[Z06] Seeking C5 Shifter Recommendations
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 7
From: Signal Hill, CA
Seeking C5 Shifter Recommendations
My 2002 Z06 has a short shifter installed. Not sure of the brand or whether it's an MGW. Besides the fact that getting into reverse is an adventure with gears grinding away until it pops in, the feel is too tight for my taste. Soooooo, do I reinstall the OEM shifter so many complain about or go another route?
There are many opinions. I'm looking for smooth shifting and don't mind the standard OEM throw distance. What can you 'all recommend that is available? Much appreciated.
Steve
There are many opinions. I'm looking for smooth shifting and don't mind the standard OEM throw distance. What can you 'all recommend that is available? Much appreciated.
Steve
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Do the antivenom mod and leave it alone.
I would never go from a short shifter to the stock dump truck monstrosity even if you paid me. This will 100% reduce shifter effort if it is an issue for you.
I would never go from a short shifter to the stock dump truck monstrosity even if you paid me. This will 100% reduce shifter effort if it is an issue for you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
For a smooth shifter the C6Z is very good, another would be to get the T-MOD shifter with a 5% reduction in throw either way do the Anti-Venom washer(s). Smooth shifter and the C6Z give you a more comfortable angle. For competition or a short throw, the MGW or 20% T-mod is the way to go. IMHO
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 7
From: Signal Hill, CA
Do the antivenom mod and leave it alone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9_uP3vpsJk
I would never go from a short shifter to the stock dump truck monstrosity even if you paid me. This will 100% reduce shifter effort if it is an issue for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9_uP3vpsJk
I would never go from a short shifter to the stock dump truck monstrosity even if you paid me. This will 100% reduce shifter effort if it is an issue for you.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Interesting. Now I know what the antivenom mod is. My shifter won't go into reverse without issues-- grinding gears being the worst and something I can't and won't live with. Might this be an install issue, fitment issue, shifter malfunction issue, or who knows-- right? Just wondering if you have any thoughts on what to do. I might try to remove and reinstall the shifter, pain in the butt as that will be. Thanks!
Did you install it with the alignment tool?
My car came with a short shifter already installed and I've never touched it after that, but I do know the AV mod made a big difference in shift effort. I have two washers in it right now and in fact I think it's TOO light, so I'm going to take one back out eventually. Just haven't got around to it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 7
From: Signal Hill, CA
Did you install it with the alignment tool?
My car came with a short shifter already installed and I've never touched it after that, but I do know the AV mod made a big difference in shift effort. I have two washers in it right now and in fact I think it's TOO light, so I'm going to take one back out eventually. Just haven't got around to it.
My car came with a short shifter already installed and I've never touched it after that, but I do know the AV mod made a big difference in shift effort. I have two washers in it right now and in fact I think it's TOO light, so I'm going to take one back out eventually. Just haven't got around to it.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
I don't see how a C6Z shifter is the way to go in any scenario here - that just means throwing more good money after bad.
I would personally do that in reverse order. Antivenom mod first, then try alignment.
I would personally do that in reverse order. Antivenom mod first, then try alignment.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 414
From: New Jersey
Interesting. Now I know what the antivenom mod is. My shifter won't go into reverse without issues-- grinding gears being the worst and something I can't and won't live with. Might this be an install issue, fitment issue, shifter malfunction issue, or who knows-- right? Just wondering if you have any thoughts on what to do. I might try to remove and reinstall the shifter, pain in the butt as that will be. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 7
From: Signal Hill, CA
Does it grind all the time? If you put the shifter into sixth and then quickly shift into reverse does it still grind? If you're in neutraland wait a while before shifting into reverse does it grind? Is it easy to get into reverse and shift through all the gears if the engine is off with key on?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 7
From: Signal Hill, CA
I think your suggestion is a good one. I only dread having to go through the hassle of removing the console plastic parts, not breaking anything, reinstalling the short shift kit, and only having the same issue. Yeah I know... just gotta do it and hope for the best.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
One thing. With the T56 there is "slop" in the transmission itself, which does not get better with age. Not much you can do about that short of an tranny rebuild - expensive. It does mean you should steer clear of a shifter that has any restrictions or limits on throws. That's a "feature" that will just get in the way and can contribute to failing to fully engage a gear.
I've tried a couple of alternatives and have ended up with a cut down original shift lever, combined with a rebuilt lower box and a tightened up "shift ball" mechanism - not hard to do incidentally.
I've tried a couple of alternatives and have ended up with a cut down original shift lever, combined with a rebuilt lower box and a tightened up "shift ball" mechanism - not hard to do incidentally.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,357
Likes: 1,592
From: Western NY
Interesting. Now I know what the antivenom mod is. My shifter won't go into reverse without issues-- grinding gears being the worst and something I can't and won't live with. Might this be an install issue, fitment issue, shifter malfunction issue, or who knows-- right? Just wondering if you have any thoughts on what to do. I might try to remove and reinstall the shifter, pain in the butt as that will be. Thanks!