortenend it another 1" and it is even better. My wife drives it and she is pretty small and has no problem with it. I understand the Hurst is a beast to shift?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 483
Likes: 3
From: Woodstock Ga
If you think rattles/noises from the shifter will bother you the B&M Sport Shifter is the way to go.
I initially gave mine a so-so review when I first put it in, but it appears that was all just due to me getting a little too used to the stock wet noddle shifter. I'm very happy w/ the B&M Sport now. And it doesn't rattle like crazy like others I've heard (or the B&M Ripper I had in my 99 TA). That drove me nuts w/ my TA, no way was I putting something that sounded like that into my Z.
I initially gave mine a so-so review when I first put it in, but it appears that was all just due to me getting a little too used to the stock wet noddle shifter. I'm very happy w/ the B&M Sport now. And it doesn't rattle like crazy like others I've heard (or the B&M Ripper I had in my 99 TA). That drove me nuts w/ my TA, no way was I putting something that sounded like that into my Z.