C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Shifting ill's

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 03:14 PM
  #1  
MisterC's Avatar
MisterC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 6
From: Rowlett Texas
Default Shifting ill's

I managed to whack my 6 spd transmission not too long ago and had it rebuilt at a reputable, well known Corvette tuner. After several arrempts I finally accepted it but now have some regrets. It just will not go into 5th gear without a fight. Now thinking perhaps a new transmission is the only answer, BUT, I'm wondering if the whole problem may be external to the transmission. I'm not real familiar with how it all works, but is there rods that run from the shifter back to the transmission? Could a bent rod affect just 5th gear while not affecting any other shift? The originaldamage was the 5th gear slider.

Thanks for any advice or help.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 03:18 PM
  #2  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,388
Likes: 1,134
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by MisterC
I managed to whack my 6 spd transmission not too long ago and had it rebuilt at a reputable, well known Corvette tuner. After several arrempts I finally accepted it but now have some regrets. It just will not go into 5th gear without a fight. Now thinking perhaps a new transmission is the only answer, BUT, I'm wondering if the whole problem may be external to the transmission. I'm not real familiar with how it all works, but is there rods that run from the shifter back to the transmission? Could a bent rod affect just 5th gear while not affecting any other shift? The originaldamage was the 5th gear slider.

Thanks for any advice or help.
So the original damage was the 5th gear slider, and you still have problems with 5th gear. What does the shop have to say about this?
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 03:28 PM
  #3  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

C

The C5 & C6 transmission is shifted via a single shift rod that runs from the shifter box thru the torque tube and to the shift rod input to the rear mounted transmission. ALL the shift gates and shifter return springs are INSIDE the transmission.

Inside the shift box is single ROD with a hole in the center of the rod. The shifter stick moves that rod FORWARD & REVERSE AND ROTATES IT SIDE TO SIDE.

There is a shifter alignment procedure in the service manual. You also need to inspect the rubber bushings that isolate the shift box from the torque tube. They deteriorate and can caues shifting issues. Sad part, GM does not sell them seperately. Theres a guy on the C6 forum who makes a suitable replacement.

What shifter do you have????? STOCK or Aftermarket

I will send you some picts of this stuff later tonight:

BC
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 03:31 PM
  #4  
MisterC's Avatar
MisterC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 6
From: Rowlett Texas
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
So the original damage was the 5th gear slider, and you still have problems with 5th gear. What does the shop have to say about this?
Well, they sent me out the door knowing that it had a problem and I conceded that they couldn't fix it. The comment was 'there's nothing more we can do except get a RPM transmission'. I already had quite a bit of money into it so I was hopeful (how dumb) that I would just learn to finesse it into 5th gear, and I could for a while, but now it's getting harder to live with. That's when I started thinking that it may be a linkage problem more than a transmission problem.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 03:38 PM
  #5  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,388
Likes: 1,134
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by MisterC
Well, they sent me out the door knowing that it had a problem and I conceded that they couldn't fix it. The comment was 'there's nothing more we can do except get a RPM transmission'. I already had quite a bit of money into it so I was hopeful (how dumb) that I would just learn to finesse it into 5th gear, and I could for a while, but now it's getting harder to live with. That's when I started thinking that it may be a linkage problem more than a transmission problem.
Ok, there is only a single rod, from the shifter to the tranny. If the shop acknowledged they could not fix the trans, why do you think it's a problem with the rod. What EXACTLY was wrong, that was beyond repair, by a competent shop. I'm confused...

I guess you should also clarify what it means to "whack" the transmission...
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 03:40 PM
  #6  
MisterC's Avatar
MisterC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 6
From: Rowlett Texas
Default

Thanks Bill, I appreciate your interest. It's a MGW shifter.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 03:46 PM
  #7  
MisterC's Avatar
MisterC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 6
From: Rowlett Texas
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
Ok, there is only a single rod, from the shifter to the tranny. If the shop acknowledged they could not fix the trans, why do you think it's a problem with the rod. What EXACTLY was wrong, that was beyond repair, by a competent shop. I'm confused...

I guess you should also clarify what it means to "whack" the transmission...
You are undoubtedly aware of the clutch problems of the C5. I was at the track and when I came off the line, the clutch pedal would not return. I stopped the car and put it in neutral, then re-engaged the stuck clutch to find a gear so that I could clear the track. I believe that stabbing the shift lever from gear to gear trying to get into any gear did (a) knock down three teeth on the big end of the slider, and (b) possibly bend the shift rod. If they indeed replaced the gear, which I have no reason to doubt, and it still don't work right, could the rod be bent?
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 03:51 PM
  #8  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,388
Likes: 1,134
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by MisterC
You are undoubtedly aware of the clutch problems of the C5. I was at the track and when I came off the line, the clutch pedal would not return. I stopped the car and put it in neutral, then re-engaged the stuck clutch to find a gear so that I could clear the track. I believe that stabbing the shift lever from gear to gear trying to get into any gear did (a) knock down three teeth on the big end of the slider, and (b) possibly bend the shift rod. If they indeed replaced the gear, which I have no reason to doubt, and it still don't work right, could the rod be bent?
To answer your question. Is it possible that the rod is bent, yes....is it probable....no. Additionally, for the rod to be bent, and only affect 5 gear is a stretch. Again, you originally had a problem with 5th gear only, and you still have a problem with 5th gear ONLY.

