How do you like the C6 shifter?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Jmho...
I have had the C6 shifter installed in my dd (with 70+K miles) for 3 weeks and have these observations to share. I had the shortened stock shifter for about 2 months prior to installing the C6 shifter; so the stock shifter in regular and shortened form are my only bases for comparison.
With the stock shifter I found it somewhat difficult to find first or reverse when cold, e.g. first drive of the day. It was difficult to tell when you were fully engaged in first or reverse...sometimes slipping out of gear. The throw was very long, requiring a full arm movement at the shoulder, rather than a simple wrist movement, like a BMW, Miata, or Lotus...never drove a Porsche. Downshifting to third was a mystery!
With the C6 shifter, the shift lever is shorter, and the throw is shorter...but not as short as I had hoped for. The shape of the shift **** is most pleasing and actually makes the shifter seem shorter than its height would suggest. There is still some difficulty shifting into first and reverse when cold. Aesthetically it is a wonderful addition to the interior, but I would not describe it as providing buttery smooth shifts. I wish I could.
I changed both the transmission and differential fluid from oil-based to synthetic during the shifter install. I wished I had changed fluids before changing the shifter, because I feel the improved quality of shifting may be more the result of the synthetic fluids than the shifter. If you are undecided about changing from a stock shifter, I suggest you change the fluid to synthetic first and note if things improve.
Since the C6 shifter bolts right into the stock linkage...I don't see how the shifting could be much improved, but I am no expert. The only new geometry is due to the shorter shift lever (which increases the force required to do the same work) and the raised placement of the fulcrum (which reduces the distance the **** end of the shift lever must move to shift, which reduces the amount of work needed to shift). These geometric changes have negligible effect on the synchros and gears aligning more efficiently...and does not reduce the notchiness we all were hoping for.
Once the fluids have warmed up...after just a few minutes of driving...the shifting is significantly smoother and more precise than stock.
Overall I am happy with what I have and plan to keep it that way...until something better comes along
I have had the C6 shifter installed in my dd (with 70+K miles) for 3 weeks and have these observations to share. I had the shortened stock shifter for about 2 months prior to installing the C6 shifter; so the stock shifter in regular and shortened form are my only bases for comparison.
With the stock shifter I found it somewhat difficult to find first or reverse when cold, e.g. first drive of the day. It was difficult to tell when you were fully engaged in first or reverse...sometimes slipping out of gear. The throw was very long, requiring a full arm movement at the shoulder, rather than a simple wrist movement, like a BMW, Miata, or Lotus...never drove a Porsche. Downshifting to third was a mystery!
With the C6 shifter, the shift lever is shorter, and the throw is shorter...but not as short as I had hoped for. The shape of the shift **** is most pleasing and actually makes the shifter seem shorter than its height would suggest. There is still some difficulty shifting into first and reverse when cold. Aesthetically it is a wonderful addition to the interior, but I would not describe it as providing buttery smooth shifts. I wish I could.
I changed both the transmission and differential fluid from oil-based to synthetic during the shifter install. I wished I had changed fluids before changing the shifter, because I feel the improved quality of shifting may be more the result of the synthetic fluids than the shifter. If you are undecided about changing from a stock shifter, I suggest you change the fluid to synthetic first and note if things improve.
Since the C6 shifter bolts right into the stock linkage...I don't see how the shifting could be much improved, but I am no expert. The only new geometry is due to the shorter shift lever (which increases the force required to do the same work) and the raised placement of the fulcrum (which reduces the distance the **** end of the shift lever must move to shift, which reduces the amount of work needed to shift). These geometric changes have negligible effect on the synchros and gears aligning more efficiently...and does not reduce the notchiness we all were hoping for.
Once the fluids have warmed up...after just a few minutes of driving...the shifting is significantly smoother and more precise than stock.
Overall I am happy with what I have and plan to keep it that way...until something better comes along
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 1
From: Hollywood Md
While I haven't driven a C6 shifter, I have driven a B&M and a Hurst and I agree with most of your assessment (except for the "fulcrum" part), Coastal. I just don't see how any shifter can cure all of the ills of the C5 trans and linkage. So, I am reluctant to give up my shortened stocker which doesn't seem all that bad. At least it's quiet. I am anticipating much improvement if I ever get to changing to synthetic fluid. 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 301
From: North shore,Ma./Naples Florida
Well I just installed my new shifter and I am really happy! I really like it. I just need to get a boot by Vette Essentals and that will complete the package. The stock boot works okay, but it lacks. The feel is nicer than the stocker, the throw a little shorter and the feel of the **** is great. The postion of the **** in 4th or 6th is a more comfortable position for me. I am 6'7" with my seat all the way back and the angle differences in this shifter are enough to make me happy. Not a hell of a lot shorter throw, but it just feels better all around. 
Last edited by Frankie2blue; May 28, 2005 at 08:34 PM.
