shifter construction
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
shifter construction
I'm guessing that the stock shifters are made kind of like harmonic dampers with an insulator material that is squeezed in between the shifter base and the handle part of the shifter. Can anyone verify this?
I'm asking because I can't seem to find a shifter that I like. The stock shifter is too loose and the C6Z shifter I have is better, but still not good (I really don't like the way the stick is angled back). The MGW and the B&M I"ve tried take WAY too much effort to use on a DD. I'd like to make a hybrid with the C6Z base and a shortened C5 stick but mating them could be problematic. I have the stock shifter in storage so I can't get a good look at it right now.
Thanks for the input everyone!
I'm asking because I can't seem to find a shifter that I like. The stock shifter is too loose and the C6Z shifter I have is better, but still not good (I really don't like the way the stick is angled back). The MGW and the B&M I"ve tried take WAY too much effort to use on a DD. I'd like to make a hybrid with the C6Z base and a shortened C5 stick but mating them could be problematic. I have the stock shifter in storage so I can't get a good look at it right now.
Thanks for the input everyone!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Yes,there is a rubber sleeve,or vibration damper.
There is no difference between the C6Z base and a stock C5 base,unless you've got the older C6Z base with the solid base-to-tunnel mounting bushings.
So,while mounting a C5 handle to a C6Z base wouldn't be problematic,it would also offer no advantage,except that the C6 base would be newer,so the slider bushings would have less wear,and possibly a tiny bit less side to side "slop".
The "smaller" part of the shaft on the stock C5 shifter is long enough that you can shorten it about an inch before the damper area gets in the way,and you may need to thread it down further so the **** screws on all the way (9/16",coarse thread If I remember correctly)
You may also have to open up the shift boot so it'll go over the larger diameter of the "damper" part of the C5 shaft,if you do cut off the full inch.
There is no difference between the C6Z base and a stock C5 base,unless you've got the older C6Z base with the solid base-to-tunnel mounting bushings.
So,while mounting a C5 handle to a C6Z base wouldn't be problematic,it would also offer no advantage,except that the C6 base would be newer,so the slider bushings would have less wear,and possibly a tiny bit less side to side "slop".
The "smaller" part of the shaft on the stock C5 shifter is long enough that you can shorten it about an inch before the damper area gets in the way,and you may need to thread it down further so the **** screws on all the way (9/16",coarse thread If I remember correctly)
You may also have to open up the shift boot so it'll go over the larger diameter of the "damper" part of the C5 shaft,if you do cut off the full inch.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
All the bases are the same. The bushings are either rubber (NON ZO6) or aluminum (ZO6) Heres an example of a ZO6 base with aluminum solid bushings:
Heres a picture of a stock C5 shift handle compared to my KIRBAN shifted. If you dont like effort, dont get a shifter that has centering springs in the handle (like the KIRBAN)
I like the added centering springs as it makes rapid shifting fail proof.
Bill
Heres a picture of a stock C5 shift handle compared to my KIRBAN shifted. If you dont like effort, dont get a shifter that has centering springs in the handle (like the KIRBAN)
I like the added centering springs as it makes rapid shifting fail proof.
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 290
From: Pasco WA
Don't be such a girl. I've got the latest design MGW, and yeah, it's high effort. However, it's much more precise than any factory shifter, and I've tried both C5Z, and C6Z. You sound like a candidate for an A/T.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 290
From: Pasco WA
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
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Hurst shifters have two different sets of centering springs - hard and soft. They also have some adjustment on how much pressure those springs will be compressed. Provides hours of fun. Might be worth a try. It too is a very precise shifter with a short throw. I bought mine used last winter and have been lovin' it all year.
You can also do the 'venom' mod. Basically removing some of the transmission's shift dent pressure by adding a washer under the shift dent spring.
Hurst still has the coolest decal too. Jus sayin....
You can also do the 'venom' mod. Basically removing some of the transmission's shift dent pressure by adding a washer under the shift dent spring.
