Prior to getting my ZO6 I had a number of Mazda RX-7s and various Toyota's, IS300, etc.

Their transmissions shifted so easily and smoothly. I could "flick" the shift **** and changes gears with little effort. I really liked that feel. Maybe some of you have driven a Honda S2000 before.

I realize this is a much beefier powertrain compared to all the cars I listed.

I've been thinking about a shifter kit but I want to retain the stock boot, and shift ****. I don't need super short throws, I just want a big improvement in the smoothness and hopefully find something that feels "lighter" if that is possible.

Thanks in advance.

 

The C6Z shifter (search Cultrag)? More modern but suitable ****, supposedly a fair bit nicer to shift. It's probably going to find its way into my car one day.
Never driven any of those you mentioned, but my BMW'S were also much smoother. Honestly though, I'd take my stiff Z shifter over the vague/loose BMW shifters I've had (3 series).

 

I know what you mean. My car does not shift smooth until I drive around for at least 20 mins and get the transmission nice and hot. Then it shifts much, much smoother. I have a C6 shifter and RPM level 5 trans. Did the same thing with stock trans though.

 

Have you done the anti-venom mod? That helps with some of the notchiness. I did this plus a c6 shifter and like it much better.

 

Going to install this one on Saturday....

http://www.tpsmotorsports.com/corvet...***-white.html

 

I don't think you're going to get anything similar to the combo of precision, light effort, and "snick snick" feel that I imagine you're coming. You mention the S2000 - you realize that is probably one of the nicest manual transmissions available @ any price point in a stock car, period? The most satisfying manual transmission car I have ever driven was a first gen S2000 or a '95 NSX, not sure which was "better" - at any rate it is my belief Honda makes the best feeling manual shifters in the business, at any price level. I actually do not think BMW manuals are all that great...at least the 2010+ cars, the late 90's early 2000's bimers were better IMO.

I would suggest getting a precision short throw shifter for your Z06 or the C6/C6Z shifter and do a tranny/clutch fluid swap @ the same time and you will be much happier.

Keep in mind though, a "quality" short-throw for the 'vettes is going to actually INCREASE shift effort, however it will be MUCH more precise and "positive" feeling as they say. I have the newest version of MGW's short throw shifter complete w/ their billet lower box & gripper ****....supposedly this is "the best" short throw shifter on the market for the C5/C6 Vette...I have only driven stock C5 and stock C6 shifters in comparison, but based on my experience I'd tend to agree that MGW makes one helluva quality shifter.

I tried the "anti-venom" mod and found I did not like it all as it seemed to be counteractive to the MGW shifter, making the shift effort lighter but also vaguer and causing the shifter to easily "pop out" of gear. Plus its a PITA to do and I cut my hand up good doing it, I personally wouldn't recommend it.

From what you've said I think I'd try a C6 shifter w/ a fluid change and that may be better, the MGW is def stiffer, but does "loosen up" somewhat after a few thousand miles...I do also agree w/ the other poster regarding getting the tranny temp up helping.

 

I sure appreciate all the responses.

The MGW shifter sounds like the best option at this point, I would only buy one if I could keep my stock shift ****. My car is 100% stock down to the air filter (with the exception of LS2 valve springs) and I prefer to keep it that way as much as possible.

I looked at their website and it's a nice looking piece. Thanks!

 

The stock shifter looks like it came out of a Ford Ranger Pickup.....

I put a C6 shifter in mine, its shorter and angled back a tad making it easier to shift, and the **** looks much better IMO. I added a custom boot which looks better also.

 

You can keep the stock shift **** w/ the MGW it screws right on, but I would recommend getting a different one....w/ the extra effort of the MGW it's nice to have a heavier and/or "grippier" ****.

The MGW in the C5Z effectively feels like a honda shifter that has hit the gym and done some roids

 

i also have a fully built transmission paired with a properly adjusted c6 z06 shifter setup..along with some amsoil torque drive atf..and i am pretty damn happy with how my car shifts...but the key is making sure your shifter is aligned and adjusted correctly

 

Yes and the stereo and A/C controls match my 05 Silverado. The point of keeping the stock shift **** is just to keep the car looking factory, it's just something I like to do. For me personally the C6 **** certainly looks nicer but out of place.

 

You can keep the factory **** if you'd like. MGW shifters can be ordered with a threaded 9/16" shaft for C5 equipment, or 5/8" for C6 I believe. No big deal. The C6 shifter actually looks wonderful in our old C5's. Perhaps the picture above didn't do it justice (even though I thought it looked great. ). Here's another, just in case you can be pulled to the dark side.




P.S. The **** isn't nearly that light in person. It actually blends very well with the rest of the console, and is much more comfortable in the hand. Just my crummy phone camera at work.