I've been pondering a shifter upgrade for the 6 speed. I know the 2 most popular are B&M and Hurst. Any input on those that have done this would be appreciated.

 

c6 z06 shifter is probably the most common. I also like the RSD snap shifter.

 

Nothing better than the MGW shifter.

 

I agree I love mine and have buddys with the other ones and 2 of them have already made the switch and thanked me for letting them drive my car to feel the difference.

 

Just installed mine this weekend along with the WCC Delrin ****. It seems to be a real nice combination. I like the short throw but I'm still getting used to the increased shift effort; I'm looking forward to adding a spacer to the trans detent bolt next time I'm under the car.

 

Bought a C6 Shifter, ****,+ Boot for 90 bux on ebay. Best mod ever(so far)! Will probably end up changing the **** out eventually though because I'm not the biggest fan of how it tilts toward the driver. Still, in terms of feel its an unbelievable difference, and very easy to install.

 

On my 99 FRC I have the B&M shifter along with the "anti venom" mod. I absolutely love the way it shifts. Very precise, just the right amount of effort - not too much, nor to little. Each shift is a solid 'click click'. I also have the Hardbar delrin shift **** which contributes to the feel.

On my 07 Mustang I have the MGW. It too is nice and at first I really loved it. But with time (it has about 26K miles on it now) it has gotten less cooperative and can be hard to get in gear sometimes. Its a different design than on the Vette (tranny in front), so my experience may have no relation to the Vette version's long term performance.

 

b&m with a hurst ball.

great improvement.

 

ANOTHER shifter post!

Well, to be quite honest, choosing a shifter is quite easy. The difficult part is choosing the correct one that suits your needs and shift feel requirements.

Seeing that there are 10-15 aftermarket shifter choices, and "EVERYONE" that responds here will tell you which one that they think is the ONE TO GET,, I recommend that you drive a few C5 with different aftermarket shifters installed and them make your decision.

Some shifters have additional shift handle return/centering springs in the shift handle body. To some people, there too stiff. To me there beneficial and desired.

Some shifters are designed just like the OEM shifters and have NO centering springs in the handle body. I do not like that feel. NONE of the shifters (OEM or AFTERMARKET) incorporate SHIFT GATES in the shifter.
All the shift gates and OEM shifter handle centering return springs are incorporated inside the transmission.

Aftermarket shifters only provide a different throw ratio, better ergonomic feel, more shift handle centering pressure or shift handle positive stops. Most all of them fit directly on to the OEM lower shift lever box. ( The C6 shifter comes with a new lower box.)
The STOCK C5 & C6 shifter has a rubber isolator on the shift handle that isolates the upper part of the shift handle from the lower part of the shift handle to reduce drive train vibrations and harmonics entering the cabin.

NOTE!

Examine the rubber bushings between the lower shift box and the shift box torque tube mount tabs that the lower shifter box uses to isolate the box from the torque tube.

If the rubber bushings are worn, deteriorated or missing, your shift feel will be sloppy and inaccurate. The ZO6 replaces the rubber bushings with solid aluminum bushings.


Good luck in your quest for the perfect shifter.

I use the KIRBAN Ripper Shifter.

BC

 

Hate to follow Bill Curlee on a post (gives great advise). I've had the Hurst short throw for about the last four years and as Bill say's "love it". I haven't driven another vette with an after market shifter to know the difference. But the Hurst is ton's better than the stock shifter. It's a little stiffer but throws true in all applications (reminds me of a stock C3 shifter). The stick is not as short as the C6 but shorter than the C5. It's also a breeze to install.

Also will hear a little more whine from the drive train with the Hurst (not sure about other aftermarket shifters).

 

 

I have a hurst, My friends coupe has the B&M Ripper, and another buddy and the MGW


Driving all 3 vehicles and I have to say The hurst is the BEST, Just so I dont sound like a conflict of interest, my buddy who has the ripper likes mine better.

This subject always becomes very opinionated though

 

RSD Snap shifter can't be beat. a much better proformance shifter then the other's I think
Short and sweet

 

Thanks for all the input gentlemen. I'm leaning towards the Hurst. I know it's a matter of preference. It's nice to get an honest fresh perspective on the subject. Much appreciated.

 

I put a Hurst in mine. Much better than stock. Can't speak to the rest as I have not tried them.

 

Does anyone have a picture of this area or these bushings? I would like to inspect mine, as I didn't when i installed my shifter (lol, which was a $20 Ebay job that has been GREAT!!! lol )

 

PM sent.

 

I installed my Hurst in my '01 while I had it off the road for its first winter. Never looked back....

 

YES!

This is a 02 ZO6 so it has METAL bushings vs rubber.

 

Same here