Which shifter is the quietest
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Lincoln Nebraska
Which shifter is the quietest
After blowing a 3-4 shift and finding 2nd (only going about 70mph; haven't noticed anything wrong thankfully), I decided an aftermarket shifter is in the cards, because I want something with the precision that will make this error much less likely to happen. That being said, I'm otherwise not really displeased with the performance of the stock shifter. I don't mind the slight notchiness to it. I DO NOT want to pick up any driveline/road noise. There doesn't seem to be a "bad" shifter, so I'm wanting one that is not audibly more annoying than stock.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 414
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After blowing a 3-4 shift and finding 2nd (only going about 70mph; haven't noticed anything wrong thankfully), I decided an aftermarket shifter is in the cards, because I want something with the precision that will make this error much less likely to happen. That being said, I'm otherwise not really displeased with the performance of the stock shifter. I don't mind the slight notchiness to it. I DO NOT want to pick up any driveline/road noise. There doesn't seem to be a "bad" shifter, so I'm wanting one that is not audibly more annoying than stock.
My stock shifter in my C-5 sounds good, i do not think its annoying at all, and its not even audibly or make's any funny driveline/road noise that i ever hear..mine seems smooth with no funny sounds...
its never gave me any trouble at all.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Lincoln Nebraska
I actually wasn't implying that the stock shifter was annoying. I like how quiet it is. I want something equally quiet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
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From: Longview Texas
Would you rather miss shifts or have a quiet shifter?
Most aftermarket shifters will transmit more vibration since they do not have the rubber bushing that the stock shifter has.
However, if you install the rubber boot that fits around the base of the shifter correctly, you will not get a noticeable increase in noise.
I have a Hurst shifter that I trimmed the rubber boot to fit, and use a relatively heavy ball, and I don't think it creates any more noise than stock.
Most aftermarket shifters will transmit more vibration since they do not have the rubber bushing that the stock shifter has.
However, if you install the rubber boot that fits around the base of the shifter correctly, you will not get a noticeable increase in noise.
I have a Hurst shifter that I trimmed the rubber boot to fit, and use a relatively heavy ball, and I don't think it creates any more noise than stock.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Aug 24, 2009 at 08:58 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Lincoln Nebraska
I had an early version of an MGW shifter for a Tremec 3650 in a Mustang I used to own. The shifter was amazing, but it transmitted a lot of tranny noise. I know George has since designed a new boot for that particular model, so noise is not as much of an issue. I basically don't want something as noisy as that one was. Between the Hurst, MGW, Kirban, and Breathless, is one going to be quieter than the other?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 414
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I had an early version of an MGW shifter for a Tremec 3650 in a Mustang I used to own. The shifter was amazing, but it transmitted a lot of tranny noise. I know George has since designed a new boot for that particular model, so noise is not as much of an issue. I basically don't want something as noisy as that one was. Between the Hurst, MGW, Kirban, and Breathless, is one going to be quieter than the other?
I just drive mine like its still new..slow smooth shifts..and no trouble.
now and then i might jump on it..but im not looking to put a better shifter in mine yet..good luck. dbiddle
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Lincoln Nebraska
I'm really leaning towards an MGW just due to my past experience with them. I truly think he makes incredible shifters. If it is quiet, that is all I need to be sold. The one in my Mustang was so loud, not only could I hear all of the mechanical noises from the tranny, I could also hear road noise. The shifter made more interior noise than my exhaust; let's put it that way. There was pretty much no isolation to it. That being my only real experience with aftermarket shifters, it makes a guy a little cautious. Aside from that, I really think the only way you could miss a gear with that shifter was on purpose. It was like a ouija board - it just knew where to go.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
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From: Pasco WA
I too had a MGW shifter in my '01 Cobra. It was a bit noisy, but I did some modifications that made it silent. Now I have the new version MGW for my Z, and it doesn't need any modification to be quiet. One thing I did was reuse the stock sound isolater plate by cutting out the hard center portion so it would slip over the new shifter mini-boot thats integral to the MGW shifter. C6Z ****, and totallly quiet and of course, rattle free. If you're replacing the stock C5 shifter, I'd use the MGW model that works with standard threaded *****, like the "Gripper" that they also sell.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
Noise and vibration into the cabin were my primary concern when I researched which shifter I'd use.
Actually, I never disliked the oem shifter, but I wanted to see if there was something as quiet with shorter throws.
