[Z06] Installing Shifter w/o Removing "Demon Key"
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Installing Shifter w/o Removing "Demon Key"
I just finished installing a Breathless shifter in my Z06. They say hind sight is 20/20, so here is a tip that might save someone a lot of time and aggravation.
Demon Key
In order to remove the stock shift ****, you must pry a t-shaped metal pin (demon key) out of the middle of the shift ****. After trying various tools, i.e. screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, vice grips, hammer, bolt cutters, hack saw, knife, etc., I discovered that all my effort could have been avoided.
If you are going to use a new shift **** and a new shorter or color coordinated shift boot, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE DEMON PIN AND DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE STOCK SHIFT ****. The only reason you would normally remove the demon pin is so that you can slide the boot off and reuse it and/or so you can reuse your stock ****. However, if you are using a new **** and boot, you can simply remove the console and trim panel, lift the boot up, get to all the bolts you need to remove the stock shifter, and remove the stock shifter with the stock boot and stock **** attached. The only thing you will need from the stock shifter is the black plastic bushing that goes on the bottom of the ball.
As for the rest of the install, I found the following site to be AWESOME as far as directions for installing an aftermarket shifter. Although it is written for installation of a Hurst shifter, it applies to all after market shifter. The directions are a million times better than what came with my Breathless shifter. Here is the site address:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pa...erInstall.shtml
I printed the above directions and used the step-by-step directions and pictures to install my shifter. Thanks to the author!
Demon Key
In order to remove the stock shift ****, you must pry a t-shaped metal pin (demon key) out of the middle of the shift ****. After trying various tools, i.e. screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, vice grips, hammer, bolt cutters, hack saw, knife, etc., I discovered that all my effort could have been avoided.
If you are going to use a new shift **** and a new shorter or color coordinated shift boot, YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE DEMON PIN AND DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE STOCK SHIFT ****. The only reason you would normally remove the demon pin is so that you can slide the boot off and reuse it and/or so you can reuse your stock ****. However, if you are using a new **** and boot, you can simply remove the console and trim panel, lift the boot up, get to all the bolts you need to remove the stock shifter, and remove the stock shifter with the stock boot and stock **** attached. The only thing you will need from the stock shifter is the black plastic bushing that goes on the bottom of the ball.
As for the rest of the install, I found the following site to be AWESOME as far as directions for installing an aftermarket shifter. Although it is written for installation of a Hurst shifter, it applies to all after market shifter. The directions are a million times better than what came with my Breathless shifter. Here is the site address:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pa...erInstall.shtml
I printed the above directions and used the step-by-step directions and pictures to install my shifter. Thanks to the author!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2
From: Nashville TN
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
Re: Installing Shifter w/o Removing "Demon Key" (SilverStateZ06)
I struggled with cheapo vice grips but went to sears and got the genuine thing. Demon key came right out. I think that many people want to use their stock shift ****. :chevy
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Re: Installing Shifter w/o Removing "Demon Key" (Z06_2002)
I hate running a completely stock car - am having my pulley installed this week and trying to get ready for the Pacific Street Car Association EFI event in Phoenix Arizona at the end of this month. After that, I will definitely have to make time to get out to our local track! I am also waiting for the FLP kit to become available - I hear the new batch with the re-designed O2 bungs won't be out until the middle of November.
