Shifter Choice
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 750
Likes: 82
From: Bedford IN
Shifter Choice
I am looking at getting a shifter for my C5 and was wondering what everyones opinion is. What is the most popular and which is best? What about the Hurst Billet Plus?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
It really is a personal choice, as there are many variables. For instance, the traditional short-throw shifters, like the Hurst, Ripper, and BPP have very short throws, but are fairly stiff and take quite a bit more effort to move into position.
There are "in between" shifters that have longer throws than that of the short-shifters, but require effort that is in between the stock long-throws and the traditional short throws. One of the MTIs and the C6 shifters fall into this category. I chose the BPP because of its 16-way adjustability. Keep in mind that many of the short-throw shifters have no vibration isolation and tend to buzz at 4000+ rpms.
In summation, you really need to try some out. Attend some local C5 events and ask owners if you can just sit in their cars and check out the aftermarket shifters. If a C6er shows up, try that one as well.
There are "in between" shifters that have longer throws than that of the short-shifters, but require effort that is in between the stock long-throws and the traditional short throws. One of the MTIs and the C6 shifters fall into this category. I chose the BPP because of its 16-way adjustability. Keep in mind that many of the short-throw shifters have no vibration isolation and tend to buzz at 4000+ rpms.
In summation, you really need to try some out. Attend some local C5 events and ask owners if you can just sit in their cars and check out the aftermarket shifters. If a C6er shows up, try that one as well.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: California
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 2
It really is a personal choice, as there are many variables. For instance, the traditional short-throw shifters, like the Hurst, Ripper, and BPP have very short throws, but are fairly stiff and take quite a bit more effort to move into position.
There are "in between" shifters that have longer throws than that of the short-shifters, but require effort that is in between the stock long-throws and the traditional short throws. One of the MTIs and the C6 shifters fall into this category. I chose the BPP because of its 16-way adjustability. Keep in mind that many of the short-throw shifters have no vibration isolation and tend to buzz at 4000+ rpms.
In summation, you really need to try some out. Attend some local C5 events and ask owners if you can just sit in their cars and check out the aftermarket shifters. If a C6er shows up, try that one as well.
There are "in between" shifters that have longer throws than that of the short-shifters, but require effort that is in between the stock long-throws and the traditional short throws. One of the MTIs and the C6 shifters fall into this category. I chose the BPP because of its 16-way adjustability. Keep in mind that many of the short-throw shifters have no vibration isolation and tend to buzz at 4000+ rpms.
In summation, you really need to try some out. Attend some local C5 events and ask owners if you can just sit in their cars and check out the aftermarket shifters. If a C6er shows up, try that one as well.
Very good summary. Now when you get that new shifter be sure to talk with Dave68 to get set up with one of his awesome shifter ***** from conceptual polymer!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: Torrance CA
It really is a personal choice, as there are many variables. For instance, the traditional short-throw shifters, like the Hurst, Ripper, and BPP have very short throws, but are fairly stiff and take quite a bit more effort to move into position.
There are "in between" shifters that have longer throws than that of the short-shifters, but require effort that is in between the stock long-throws and the traditional short throws. One of the MTIs and the C6 shifters fall into this category. I chose the BPP because of its 16-way adjustability. Keep in mind that many of the short-throw shifters have no vibration isolation and tend to buzz at 4000+ rpms.
In summation, you really need to try some out. Attend some local C5 events and ask owners if you can just sit in their cars and check out the aftermarket shifters. If a C6er shows up, try that one as well.
There are "in between" shifters that have longer throws than that of the short-shifters, but require effort that is in between the stock long-throws and the traditional short throws. One of the MTIs and the C6 shifters fall into this category. I chose the BPP because of its 16-way adjustability. Keep in mind that many of the short-throw shifters have no vibration isolation and tend to buzz at 4000+ rpms.
In summation, you really need to try some out. Attend some local C5 events and ask owners if you can just sit in their cars and check out the aftermarket shifters. If a C6er shows up, try that one as well.
I am a Hurst shifter owner and really like it a lot.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
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From: Hayward CA
I installed a B&M a few weeks ago - and my first impressions were "I don't know if I'm going to like this". It was very stiff. But after driving it for a few weeks, it seems to have loosened up, and it's a lot more enjoyable. That being said - it's here to stay
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
It's almost like asking what's the best beer.
Ask 50 people, you going to get 50 answers and they will all be different.
I have the KIRBAN shifter and LOVE IT! It has shifter stops, it spring loaded to center in the 3rd-4th gate and its rugged! With the proper shift technique, you have Little or no chance of dropping back into second from third gear!
I agree with NOS500
"In summation, you really need to try some out. Attend some local C5 events and ask owners if you can just sit in their cars and check out the aftermarket shifters. If a C6er shows up, try that one as well."
Same goes for selecting an exhaust system. If you don't hear it in person, you might not like it once it's installed!
Ask 50 people, you going to get 50 answers and they will all be different. I have the KIRBAN shifter and LOVE IT! It has shifter stops, it spring loaded to center in the 3rd-4th gate and its rugged! With the proper shift technique, you have Little or no chance of dropping back into second from third gear!
I agree with NOS500
"In summation, you really need to try some out. Attend some local C5 events and ask owners if you can just sit in their cars and check out the aftermarket shifters. If a C6er shows up, try that one as well."
Same goes for selecting an exhaust system. If you don't hear it in person, you might not like it once it's installed!