You have not answered the most important question: What EXACTLY was wrong, that was beyond repair, by a competent shop. Why was replacement the only option presented?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 04:04 PM
  #9  
MisterC's Avatar
MisterC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 6
From: Rowlett Texas
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
To answer your question. Is it possible that the rod is bent, yes....is it probable....no. Additionally, for the rod to be bent, and only affect 5 gear is a stretch. Again, you originally had a problem with 5th gear only, and you still have a problem with 5th gear ONLY.

You have not answered the most important question: What EXACTLY was wrong, that was beyond repair, by a competent shop. Why was replacement the only option presented?
I don't have an answer for that, Lucky. The problem with the transmission was that it would grind badly going into 5th. After several attempts by the techs, it would go into 5th with some very light-fingered ****ing technique. It seems harder now than when I first retrieved the car from the shop.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 04:08 PM
  #10  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,388
Likes: 1,134
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by MisterC
I don't have an answer for that, Lucky. The problem with the transmission was that it would grind badly going into 5th. After several attempts by the techs, it would go into 5th with some very light-fingered ****ing technique. It seems harder now than when I first retrieved the car from the shop.
It's kind of hard to help, without that info. When the only suggestion is "buy an RPM transmission", it makes me wonder. Did they just not want to fix it.? were not capable of fixing it?.....or just wanted to sell you a transmission? Sounds like you need to get it to a trusted shop. Who did the work?
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 04:15 PM
  #11  
MisterC's Avatar
MisterC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 6
From: Rowlett Texas
Default

Originally Posted by lucky131969
It's kind of hard to help, without that info. When the only suggestion is "buy an RPM transmission", it makes me wonder. Did they just not want to fix it.? were not capable of fixing it?.....or just wanted to sell you a transmission? Sounds like you need to get it to a trusted shop. Who did the work?
Thanks for your interest Lucky. I won't say who it was because except for my particular case their reputation is extremely good.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 07:13 PM
  #12  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by MisterC
Thanks for your interest Lucky. I won't say who it was because except for my particular case their reputation is extremely good.
"their reputation is extremely good" It CANT be that good cause they sure dissed you! For someone whos suppose to have that good of a reputation, they should have been all over your issue. Its a mechanical gear box. If they cant disassemble it and figure ot what is not functioning properly, I SURE dont want them working on my stuff!!!!

If it were me, I would tell them to FIX IT or pay the price.

Sorry for the rant but I hate business that do people wrong like that!

Here are the pictures I promisse you:

Alignment Pin inserted :




Stock Shifter and a KIBAN:



Inside the Box:



The top shaft on the tranny is the shift rod attachment point:

Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 07:20 PM
  #13  
MisterC's Avatar
MisterC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 6
From: Rowlett Texas
Default

Thanks very much for the pix. They are certainly helpful to me to understand the mechanics of shifting.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2011 | 10:07 AM
  #14  
hornet7's Avatar
hornet7
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 348
Likes: 6
From: Las vegas Nevada
Default shifter alignment procedure

Hi Bill, I have a Manual on DVD but it's not happy at this time. Can you post the shifter alignment procedure?

Thanks




Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
C

The C5 & C6 transmission is shifted via a single shift rod that runs from the shifter box thru the torque tube and to the shift rod input to the rear mounted transmission. ALL the shift gates and shifter return springs are INSIDE the transmission.

Inside the shift box is single ROD with a hole in the center of the rod. The shifter stick moves that rod FORWARD & REVERSE AND ROTATES IT SIDE TO SIDE.

There is a shifter alignment procedure in the service manual. You also need to inspect the rubber bushings that isolate the shift box from the torque tube. They deteriorate and can caues shifting issues. Sad part, GM does not sell them seperately. Theres a guy on the C6 forum who makes a suitable replacement.

What shifter do you have????? STOCK or Aftermarket

I will send you some picts of this stuff later tonight:

BC
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2011 | 04:21 PM
  #15  
Toque's Avatar
Toque
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Default

Robert:

I knew I had seen this somewhere before.
http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5...adjustment.pdf

Hope you get it figured out !
Toque
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2011 | 05:19 PM
  #16  
MisterC's Avatar
MisterC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 6
From: Rowlett Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Toque
Robert:

I knew I had seen this somewhere before.
http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5...adjustment.pdf

Hope you get it figured out !
Toque
Thanks Toque!
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2011 | 05:19 PM
  #17  
ragtopws6's Avatar
ragtopws6
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 22
From: Frederick Maryland
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Default

I'll give you my $0.02 since I build these on a regular bases. If you ONLY had an issue grinding going into 5th gear, it would have been most likely the broken plastic fork pads. Also, if the 5th gear grinded for a while, the corresponding synchronizer (5-6 synchro) has to be replaced also since they interlock. If you have the invoice, see if the 5th gear and 5-6 synchro was replaced. If not, that is the culprit.

I have NEVER seen a bent rod by the way.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Shifting ill's





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:55 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE