OK, before you guys tell me to do a search, I already did. Found out SOME usefull info, but not what I am looking for. OK, I want to know what is the best shifter for my C5Z? I read that alot of shifters dont have the "bottom piece" or something like that. They say that it really doesnt have the maximum amount of short throw as if you were to get the "entire" shifter.

Im really not concerned about price, but obviously dont want to pay an arm & leg but I want the best for my car. Theres obviously going to be opinions and thats OK. I will take the majoritys side!!

THANKS

 

MGW. Period.

 

Hands down, MGW!

 

Well i'm going for the shortest throw I can get and so far I'm gonna try the Hurst and B&M. Alot of people are going to say the MGW whether it be because its the newest and has a whole bandwagon thing going on or not but if I'm not pleased with the Hurst I'm going to hold out for Billet products to realease their product since I had one in my GTO although it cost me 450 (the corvette one is cheaper I THINK) it was the best shifter I have ever used. Short enough to ALMOST be uncomfortable but just right. It was really stiff the first 500 miles but after a little break-in time it was smooth as butter.

 

stop looking mgw period!

 

Talking about this one? http://www.billetproducts.com.au/new/vette.html It's $210 USD...

 

Mgw

 

The shift control (shifter) in the C5s is nothing more than a stick that moves forward, back, left, and right. That’s it. All of the detents, and shift gates are controlled by the transmission, not the shifter. The shifter stick length and lower ball pivot length controls the distance you have to move it (throw) for each gear. The only thing you are changing with most aftermarket shifters is the stick part, and the stick pivot of the shift controller, not the complete unit. I’m sure a lot of people believe this top part of the controller will make a big difference in the way their C5 shifts, and they are probably right when it comes to the shifter throw or the pivot. In my opinion you are only getting a small improvement for the money spent by changing just the top portion of the shift controller. The later 2008 ZO6 shift controller offers a huge improvement over the stock C5 shifter. This later unit has shorter throw, improved lower pivot design, and the shift controller attachment to the torque tube is much stiffer. This all boils down the greater gate precision, and smoother shifts. The C6 shifter **** fits your hand much better than the original C5 shifter ****. The best part, you get all of these improvements and the complete shifter for about the same price or cheaper than the aftermarket replacements. If any of the aftermarket shifters exhibits improvements, this improvement would benefit even more by also replacing the lower part of the shift controller as part of the upgrade.

That said, if you have your heart on improving the shifter I would recommend changing to the 2008 ZO6 shifter first. If it still doesn’t give you the level of improvement you are looking for, then add one of the aftermarket units to the lower 2008 ZO6 controller.

 

So Eric, ya know I have asked this question a zillion times and I got the same answer every time....

Q: Are the bottom pieces the same from a C5 shifter to a 2009/2010 C6Z shifter?
A: YES they are the same, except for the little rubber insulators

NOW! Seeing that you have said what logically to me makes sense, I am wondering if my stock C5 shifter (shortened by about an inch by me) would bolt right down into a C6Z shifters bottom part (shifter controller)?

Let me know what you think! If that is the case I will have to get a hold of Gene Culley to see if they sell just the bottom part that attaches to the tranny/torque tube.

The reason I bring all this up is because I have read post after post, after post saying how much better the C6Z shifter is over the stock C5 shifter and quite honestly when I purchased just the top (shift lever) portion from an 08 C6Z, I didn't really notice any change at all. I then sold it.

 

I agree after looking at one closely (C6Z) and putting it in a car and drivng around a couple of days....I found not noticeable improvement other than the shorter length of the actual stick, like I do with any of the after market units I haver installed.

 

Man guys thanks for the replys, but I dont know what to do. So basically buying the MGW would be the same as if I just got a shorter stick???

So what would I say if I called my local chevy dealer? Tell them I need a 2009 Z06 shifter and base controller? Correct me if I am wrong.

Like I said in my original post. I just want something thats going to help with the life of my transmission. Obviously having a shorter throw is a added bonus, but longevity of the trans in MOST important!!

 

go with it

 

Yes if that is your main goal, I would say get a hold of Gene Culley...he has the kits for just under $200 for the entire thing!

Gene is our GM supporting rep on here.

Gene Culley....just do a search.

 

Hurst Plus is the best!

 

Improvements to the later unit includes an updated trunion (the part that the ball end connect to), and the trunion bearings. These may seem to be minor changes, but they improve the feed-back feel during the shift maneuver along with less total effort. The Late model also has the handle angled back about 15°.

As far as just cutting yours down, that would reduce the throw. I don’t know for sure, but looking at photos of some of the aftermarket units it looks like they raise the pivot point compared to the stock units. This would reduce the throw as well.

I purchased my unit, part number 25823571 from Gene Culley. The only other change I’m planning to do is reduce the detent effort by installing washers under the detent assembly that other have write-ups about in the forum.

 

You don't want the 2009, the 2008 ZO6. Best thing would be to contact Gene Culley with your vin# and he will make sure you get the right stuff. As far and transmission longevity, the shifter has little to do with it.

 

Ok cool...so besides the handle being slanted, all the changes were in the "box" portion. That would make sense as I mentioned above, when I changed mine out for a C6Z about a year ago, I didn't feel any difference and was a little disappointed. Now that I know this, going to be looking for another C6 shifter only this time it's the box that Iam going to change and leave my C5 shifter lever portion alone. The throw for me is fine with my handle being shortened. I am looking for a little better feel and from the way it sounds you saying that is the box doing that part of it.

 

I like my Hurst.

 

Best quality and price = MGW.

 

Jeff, I could be wrong and I'm sure Gene can answer the question but I believe the only way you can purchase the shifter from GM is the complete unit, not just the lower half.