C5 Shifter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Chesterfield MO
I'm sure a lot of others will have suggestions for you.
Not to hijack your thread but I see quite a lot of complaints about the stock shifter and I don't get it. I've previously driven a 79 Z28 4 speed and 89 Mustang GT 5 speed. I honestly think the stock shifter in my 99 C5 is awesome.
Maybe my standards are just low - but I'm curious what it is exactly that so many people don't like about the stock shifter in these cars?
Not to hijack your thread but I see quite a lot of complaints about the stock shifter and I don't get it. I've previously driven a 79 Z28 4 speed and 89 Mustang GT 5 speed. I honestly think the stock shifter in my 99 C5 is awesome.
Maybe my standards are just low - but I'm curious what it is exactly that so many people don't like about the stock shifter in these cars?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
I use a $20 special fromm Ebay 
But seriously, I love it! It's a short throw, stiff shifting piece with a positive return to nuetral.
I may upgrade to an actual Hurst just for the name, but I don't feel that I need to.
The only complaint I had with the stock shifter is the longer throw seemed to be the cause of some missed shifts. Haven't missed a shift since installing the new shifter.
Personally, I will stay away from the shifters that use a two-piece handle. That's just me though.
But seriously, I love it! It's a short throw, stiff shifting piece with a positive return to nuetral. I may upgrade to an actual Hurst just for the name, but I don't feel that I need to.
The only complaint I had with the stock shifter is the longer throw seemed to be the cause of some missed shifts. Haven't missed a shift since installing the new shifter.
Personally, I will stay away from the shifters that use a two-piece handle. That's just me though.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 99
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
i have replace the stock shifter with the MGW and it is a big difference. my input is that regardless of what you decide to go to (assuming it isn't a stock corvette unit) will take a bit to get used to. i have tried several different units in my C5 and finally settled on the MGW. all the aftermarket short shifters will appear very stiff compared to the stock unit and anyone who says different isn't being honest. i had a B&M ripper, a hurst billet pro (i think was the name) and the MGW is the better one in my opinion. regardless of which one you decide to go with, you will never miss a 2 to 3 shift again unlike the stock unit.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
Same here. I like my stock shifter. I think it's quite good. I did however, cut it down by a half inch to get slightly shorter throws. I think it is now perfect. I also tried several different shift ***** and finally came back to the stock leather one. It feels the best in my opinion.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: East Side Louisville KY
MGW shifter
I replaced my stock shifter with an MGW this past September. I have a '98 and the stock shifter was loose. The plastic ball at the bottom of the shifter had been worn so much that it no longer sit snug in the cup. Also, with the MGW, its somewhat adjustable. It comes with an allen wrench so you can adjust where the **** is, which adds to comfort. Plus it has the shorter throw. I felt like with the stock shifter I was going to put my fist through the radio. With this shifter, its just a matter of a flip of a wrist. Don't get me wrong, I am not an MGW representative, just a satisified costumer. And for what its worth, my buddy has a Ripper Shifter on his and he likes the feel of mine better...as do I.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
After reading posts on here I changed my stock shifter to the MGW. As others have said all aftermarket shifters take some getting used to but the difference in gear changing is well worth it. The MGW is superbly engineered and comes with a load of installation photos on cd to help you install it, once it's done you'll love the 2nd to 3rd change in particular.
No worries about asking questions that many have asked before, good examples are which exhaust, which polish, leaking diff, column lock problems
Hope this helps.
No worries about asking questions that many have asked before, good examples are which exhaust, which polish, leaking diff, column lock problems
Hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Whatever you decide, be sure to mark the old shifter with a pencil before you loosen it. Be sure to set the neutral lock before you loosen it. And torque all torex screw-bolts to 33Nm.
Last edited by Jet-Jock; Dec 18, 2010 at 09:28 AM.
