The LAST Shifter Post We値l (hopefully) EVER Need!!!
01-07-2011, 04:19 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
The LAST Shifter Post We値l (hopefully) EVER Need!!!
I’ve only been a forum member for six months and already I’m tired of the redundant threads and polls surrounding shifters. From now on when the question arises just point the person here.
A few threads on the Anti Venom mod (or transmission detent bolt spacer):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...venom-mod.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ffort-mod.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...od-or-bad.html
A thread that covers the anti venom mod AND shifter adjustment:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-question.html
Two more links for shifter adjustment (aka shifter alignment):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562784937-post9.html
http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5...adjustment.pdf
Great shifter replacement how-to guide:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
Now for comparisons of aftermarket shifters...
Feel free to add your opinions by responding to this post, but PLEASE, only do so if you’ve tried MULTIPLE aftermarket options (C6 included). Simply cheerleading for the shifter you chose doesn’t really do much good if you’re unaware of how it compares to the competition. Lastly, just saying you liked shifter A more than shifter B doesn’t really help either; try to be specific about how they compare (**** height, throw length, ease of shifting, ease of finding the right gear, etc.)
Nice comparison of C5 v. C6 v. Hurst v. MGW:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1566522233-post1.html
Another with C5 v. C6 v. Hurst:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...5-non-z06.html
And these were the most helpful comments I found comparing aftermarket shifters:
A few threads on the Anti Venom mod (or transmission detent bolt spacer):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...venom-mod.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ffort-mod.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...od-or-bad.html
A thread that covers the anti venom mod AND shifter adjustment:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-question.html
Two more links for shifter adjustment (aka shifter alignment):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562784937-post9.html
http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5...adjustment.pdf
Great shifter replacement how-to guide:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
Now for comparisons of aftermarket shifters...
Feel free to add your opinions by responding to this post, but PLEASE, only do so if you’ve tried MULTIPLE aftermarket options (C6 included). Simply cheerleading for the shifter you chose doesn’t really do much good if you’re unaware of how it compares to the competition. Lastly, just saying you liked shifter A more than shifter B doesn’t really help either; try to be specific about how they compare (**** height, throw length, ease of shifting, ease of finding the right gear, etc.)
Nice comparison of C5 v. C6 v. Hurst v. MGW:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1566522233-post1.html
Another with C5 v. C6 v. Hurst:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...5-non-z06.html
And these were the most helpful comments I found comparing aftermarket shifters:
I had the new MGW, and it was too stiff for me. It was hurting my shoulder/rotator cuffs. I switched to the 09 C6Z06 shifter.
The MGW had great, solid, shifts. It was tough for me to get into reverse and 5th. It gave me pain in my shoulders. It had to go! It also rattled during hard acceleration on my stock car.
The C6Z shifter has longer, softer throws than the MGW. Its nice, but I wish it had the solid throws that the MGW had.
The MGW had great, solid, shifts. It was tough for me to get into reverse and 5th. It gave me pain in my shoulders. It had to go! It also rattled during hard acceleration on my stock car.
The C6Z shifter has longer, softer throws than the MGW. Its nice, but I wish it had the solid throws that the MGW had.
I also have the old style MGW shifter with the race ****. Had the C6 Z06 shifter before the MGW, liked it okay, but still prefer the feel of the MGW. While it is hard to shift into 5th,6th and reverse, the first 4 gears are better than anything I have tried. I really don't use 5th or 6th, and reverse only when necessary.
I had the B&M with the anti-venom (this did make a big difference). I got so tired of the notchiness and not being able to get it in first at a stop light. Oh, and reverse was a pain as well. Loved the 2-3 shift and 3-4 though. I ended up buying a c6Z06 and like it. Yes, the throws are longer, but it's not notchy and much less effort. Let's put it this way, my fiance can now drive the car.
I had a B&M Ripper in my Cobra and my Vette for a combined total of about 11 years. I liked the solid feel and the short throw, but frequently had a difficult time getting into reverse. I installed a MGW shifter this spring and really like it. It's rock solid and I think the throw is a little shorter than the B&M. 
I had the ripper, mgw and now a 08zo6 shifter cut down threaded for a c5 billard ball. The ripper and mgw were to stiff. The z06 shifter stock had throws way to long and the **** sucked. So when I cut the z06 shifter down it shorted the throw and after I re-threaded the shifter, I put a c5 billard ball on top. The best of both worlds and it shifts much easier.
I have tried the OEM C6Z Shifter and currently have the B&M SS. The C6Z felt like the throw was too long for my liking. It was smooth with little effort. The B&M that I have is short and precise, but takes extra effort and is notchy. I did do the Anti-venom mod and it improved things a bit by lessening the shifter effort required to shift.
