"Short shifters"
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
Just as neither manners nor pertinent posts are prerequisites to membership it seems. My post was light hearted; and what exactly was immature or technically incorrect?*
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Getting back on topic, my concern about effort is not whether I am ABLE to shift, but do I want more effort at all. I've had 3 manual trans. trucks, 2 with top loader shifters. Of course with an 8 ft. shift lever
, shift effort is pretty moot. I've also had Audi and BMW manuals, and they were light, and had quirks too.As an experiment, when we went out earlier, I tried shifting with my hand 1/2 way down the shaft. Didn't make me say: "wow I need a shorter shift throw", OR OMG!! I can't shift this! boohoo!!
I think I need to see how some modded shifters feel.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
My post about the gym was meant to be read with a joking tone. My point was that although there will be an increase in effort it probably won't be enough to bother you; especially if you change your trans fluid out every 30K or so.*
The best way to tell is to find a local corvette club and ask someone there to let you try theirs. I had a guy who got out of a C5 come up to me while I was changing a DRL bulb in the Advance Auto Parts parking lot and ask me if my shifter was an MGW. I told him it was and invited him to run through the gears. He said he loved it and would be buying one that evening.*
The best way to tell is to find a local corvette club and ask someone there to let you try theirs. I had a guy who got out of a C5 come up to me while I was changing a DRL bulb in the Advance Auto Parts parking lot and ask me if my shifter was an MGW. I told him it was and invited him to run through the gears. He said he loved it and would be buying one that evening.*
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
I'm forum friends with Mark(Toque). I've read his instructions a number of times. I will be asking the membership of my club if anyone has made this change to their cars.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,888
Likes: 2
From: Frederick, Maryland
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
Well for me at least doing that just didnt feel smooth and just didnt seem to give me any leverage, this shifter I have now has shorter throws than doing what you did but feels more natural. Im not too sure how to really explain it other than you just cant compare the two.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 418
Likes: 1
From: Metro Atlanta Georgia
I just went back to the stock shifter. I removed the MGW shifter and the anti-venom mod. I actually liked the short throw of the MGW and had gotten used to the effort. It had developed a buzz at acceleration that I couldn't tolerate. Now my shifts are long and easy and no buzz. Now, I have a about 2 year old MGW shifter for sell.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Well for me at least doing that just didnt feel smooth and just didnt seem to give me any leverage, this shifter I have now has shorter throws than doing what you did but feels more natural. Im not too sure how to really explain it other than you just cant compare the two.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor Fl
A short throw shifter doesn't just shorten the stick. It also shortens the throw percentage meaning you have to move the stick/**** less to get the same movement of gear engagement even if it was the same length as the factory shifter.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Yes, I understand that. That's why, by grabbing the stick lower, I could get an 'impression' of a shorter throw. I realize its not the same as a comfortable **** at the top of a nicely built mechanism.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 31
From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 31
From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
I picked up a used Breathless shifter from a forum member for 100.00....minimum investment, and I really like it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 66
From: Middletown CT
I modified my stock shifter and never felt the need to change it out. It does take some time, but cost almost nothing. If you have the proper tools and some basic skills, give it a try. I don't have any vibration or noise issues, but that's my car, I can't say how it will work for you. I'm sure the modified c6 shifter or aftermarket shifters are probably as good or better, but you will pay much more, and may not be happy with the result.
See post #9
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...w-shifter.html
See post #9
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...w-shifter.html
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 232
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento CA
I think the "Snap Shifter" from RSD is the best by far!! Steve modifies a C6 shifter and tops it off with your choice of shift ****. Shifts are confident with shorter throw, actually makes shifting fun again!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 78
From: Sammamish WA
WA Events Coordinator
Last weekend I installed a C6 Shifter and its the best mod to date. The stock one was truck like in length, the **** was square and uncomfortable in my hand. The C6 one is shorter, slightly angled back towards you, and **** is pure heaven in comfort and looks. I LOVE it! It now shifts like my M3.
You can find used ones for under $75...and its does not buzz or rattle and the effort is not much more at all.
You can find used ones for under $75...and its does not buzz or rattle and the effort is not much more at all.
Last edited by JETninja; Jan 4, 2012 at 12:43 AM.
