Shorter shift lever/handle on C5
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 42
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From: Heidelberg BW
Shorter shift lever/handle on C5
I am curious if there is a way (other than cutting and re-rethreading) to get a shorter handle on the factory c5 shifter. I am pleased with the shifter itself on the c5, I just wish that the handle was a little shorter. I know for the F-bodies there are a couple aftermarket handles available that bolt to the factory shifter, but is anything available for the C5?
Also, my understanding is that MGW is the shortest of the bunch for the shortshifters, and also seems to be the cat's meow of short shifters. Does anybody have any pics available of a MGW mounted on their c5?
Thanks in advance.
Also, my understanding is that MGW is the shortest of the bunch for the shortshifters, and also seems to be the cat's meow of short shifters. Does anybody have any pics available of a MGW mounted on their c5?
Thanks in advance.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I don't have any pics, but you cannot go wrong with the MGW shifter. I would say it is about 3 inches lower and the ****s are so much tighter. You will never miss 3rd or 5th gear again. Look @ their website and try the race handle. I'm picky and I love mine.....factory shifter is way too sloppy. I can text you a pic if you would like.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
The stock shifter is, well, agricultural in my opinion. Over the years there have been several good and a couple of not so good aftermarket units that are a direct replacement. The one thing they all have in common is a shorter lever arm. The force required to shift is inversely proportional to the length of that lever arm so effort will go up.
However, the stock shift effort is artificially increased on the C5 M6 gearbox with a spring-loaded detent and can be easily adjusted to compensate with a washer or two. Do a search on "anti-venom mod" for more info. Here's one I found with good pic's:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ffort-mod.html
I hated the long boat oar the car came with and went with a short throw unit the first month I had the car. But it was always a bear to shift until I took some preload out of that detent. Now it shifts like a Ferrari!
However, the stock shift effort is artificially increased on the C5 M6 gearbox with a spring-loaded detent and can be easily adjusted to compensate with a washer or two. Do a search on "anti-venom mod" for more info. Here's one I found with good pic's:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ffort-mod.html
I hated the long boat oar the car came with and went with a short throw unit the first month I had the car. But it was always a bear to shift until I took some preload out of that detent. Now it shifts like a Ferrari!
Last edited by Cratecruncher; Mar 27, 2011 at 12:38 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
I cut 3/4" off the top as soon as I got it home. There was still enough thread to mount the stock shifter **** and demon key. It was OK but eventually I went with a Hurst shifter that really tightend up the pattern and shortened the throw.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
I cut almost a whole inch off, made a big difference. You can click on of the pics below to see the outcome.
I don't find the effort to be unusually high to shift.
It is still OE quiet and smooth, unlike what some say about aftermarket units
I don't find the effort to be unusually high to shift.
It is still OE quiet and smooth, unlike what some say about aftermarket units
******RETIRED ARMY******
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '12
has anyone measured the C6 shifter to see if it is shorter? I am installing my new MGW this week with new clutch. I am using the C6 Box with the MGW so I will have the shifter available if it is shorter.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
Many threads on this...if my memory serves me, it's about an inch shorter which also results in slightly shorter throws (~10%).
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
The C6Z shifter is one inch shorter,and has a "kink" in the shaft that moves the **** back to pretty much the perfect position-it just "fits" better than the C5 shifter
******RETIRED ARMY******
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '12
I saw many on this and everyone has their own opinion. I was supposed to be at VIR this weekend but clutch decided not to agree. So I ordered a C6Z06 clutch and with C6 Box and MGW shifter. Wanted something that is street drivable but also a clutch that was just a little stronger to handle future upgrades.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 42
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From: Heidelberg BW
With respects to the C6 shifter:
1. Is there a difference between the C6Z and standard C6 shifter. If so, what?
2. Is it really worth it to buy a C6 shifter with aftermarket options like the MGW and others available? I found a C6 shifter for $240 on ebay. That is just a stones throw away from the MGW shifter, which from what I have read is the cat's meow of short shifters.
One thing that I do NOT want is that really metallic sound that I had in my old Mustang's Pro 5.0 shifter; that and the obnoxious whistling noise.
1. Is there a difference between the C6Z and standard C6 shifter. If so, what?
2. Is it really worth it to buy a C6 shifter with aftermarket options like the MGW and others available? I found a C6 shifter for $240 on ebay. That is just a stones throw away from the MGW shifter, which from what I have read is the cat's meow of short shifters.
One thing that I do NOT want is that really metallic sound that I had in my old Mustang's Pro 5.0 shifter; that and the obnoxious whistling noise.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
With respects to the C6 shifter:
1. Is there a difference between the C6Z and standard C6 shifter. If so, what?
2. Is it really worth it to buy a C6 shifter with aftermarket options like the MGW and others available? I found a C6 shifter for $240 on ebay. That is just a stones throw away from the MGW shifter, which from what I have read is the cat's meow of short shifters.
One thing that I do NOT want is that really metallic sound that I had in my old Mustang's Pro 5.0 shifter; that and the obnoxious whistling noise.
1. Is there a difference between the C6Z and standard C6 shifter. If so, what?
2. Is it really worth it to buy a C6 shifter with aftermarket options like the MGW and others available? I found a C6 shifter for $240 on ebay. That is just a stones throw away from the MGW shifter, which from what I have read is the cat's meow of short shifters.
One thing that I do NOT want is that really metallic sound that I had in my old Mustang's Pro 5.0 shifter; that and the obnoxious whistling noise.
There's absolutely no reason to buy the complete "kit" with the "box"...you just need the lever portion of the shifter assembly. Many of these for sale pretty cheap due to folks swapping in MGW's, B&M's, Hurst, etc.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Heidelberg BW
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
On the right, you can see the top portion of a C5 shifter once it's removed from the lower box. The middle shows a C6 shifter mounted to teh box. All you need is the top portion and a compatible ****.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
Shifter feel is a personal thing but I cut a 1/2 inch of mine and it is absolutely perfect as far as I'm concerned. The stock **** and key fit with no problems. It also took care of the unsightly space that was there before between the **** and the shift boot.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 492
From: South Florida
Just outta curiosity, but wouldn't the longer shifter shaft allow for more torque to shift quicker? Similar to a longer breaker bar being able to bust things open easier? I have the B&M ripper shifter and it works great for me. The C6Z was very smooth, just too long of a shift... not much shorter than the stock C5. Never tried the Hurst, but most people that buy the MGW love it but its $$. I believe the ripper is the shortest throw out of all of them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 775
Likes: 2
From: Redwood Valley California
St. Jude Donor '14
C5 short shifter
I cut my stock C5 down and adapted an '08 C6 **** to it. It does not have the "notchy" feel but is shorter. I'll take some pictures and see if I can get them posted tomorrow.