Got a Hurst billet shifter in my 2001 and a Calloway shifter in my C6 Z06. The Hurst is a tighter, ratchet style shifter where the Calloway is tighter but more smoother. Depends on how you use the car and what you want. I track road race the 2001 so like the Hurst. I road trip the Z06 and like the smoother Calloway shifting.
Here is my experience with shifters over the past 7 years:
> I started with the C5
> Switched to a Hurst - OK but even with light springs very tight, would be better on drag strip but OK for normal driving - Better than stock C5
short throws - Heavy Effort
> Tried a C6, Z06 - Better than C5 but not as tight as Hurst - better for normal driving
longer throws than Hurst but slighly shorter than C5 - Low Effort
> Recently installed a MGW - Started with C6 shaft - Very nice, crisp and tight
Shortest throw - Medium Effort
> Installed C5 Shaft on MGW - Best for my normal driving, crisp but not quite so tight.
Slightly longer throw than C6 shaft - Medium to Low Effort
* My choice is the MGW with both shafts
I have done the anti-venom mod on the transmission.
> I started with the C5
> Switched to a Hurst - OK but even with light springs very tight, would be better on drag strip but OK for normal driving - Better than stock C5
short throws - Heavy Effort
> Tried a C6, Z06 - Better than C5 but not as tight as Hurst - better for normal driving
longer throws than Hurst but slighly shorter than C5 - Low Effort
> Recently installed a MGW - Started with C6 shaft - Very nice, crisp and tight
Shortest throw - Medium Effort
> Installed C5 Shaft on MGW - Best for my normal driving, crisp but not quite so tight.
Slightly longer throw than C6 shaft - Medium to Low Effort
* My choice is the MGW with both shafts
I have done the anti-venom mod on the transmission.
I compared my friends MGW to my RSD shifter... The MGW is definitely a lot stiffer and shorter. I wouldn't have a problem getting used to it, but it's certainly not as stiff as my old shifter on my other Z06. The MGW on my friend's car was on there for about a 6 months before I tried it out... I don't know if it got any looser, but it certainly needed more effort than my shifter.
I like the latest MGW best, but the Hurst has the most potential. The Hurst is the only one with tunable springs, (preload or change to alternate spring), and shift stops. Just too much internal drag makes it feel comparatively numb. Freeing it up would be perfect, but I was too lazy to take it apart. For me, the C6Z shifter ('07), was OK, but not what I was looking for.
Last edited by skyavonee; 01-10-2011 at 10:24 AM.
01-07-2011, 05:01 PM
#4
Drifting
Moderators please make this a Sticky. I致e only been a forum member for six months and already I知 tired of the redundant threads and polls surrounding shifters. From now on when the question arises just point the person here.
A few threads on the Anti Venom mod (or transmission detent bolt spacer):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...venom-mod.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ffort-mod.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...od-or-bad.html
A thread that covers the anti venom mod AND shifter adjustment:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-question.html
Two more links for shifter adjustment (aka shifter alignment):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562784937-post9.html
http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5...adjustment.pdf
Great shifter replacement how-to guide:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
Now for comparisons of aftermarket shifters...
Feel free to add your opinions by responding to this post, but PLEASE, only do so if you致e tried MULTIPLE aftermarket options (C6 included). Simply cheerleading for the shifter you chose doesn稚 really do much good if you池e unaware of how it compares to the competition. Lastly, just saying you liked shifter A more than shifter B doesn稚 really help either; try to be specific about how they compare (**** height, throw length, ease of shifting, ease of finding the right gear, etc.)
Nice comparison of C5 v. C6 v. Hurst v. MGW:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1566522233-post1.html
Another with C5 v. C6 v. Hurst:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...5-non-z06.html
A few threads on the Anti Venom mod (or transmission detent bolt spacer):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...venom-mod.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ffort-mod.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...od-or-bad.html
A thread that covers the anti venom mod AND shifter adjustment:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-question.html
Two more links for shifter adjustment (aka shifter alignment):
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562784937-post9.html
http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5...adjustment.pdf
Great shifter replacement how-to guide:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/pat...rInstall.shtml
Now for comparisons of aftermarket shifters...
Feel free to add your opinions by responding to this post, but PLEASE, only do so if you致e tried MULTIPLE aftermarket options (C6 included). Simply cheerleading for the shifter you chose doesn稚 really do much good if you池e unaware of how it compares to the competition. Lastly, just saying you liked shifter A more than shifter B doesn稚 really help either; try to be specific about how they compare (**** height, throw length, ease of shifting, ease of finding the right gear, etc.)
Nice comparison of C5 v. C6 v. Hurst v. MGW:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1566522233-post1.html
Another with C5 v. C6 v. Hurst:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...5-non-z06.html
if you are tired of redundant posts in ONLY six months, wait how irritating redundant posts get in six years.
01-07-2011, 09:27 PM
#6
Tech Contributor
1) Will C6 rims fit on a C5?
2) What tires should I buy?
3) My oil pressure reads 80 psi
4) Which spark plugs and wires?
5) Which oil should I use?
6) Should my balancer wobble?
7) Will C6 sway bars bolt into a C5?
8) Will C6 shocks bolt into a C5?
9) Which coolant should I use?
10) Which brake fluid should I use?
11) Which cam is best?
12) Which headers are best?
13) Which catback sounds best?
14) Which oil filter is best?
15) Which Supercharger is best?
16) Which air intake is best?
17) Which battery is best?
18) Which thermostat is best?
19) Which is better: horsepower or torque?
20) What is the search function?
21) How do I use the search function?
22) What is an owners manual?
01-07-2011, 10:17 PM
#8
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
Posts: 32,736
Received 2,180 Likes
on
1,583 Posts
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Hmmmmm,,,,
Ive replied to hundreds of shifter post.
There are more AFTERMARKET SHIFTER features / combinations than I ever care to comment on...
When PEOPLE ask, " Whats the best shifter for me? " I have to laugh!
Heres the real answerer!
GO EXPERIENCE several of the installed shifters in the C5 or C6's that are already installed. Puts your hands on the shifter and FIND ONE THAT YOU LIKE! PERIOD!
Put hands on the installed shifter and see if you like the feel or NOT.
In all reality,, there are only TWO different shifter designs:
1. The stock OEM design with no neutral gate return springs..
2. Shifters with added neutral gate return springs.
Other than that,,,,,,,,,,,,,, there basically the same. You can change the leverage ratio, add shift stops, add or eliminate shift handle sound/isolation dampening make the handle different, ect.......
Like I state in many post:
QUOTE
Ya know, shifters are a lot like beer. Some people swear that XXX beer is the best, while others swear XXX beer SUCKS.
Your NEVER going to get a 100% straight answer on what one is the ABSOLUTE BEST SHIFTER.
Some people are BRAND LOYAL and some just like the way a specific shifter works.
For me, it's the KIRBAN. I like its features and ruggedness. It just plain works for me!
Until you put your hand on various shifters and run the car thru the gears,,, your never going to figure out what the PERFECT shifter really is FOR YOU!!!!!!!.
Test drive a few C5 with different shifters and see what you like.
Thats the real answer.
BC
Ive replied to hundreds of shifter post.There are more AFTERMARKET SHIFTER features / combinations than I ever care to comment on...
When PEOPLE ask, " Whats the best shifter for me? " I have to laugh!
Heres the real answerer!
GO EXPERIENCE several of the installed shifters in the C5 or C6's that are already installed. Puts your hands on the shifter and FIND ONE THAT YOU LIKE! PERIOD!
Put hands on the installed shifter and see if you like the feel or NOT.
In all reality,, there are only TWO different shifter designs:
1. The stock OEM design with no neutral gate return springs..
2. Shifters with added neutral gate return springs.
Other than that,,,,,,,,,,,,,, there basically the same. You can change the leverage ratio, add shift stops, add or eliminate shift handle sound/isolation dampening make the handle different, ect.......
Like I state in many post:
QUOTE
Ya know, shifters are a lot like beer. Some people swear that XXX beer is the best, while others swear XXX beer SUCKS.
Your NEVER going to get a 100% straight answer on what one is the ABSOLUTE BEST SHIFTER.
Some people are BRAND LOYAL and some just like the way a specific shifter works.
For me, it's the KIRBAN. I like its features and ruggedness. It just plain works for me!
Until you put your hand on various shifters and run the car thru the gears,,, your never going to figure out what the PERFECT shifter really is FOR YOU!!!!!!!.
Test drive a few C5 with different shifters and see what you like.
Thats the real answer.
BC
01-08-2011, 01:05 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
Since I just asked this question a couple of days ago, I vote for a stick on this subject. I couldn't find anything relevant although I was SURE the question had been asked many times before.
lucky131969 - sine you brought up all those other great common questions, I nominate you to create a post with all the answers
Not trying to be mean, I really think it would be great to have stickies for these common questions that "everyone" knows about.
Bill Curlee is definitely right but the problem (at least in my case) is finding anyone close enough to me with said shifter variety to try out and I'd guess that would be a problem for others as well, especially noobs who don't have 100 friends with Vettes.
lucky131969 - sine you brought up all those other great common questions, I nominate you to create a post with all the answers
Not trying to be mean, I really think it would be great to have stickies for these common questions that "everyone" knows about.Bill Curlee is definitely right but the problem (at least in my case) is finding anyone close enough to me with said shifter variety to try out and I'd guess that would be a problem for others as well, especially noobs who don't have 100 friends with Vettes.
