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IMHO, there are two top candidates based on many lessons learned and feedback on the forums: (1) C6/Z06 OEM shifter or (2) MGW Billet shifter. Both offer shorter throws, smooth feel, quality fit/finish and positive engagement. Either one is a winner and will be a vast improvement over the stock C5 shifter.
The offerings that come to mind are B&M "Sport" or B&M "Ripper", HURST, KIRBAN, MTI, MGW, C6/Z06, BPP, CALLAWAY, or you can cut your oem C5/Z06 shifter down and change the **** for a different "feel".
You'll get a different opinion from everyone who replies since a shifter is so subjective.
You did the right question by asking preferences. But, you need to ask yourself what YOU want. Do you want a light and stockish feel with shorter throws and just a tad shorter height (C6Z or similar), or do you want very short, notchy, and extremely precise feel (Hurst, B&M, ect).
I had the same dilemma and couldn't decide...had read all posts and tried both the Hurst shifter and the C6 Z06 on different cars... decided to go with the C6Z06 shifter... (just ordered it from Gene Culley)
It's a nice upgrade from the stock C5 shifter, very smooth and not as stiff as the Hurst...
C6 Zo6 Here And I Love Mine, But U Need To Try A Few And See What U Think. No 2 People Have The Same Taste. Im Sure Someone Lives Close Enough To U And Has One Of The Ones Ur Interested In So U Could Feel It (no Pun Intended)
I went with the HURST. I love the stiff and precise/notchy feel to it. When I'm clicking through the gears it feels like Im really driving my car. If you just want short throw and want it smooth, dont get the Hurst. I also put the C6 Shift **** on mine... to me thats the perfect set up.
Last edited by GettReal; Feb 10, 2008 at 11:01 PM.
I used the Kirban for several years and liked it a lot. The only drawback to any of the short throw shifters in my opinion is the increased effort required to make the shift. I changed to the 08 Z06 shifter and it is a nice compromise between stock and short throw. Very smooth and easy to shift. In the end it is very subjective and only you know what you are looking for.