Stock shifter question....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 1
From: Port Charlotte FL
Stock shifter question....
Hey guys After getting my car back from another shop after the flywheel install and issues resolved, I noticed it's STILL hard to get into second gear at low rpms. You kind of have to feel it out to get into gear using the right side to side movement going into 2nd only. I decided to give it a wack sideways and it budged a little (my guess not tight enough clamp on the shift rod?) and the shifting appeared a little better. Now the car goes into 2nd gear fine at low rpms and doesn't seem to feel as if anything is "blocking it from going into gear" EXCEPT at high rpm's trying to do a fast shift. It just doesn't want to find 2nd if you "speed shift" now. I've seen a thread posted on rebuilding the shifter box itself, and a kit here for the rubber bushing mount's which i've read can go bad. Is any other part of the shifter box itself serviceable besides the mounts? The plastic bushing on the shifter itself that goes into the shift box is fine btw. I really need some help with this issue to figure out wether it is the shifter or trans itself for peace of mind. Thanks! 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 1
From: Port Charlotte FL
Sorry, but I forgot to ask.... Can the shifter be installed "backwards"? I noticed the shift key insert to hold the shifter in place, is no long in the bottom under the shift pattern cap, but on the left side. Does this make a difference, it was never in this position before.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 19
From: Reading Pennsylvania
I have a 1998 and had problems with the original shifter. I bought a new C6 shifter from GM Parts House and solved my problems. It comes complete with bushings and the shifter box. i think It was around $190. Worth every penny.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 355
From: Northville, MI
About 10-12 years ago, I had the same problem, there were several articles about how to set and fix your shifter on the C5. Essentially you pulled the cover off the shifter and made the adjustments....have not had a problem since. I cannot remember if it was done with the trans tunnel cover removed or if you can just access it directly. You might try the search or google search on the subject.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
Sorry, but I forgot to ask.... Can the shifter be installed "backwards"? I noticed the shift key insert to hold the shifter in place, is no long in the bottom under the shift pattern cap, but on the left side. Does this make a difference, it was never in this position before.
Secondly, you need to perform a proper shift box inspection and alignment. The alignment procedure has been covered extensively on this forum. You also need to make sure that you replace the shift box bushings which are always cracked and disintegrating. If you have a Z06, then these bushings are solid and you don't need to worry about them. Also, make sure you torque the bolts properly including the shift rod connected to the rear of the shift box.
If you find that your shiftbox and shifter excessively worn, you can pickup a whole new assembly including the shiftbox and shifter for a reasonable price. This can be your chance to upgrade to the C6 model which appears to be much improved.
