shifter help? Suggestions/Comments plz
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
shifter help? Suggestions/Comments plz
Alright guys,
Time to do away with my stock shifter on my 00 6spd coupe. What is the best shifter out there as far as smoothness in shifting. Also, will a C6 shifter replace my C5 shifter without any complications? I think I've heard that the c6 z06 shifter is quite popular upgrade for c5s? Please please do comment.
Cheers,
Pablo-
Time to do away with my stock shifter on my 00 6spd coupe. What is the best shifter out there as far as smoothness in shifting. Also, will a C6 shifter replace my C5 shifter without any complications? I think I've heard that the c6 z06 shifter is quite popular upgrade for c5s? Please please do comment.
Cheers,
Pablo-
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
thanks
I wonder what the throw ratio reduction is from stock C5 to C6 shifter? I've heard C6 shifters are "smoother" but I don't know if this would get me a smaller ratio. Really looking for a reduced ratio. Do you think if I bought an aftermarket shifter for a C6 it would fit my C5 just fine like with your shifter?
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 17,681
Likes: 11
From: Central Jersey
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
We either recommend the MGW or the C6 Z06 shifters. Delends on your driving style. The C6 shifter is very smooth and works well. If the customer likes a more aggressive feel and does some race events we like the MGW.. Any questions let me know. 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 16
From: Anchorage Alaska
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I wonder what the throw ratio reduction is from stock C5 to C6 shifter? I've heard C6 shifters are "smoother" but I don't know if this would get me a smaller ratio. Really looking for a reduced ratio. Do you think if I bought an aftermarket shifter for a C6 it would fit my C5 just fine like with your shifter?
The nice thing about shifters is it only costs time to try them out. Meaning, you can buy a Hurst for, say, $140. don't like it? turn around and sell it for $140 and buy a different model. Also, if you have a local corvette club, meet up with a few who have different shifters and you can try some out that way too. I moved to the C6 shifter after my buddy with a C6 let me have a seat and try it out.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
C6- ZO6 shifter assy swap..............
I've done three (3) C6- ZO6 shifter assy swaps on FRC and Z06 C5s.
It is a straight forward bolt in swap. The C6 shifter has close to a 10% shorter throw. Installation will be dependent on your familiarity with the R&R proceedures to access the tunnel where the shift box is mounted. I should mention that the only benefits are ; shifter arm angle, shorter throw and firmer mounting( firmer mounting gets you a more positive 'feel') of the C6 ZO6 shift box ( because of the use of hard plastic bushings and not the softer rubber bushings on the two horizonal mount points). The C6 ZO6 shift box will add some increase in vibration as compared to the C5 and regular C6 shifters.
One particular installation point if you have no issues with your present shifter's gear engagement , is to scribe 'match mark' lines to the tunel mount to indicate where the C5 shift box was located. Use these lines to align the new C6 shifter box as this helps reduce or eliminate shifter engagement fine tuning.
http://http://forums.corvetteforum.c...-problems.html
It is a straight forward bolt in swap. The C6 shifter has close to a 10% shorter throw. Installation will be dependent on your familiarity with the R&R proceedures to access the tunnel where the shift box is mounted. I should mention that the only benefits are ; shifter arm angle, shorter throw and firmer mounting( firmer mounting gets you a more positive 'feel') of the C6 ZO6 shift box ( because of the use of hard plastic bushings and not the softer rubber bushings on the two horizonal mount points). The C6 ZO6 shift box will add some increase in vibration as compared to the C5 and regular C6 shifters.
One particular installation point if you have no issues with your present shifter's gear engagement , is to scribe 'match mark' lines to the tunel mount to indicate where the C5 shift box was located. Use these lines to align the new C6 shifter box as this helps reduce or eliminate shifter engagement fine tuning.
http://http://forums.corvetteforum.c...-problems.html
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I have a KIRBAN shifter and LOVE it. If I were you I would find people in your area with aftermarket shifters and try them before you buy them. I personally like self centering shifters. They keep from shifting from third to second gear. 
The KIRBAN does that well! Very well!!
BC
The KIRBAN does that well! Very well!!
BC
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
On my Z I just bought the C6 boot ($20 on the forum) and the others I just stretched out the top steel ring to help fit. I also use custom shifter ball and handles ( 2" Hurst ball and Hurst T handle) that would fore-go any boot modification
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 71
From: MA
I have the newer B&M Sport shifter and like it. It has shortened the gate by 1/3. 1-4 are easy to shift, 5&6 take a little more effort. It is more "notchy" than stock. That's to be expected when you shorten the gate because you loose mechanical advantage. It was a direct bolt up and was easy to install.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Larkspur Colorado
I have the B&M in my 2001 like it much better than stock. I had a Hurst in my 2000. I liked the speed shifting with the Hurst, but was definately more notchy and harder to shift. I decided to try the B&M to see if it was easier to shift. I think it is easier, but not alot different. The best way to find out what you like, find some guys that will let you try theirs out.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 16
From: Anchorage Alaska
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Later I got another boot (C5 boot, aftermarket) and I cut the stitching down from the top, about 2 inches; then folded that top to the inside. Put my C6 shift **** into that larger "hole", folded the boot back down over the ****, and used a cable tie to secure the folded boot to the shift ****. and there you have it... excellent fit!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 60
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From: Bellbrook Ohio