Hurst still has the coolest decal too. Jus sayin....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
I'm not being girly, I'm being , um, practical. I've had my 99 for about 4 months now and have put 10K miles on it. It's my only car, and I drive through a lot of commute traffic so I don't want to wrestle a crappy shifter all the time.
Sorry, I'm still spoiled by the shifter in the MR2 - about the only thing I miss now from that car.
The B&M I tried the other day and the MGW were both WAY too high on shift effort and the gates on then are WAY too close. The C6Z shifter is OK, but that's about it. I'm disappointed that the only choices seem to be stock or extreme with no middle ground - either that or I'm just not asking the right way.
Sorry, I'm still spoiled by the shifter in the MR2 - about the only thing I miss now from that car.
The B&M I tried the other day and the MGW were both WAY too high on shift effort and the gates on then are WAY too close. The C6Z shifter is OK, but that's about it. I'm disappointed that the only choices seem to be stock or extreme with no middle ground - either that or I'm just not asking the right way.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I absolutely hated the feel of my early 98 Coups shifter. It had a very weak centering force. Without perfect shift control, missing a gear or grabbing the WRONG gear was a very distinct probability. 
When I purchased my 02 coupe I found that GM made the shifter centering spring (it lives inside the transmission) a little better. It still needed improvement.
So my buddy Justin at ZIP recommended the KIRBAN Shifter.
I installed it and WOW! Its amazing. For me it has the perfect side to side spring pressure to allow precision gear shifting. My wife can drive the car and doesn't have any issues so, its not that difficult to shift.
Shes a WOMAN!
She has her own Corvette
I have to admit. Ive had two C6 Vettes. My 06 and the new 2011. The C6 Shifter and the newer tranny,, I have NOT found the need for a different shifter in either C6.
Bill
When I purchased my 02 coupe I found that GM made the shifter centering spring (it lives inside the transmission) a little better. It still needed improvement.
So my buddy Justin at ZIP recommended the KIRBAN Shifter.
I installed it and WOW! Its amazing. For me it has the perfect side to side spring pressure to allow precision gear shifting. My wife can drive the car and doesn't have any issues so, its not that difficult to shift.
Shes a WOMAN! She has her own CorvetteI have to admit. Ive had two C6 Vettes. My 06 and the new 2011. The C6 Shifter and the newer tranny,, I have NOT found the need for a different shifter in either C6.
Bill
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
I too thought the MGW was kinda stiff side to side- BUT.......... I did come to the C5 from a Honda S2000 which was far and away the snick-snickest shifter I had on ANY car I ever drove. (this is over 50 years of driving cars BTW. lots of sports cars included).
so after only driving the C5 with MGW for the past month + I am used to it- however I don't commute anymore (retiro) so I can see where it might get a little tiresome if you get stuck in B to B traffic a lot. But the shift feel is great IMO so maybe you need to get a slush box for the commute and save the 6SPD for fun outings ???????? j/k.
But as George at MGW told me when I first asked about the effort " Hey my WIFE likes the MGW and she's a GIRL" But then again he is the MGW sales guy right????
Anyway- good luck with finding your preferred shifter but for me it MGW. BTW was reading your LS6 swap post- really can feel a difference huh?? might have to consider that............
Rich
so after only driving the C5 with MGW for the past month + I am used to it- however I don't commute anymore (retiro) so I can see where it might get a little tiresome if you get stuck in B to B traffic a lot. But the shift feel is great IMO so maybe you need to get a slush box for the commute and save the 6SPD for fun outings ???????? j/k.
But as George at MGW told me when I first asked about the effort " Hey my WIFE likes the MGW and she's a GIRL" But then again he is the MGW sales guy right????
Anyway- good luck with finding your preferred shifter but for me it MGW. BTW was reading your LS6 swap post- really can feel a difference huh?? might have to consider that............
Rich