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Old Mar 31, 2010 | 10:32 PM
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Default shifter issue

OK, I searched and could not get an answer. I have an 01 Z06 with a C6 Z shifter installed.(by previous owner) The shifter does not return to neutral on it's own. The previous owner said that the detent ball was removed. So I unscrewed the 15/16 thingy to replace with one that was complete. Well, the ball was in place and functioning fine. So now what?
any help is appreciated. thanks
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Old Mar 31, 2010 | 10:48 PM
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The detent helps hold the shifter in gear, but the stock shifter is not spring loaded to neutral, like the Hurst or other aftermarket shifter.

Were there spacers under the detent plug?
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Old Mar 31, 2010 | 10:52 PM
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Please explain "Does not return to neutral on its own" ?
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Old Mar 31, 2010 | 11:01 PM
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No spacers under the detent plug.

When I take the shifter out of gear it does not return to the middle position. for example, when I take the shifter out of first gear it stays to the left.
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Old Mar 31, 2010 | 11:01 PM
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The stock shifter leaves a lot to be desired. Aftermarket is way to go, the difference it makes is incredible. I went with an MGW unit myself. The MGW unit will center itself quite easily for that smooth 2-3 shift, whereas the stock shifter, you had to "find" 3rd.
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Old Mar 31, 2010 | 11:55 PM
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Have you or can you take things apart to look at your shifter/box, mounting screws & allignment?
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Old Apr 1, 2010 | 12:05 AM
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[QUOTE=bumble-z;1573614578]Have you or can you take things apart to look at your shifter/box, mounting screws & allignment?[/Q


I have not taken anything apart yet. I was hoping for some direction first, but will eventually take the console apart and have a look.
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Old Apr 1, 2010 | 12:52 AM
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The OEM shifter be it C5 or C6 does NOT have anything to do with centering. The centering feature resides inside the transmission. Your centering spring is most likely damaged, wore out or broken.

There are aftermarket shifters that have return/centering springs in the shifter. I have a KIRBAN and it has a return spring and shift stops. Its one of the best shifter that Ive ever used.

OEM Shifter and shift box:



Kirban on right/OEM on left



The KIRBAN centers vey nicely!

To get yours to work properly, your going to need a centering shifter.

BC
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Old Apr 1, 2010 | 12:58 AM
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Originally Posted by C5-vette
OK, I searched and could not get an answer. I have an 01 Z06 with a C6 Z shifter installed.(by previous owner) The shifter does not return to neutral on it's own. The previous owner said that the detent ball was removed. So I unscrewed the 15/16 thingy to replace with one that was complete. Well, the ball was in place and functioning fine. So now what?
any help is appreciated. thanks
Did you notice any copper washers installed with the detent ball in the transmission? Some of us add a washer or two to loosen up the shifter a little, especially with the Hurst shifters. Too many washers would give it the same effect as being removed.
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Old Apr 1, 2010 | 12:18 PM
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Thank you Bill Curlee and everyone who posted.
I will be looking for a new shifter. thanks again
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Old Apr 1, 2010 | 01:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
The OEM shifter be it C5 or C6 does NOT have anything to do with centering. The centering feature resides inside the transmission. Your centering spring is most likely damaged, wore out or broken.

There are aftermarket shifters that have return/centering springs in the shifter. I have a KIRBAN and it has a return spring and shift stops. Its one of the best shifter that Ive ever used.
BC
Bill, a couple of questions if you would:
How would you compare this shifter to the MGW and/or the C6 OEM?

I noticed on the description of the shifter on one suppliers web site that it would use the standard **** and boot, is this so?

Lastly, it says that it is approximately 1/2 inch shorter than stock, would this make it comparable to the C6 shifter in height?
Thanks.
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Old Apr 1, 2010 | 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by alxltd1
Bill, a couple of questions if you would:
How would you compare this shifter to the MGW and/or the C6 OEM?

I’ve only compared my KIRBAN to one MGW and I much prefer my KIRBAN. Trust me,,If i found a better shifter in the next hour, I would rip out the KIRBAN and install it. The KIRBAN has never left me down. No missed shifts, doesn’t rattle, and it centers very nicely. Kirban has shift stops and if there adjusted correctly, it gives you a POSITIVE response that the trans in fully in gear!

I noticed on the description of the shifter on one suppliers web site that it would use the standard **** and boot, is this so?

YES. It uses a standard C5 shift ****. I have a very tall **** and it works great. The OEM Boot works like stock.


Lastly, it says that it is approximately 1/2 inch shorter than stock, would this make it comparable to the C6 shifter in height?
Thanks.
Like I said, I have a tall **** but, the shifter is 1/2' shorter The C6 shifter is or seems shorter. My wife’s C6 Coupe C6 shifter works very good and we have NOT found the need to change it out. I like the rugged beast feel of my KIRBAN. Its not that beastly because my wife can drive my ZO6 without any issues. Kirban just feels more professional than Caddy like.

People have a tendency to grip the shift **** with a death grip. That grip causes your arm/hand to phonate and you have a tendency to pull the lever towards your body. That's a BAD thing when going from THIRD to FORTH. The shifter centering / return in the tranny sucks. The return springs in the KIRBAN and other like shifters, helps eliminate this issue. I shift with the palm of my hand and finger tips. The Kirban likes that technique. Almost never miss a shift.

Wish you could drive it. You would like it.

BC
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Old Apr 1, 2010 | 05:49 PM
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Default Thanks Bill.

Sounds like what I am after. I will try to find a club member locally who has one for me to try.
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Old Apr 1, 2010 | 06:11 PM
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My KIRBAN with my tall **** and stock boot:

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Old Apr 2, 2010 | 12:13 AM
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Bill desperately need a new shifter,based on your satisfaction ,comparison usa made ,value it seems to be as good or better than all else... ordered mine today will post install and all other pertenient information
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