I went with the rubber isolated B&M "Sport" shifter. No noise, no vibrations and shifting is effortless but precise. No modifications were necessary because all of the oem noise isolation pieces were re-used. The choice of a **** also plays an important part if you want no noise/vibration. I used a HURST ****.
Actually, I never disliked the oem shifter, but I wanted to see if there was something as quiet with shorter throws.
I went with the rubber isolated B&M "Sport" shifter. No noise, no vibrations and shifting is effortless but precise. No modifications were necessary because all of the oem noise isolation pieces were re-used. The choice of a **** also plays an important part if you want no noise/vibration. I used a HURST ****.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Lincoln Nebraska
Noise and vibration into the cabin were my primary concern when I researched which shifter I'd use.
Actually, I never disliked the oem shifter, but I wanted to see if there was something as quiet with shorter throws.
I went with the rubber isolated B&M "Sport" shifter. No noise, no vibrations and shifting is effortless but precise. No modifications were necessary because all of the oem noise isolation pieces were re-used. The choice of a **** also plays an important part if you want no noise/vibration. I used a HURST ****.
Actually, I never disliked the oem shifter, but I wanted to see if there was something as quiet with shorter throws.
I went with the rubber isolated B&M "Sport" shifter. No noise, no vibrations and shifting is effortless but precise. No modifications were necessary because all of the oem noise isolation pieces were re-used. The choice of a **** also plays an important part if you want no noise/vibration. I used a HURST ****.
Are the hurst ***** weighted, or what makes them different? I imagine you're speaking for the white or black ball ****.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
I'm not aware of any after market **** that is "weighted".
The HURST **** at 2.25" of solid plastic and a brass insert certainly have more weight than most other ball *****...unless we're comparing it to an aluminum or steel ****.
The HURST **** threads on tightly (and uses a jamb nut) so there's less chance of vibration. Whereas some ***** use a locking set screw in a collar. Some after market ***** use plastic threaded inserts instead of brass. I'm not sure whether those would cause any more or less vibrations, but they'd be lighter in weight. Most after market ***** seem to be heavier than oem...look at the popular MGW *****. The only oem **** (light weight) that most seem to like is the ergonomic C6/Z06 ****. But, it has a unique mounting system.
You might do some research with search or search this forum (in the red banner) in C5 Tech, using keywords "shift ****" or similar.
In past threads, it seems that most believed a heavier **** provided a more solid feeling shift and reduced vibrations. I found it to be true in my experience as well.
The HURST **** at 2.25" of solid plastic and a brass insert certainly have more weight than most other ball *****...unless we're comparing it to an aluminum or steel ****.
The HURST **** threads on tightly (and uses a jamb nut) so there's less chance of vibration. Whereas some ***** use a locking set screw in a collar. Some after market ***** use plastic threaded inserts instead of brass. I'm not sure whether those would cause any more or less vibrations, but they'd be lighter in weight. Most after market ***** seem to be heavier than oem...look at the popular MGW *****. The only oem **** (light weight) that most seem to like is the ergonomic C6/Z06 ****. But, it has a unique mounting system.
You might do some research with search or search this forum (in the red banner) in C5 Tech, using keywords "shift ****" or similar.
In past threads, it seems that most believed a heavier **** provided a more solid feeling shift and reduced vibrations. I found it to be true in my experience as well.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Aug 25, 2009 at 04:01 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Lincoln Nebraska
Can somebody expand on the feel of the MGW a little more? When you say notchy, are you referring to side to side movement in neutral, or pushing it past neutral into gear? The MGW on my Mustang was very positively centered to the point that I would call it notchy to move it side to side in neutral. When shifting gears though, it was very smooth. You could feel the detent as it left the current gear, but it just slid into the next gear like butter. This is the feeling I'd really like to have.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 989
Likes: 8
From: Chino Ca.
After the stock shifter, and a Hurst, I am now using the MGW, and have stopped looking for a better shifter.
I did not realize how noisy the Hurst was until I got the MGW!
This is how it should have come from the factory!
I did not realize how noisy the Hurst was until I got the MGW!
This is how it should have come from the factory!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 45
From: Marquette MI
I put a C6 shifter in my 02 and it was OK - no noise and maybe a little shorter throw. I changed the transmission fluid at 60,000 and used Redline. Seemed to make for smoother shifts and less notchiness but maybe that's cause I wanted it to.