01-08-2011, 01:34 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jun 2010
Location: Yorktown Virginia
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
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3 Posts
Since I just asked this question a couple of days ago, I vote for a stick on this subject. I couldn't find anything relevant although I was SURE the question had been asked many times before.
lucky131969 - sine you brought up all those other great common questions, I nominate you to create a post with all the answers Not trying to be mean, I really think it would be great to have stickies for these common questions that "everyone" knows about.
Bill Curlee is definitely right but the problem (at least in my case) is finding anyone close enough to me with said shifter variety to try out and I'd guess that would be a problem for others as well, especially noobs who don't have 100 friends with Vettes.
lucky131969 - sine you brought up all those other great common questions, I nominate you to create a post with all the answers
Not trying to be mean, I really think it would be great to have stickies for these common questions that "everyone" knows about.Bill Curlee is definitely right but the problem (at least in my case) is finding anyone close enough to me with said shifter variety to try out and I'd guess that would be a problem for others as well, especially noobs who don't have 100 friends with Vettes.
01-08-2011, 11:27 AM
#11
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
Posts: 32,736
Received 2,180 Likes
on
1,583 Posts
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Since I just asked this question a couple of days ago, I vote for a stick on this subject. I couldn't find anything relevant although I was SURE the question had been asked many times before.
lucky131969 - sine you brought up all those other great common questions, I nominate you to create a post with all the answers Not trying to be mean, I really think it would be great to have stickies for these common questions that "everyone" knows about.
Bill Curlee is definitely right but the problem (at least in my case) is finding anyone close enough to me with said shifter variety to try out and I'd guess that would be a problem for others as well, especially noobs who don't have 100 friends with Vettes.
lucky131969 - sine you brought up all those other great common questions, I nominate you to create a post with all the answers
Not trying to be mean, I really think it would be great to have stickies for these common questions that "everyone" knows about.Bill Curlee is definitely right but the problem (at least in my case) is finding anyone close enough to me with said shifter variety to try out and I'd guess that would be a problem for others as well, especially noobs who don't have 100 friends with Vettes.
Seek out those places and you will be able to find some fellow C5ers with mods of interest.. I go to Carlisle PA every year. WOW!
If you cant find something there, it ain't made yet!
BC
01-08-2011, 12:41 PM
#13
Drifting
01-08-2011, 12:57 PM
#14
Team Owner
I have modded or swapped my short block, heads, cam, headers, TB, coupler , intake manifold, CAI, exhaust, mufflers, cats, flywheel, clutch, torque tube, trans, differential, shocks, springs, wheels, tires, seats, tune, rollbar,tick master, bleeder, catch can, brake ducts, brakes, rotors and still have a stock shifter. 
01-08-2011, 02:38 PM
#15
Safety Car
Member Since: Jun 2009
Location: Frederick, Maryland
Posts: 3,888
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What do you mean? Why would they look at you first? The Avatar seems to scare em off
Not me though
hahah
But seriously if your self conscious about your avatar please feel free to pm me Imavettegirl
Last edited by TriplBlk; 01-08-2011 at 02:41 PM.
01-08-2011, 02:52 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
Ha! I can help you solve that issue. There should be a corvette club or even a corvette repair center some where near you. Then there are the spring and summer car gatherings and major shows. Look in the EVENTS & REGIONAL SECTION and find something that happening near or with in reasonable driving range.
Seek out those places and you will be able to find some fellow C5ers with mods of interest.. I go to Carlisle PA every year. WOW! If you cant find something there, it ain't made yet!
BC
Seek out those places and you will be able to find some fellow C5ers with mods of interest.. I go to Carlisle PA every year. WOW!
If you cant find something there, it ain't made yet!BC
Even at my age, I'm FAR too impatient to wait for a meet of some sort. I want my answer and I want it NOW
01-10-2011, 12:32 AM
#18
Burning Brakes
I like my Hurst 
01-10-2011, 10:42 AM
#19
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
No kidding. For the OP....here are some others you can address:
...
11) Which cam is best?
12) Which headers are best?
13) Which catback sounds best?
14) Which oil filter is best?
15) Which Supercharger is best?
16) Which air intake is best?
17) Which battery is best?
18) Which thermostat is best?
19) Which is better: horsepower or torque?
20) What is the search function?
21) How do I use the search function?
22) What is an owners manual?
...
11) Which cam is best?
12) Which headers are best?
13) Which catback sounds best?
14) Which oil filter is best?
15) Which Supercharger is best?
16) Which air intake is best?
17) Which battery is best?
18) Which thermostat is best?
19) Which is better: horsepower or torque?
20) What is the search function?
21) How do I use the search function?
22) What is an owners manual?
Funny cause it's true...