C5 Short shifter
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 190
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Ohio
C5 Short shifter
I am considering buying a short shifter for my 2002 Vette. I have read some older posts on this subject, but anyone out there that have installed one and like what you got, please let me know your experience. I have watched some install videos and it looks pretty easy. One of the more recommended shifters was the MGW, is it worth extra bucks and if so should I get the lower box.
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 10
From: Texas
Installs very simple with the exception of a few plastic clip on the console that may try and fight you. I bought my car with a hurst shifter in and shortly figured out the I didn't care for it. I've ordered an MGW which will be in this coming week. Also after reading I think that may be the best choice? I also order the lower box, if you watch the YouTube on it they show the installation and how it's built. I think if your going to take the time just spend the extra and be done with it..
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
You might want to look at installing a C6 shifter. Better grip, slightly shorter and more positive throw. And it's a bolt-in swap. They are available through Gene Culley, the contact at GM Parts House. Look here and scroll down to the C6 Shifter Kit line.
I have a Hurst shifter in my '02 and it did take awhile to get used to it. The Hurst shifter comes with extra springs so you can choose the level of stiffness. I bought a Hurst ball for it and that helped with the overall feel. Amazon has both the black and white versions and both have the 6-speed shift pattern and the Hurst logo.
I have a Hurst shifter in my '02 and it did take awhile to get used to it. The Hurst shifter comes with extra springs so you can choose the level of stiffness. I bought a Hurst ball for it and that helped with the overall feel. Amazon has both the black and white versions and both have the 6-speed shift pattern and the Hurst logo.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
Mgw for sure with the c6 **** option.
If that's not in your budget a c6z shifter with the solid bushings and c6z **** is a great option. I've tried both and they're both enjoyable and huge improvements over the stock c5 shifter/****.
If that's not in your budget a c6z shifter with the solid bushings and c6z **** is a great option. I've tried both and they're both enjoyable and huge improvements over the stock c5 shifter/****.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I got a B&M Precision Sport shifter and am very happy with it.
Just remember; you need to ensure that your shifter box is properly aligned and in good shape when going to a short shifter or it will cause you nothing but grief. Furthermore, you need to replace your shifter box bushings unless your's is hard mounted ( Z06).
Just remember; you need to ensure that your shifter box is properly aligned and in good shape when going to a short shifter or it will cause you nothing but grief. Furthermore, you need to replace your shifter box bushings unless your's is hard mounted ( Z06).
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 531
Likes: 165
From: Central East Florida
I installed the MGW and feel it is worth the $$. I would install a new shift box as well if yours still has the solid mount, or has not up-graded. MGW now has their shift box available so I would check into that, and see what the difference is.
You will also want do the anti venom mod (super easy) to reduce the notchiness and helps smooth out the shifts.
You will also want do the anti venom mod (super easy) to reduce the notchiness and helps smooth out the shifts.
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
I got a B&M Precision Sport shifter and am very happy with it.
Just remember; you need to ensure that your shifter box is properly aligned and in good shape when going to a short shifter or it will cause you nothing but grief. Furthermore, you need to replace your shifter box bushings unless your's is hard mounted ( Z06).
Just remember; you need to ensure that your shifter box is properly aligned and in good shape when going to a short shifter or it will cause you nothing but grief. Furthermore, you need to replace your shifter box bushings unless your's is hard mounted ( Z06).
I have a Hurst shifter in my car, installed back in 2002. All I did was make sure the "neutral gate" was adjusted properly, and I've been happy with it's operation. I did, however, replace the dried out, OE bushings earlier this year, and went with the polyurethane replacements.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 1,658
From: Arizona
I got a B&M Precision Sport shifter and am very happy with it.
Just remember; you need to ensure that your shifter box is properly aligned and in good shape when going to a short shifter or it will cause you nothing but grief. Furthermore, you need to replace your shifter box bushings unless your's is hard mounted ( Z06).
Just remember; you need to ensure that your shifter box is properly aligned and in good shape when going to a short shifter or it will cause you nothing but grief. Furthermore, you need to replace your shifter box bushings unless your's is hard mounted ( Z06).
I have one that I will be putting up for sale. Haven't looked into what they are worth, but it is the shifter alone. No box. (You reuse your current box). Not only does the B & M have short throws, I also cut the shaft down 1" so it is also shorter in height. This did not pose any issues to the shifter **** that screws on.
If interested, send a PM.
Good luck, and I also heard many good things about the new (and improved) MGW.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,872
Likes: 333
From: Olmsted Falls Ohio
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '24
A friend and forum member gave me a new C6 shifter (comes with the box and bushings) after he decided to install the MGW. MGW is a good sfifter and easy to install (see their install video, very good).
I put the C6 shifter in my C5, but used the OEM shift boot and modified the C5 OEM shift **** to put on the C6 shifter to maintain the stock look. Only the very experienced eye would notice the slightly shorter shifter and the bend in the shaft is covered by the boot. A much better improvement in shifting as well.
I put the C6 shifter in my C5, but used the OEM shift boot and modified the C5 OEM shift **** to put on the C6 shifter to maintain the stock look. Only the very experienced eye would notice the slightly shorter shifter and the bend in the shaft is covered by the boot. A much better improvement in shifting as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,373
Likes: 1,128
From: cold & windy
i love my RSD snap shifter. the best for the money in my opinion.
it's a complete C6Z shifter/box with a 33% shortened throw & i believe it has the solid bushings as well. you can buy a Hurst ball from him, use a C6 ****, or even reuse your C5 **** (which i actually kinda like).
almost 3yrs on mine & i'm still happy with it
it's a complete C6Z shifter/box with a 33% shortened throw & i believe it has the solid bushings as well. you can buy a Hurst ball from him, use a C6 ****, or even reuse your C5 **** (which i actually kinda like).
almost 3yrs on mine & i'm still happy with it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Had Hurst billet shifter in my Z06 for 10 years, and just changed to a non spring loaded base from Core-Shifters, so I could use the retro style HURST chrome stick... Throw is the same but easier to get into 1st and 5th. Looks taller because stick is not covered by boot, but also has the same throw as the stock C6 shifter people are going to.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Sep 8, 2013 at 08:25 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 4
From: cinnaminson n.j.
St. Jude Donor '14
You might want to check the linkage as well. I just installed a Rick Kim 4.10 differential and a fresh t56. After I removed the shifterand trans I checked the linkage rod. Both u joints were very sloppy. I installed the new linkage rod and urethane shift box bushings. It made a big difference, it shifts much better!
The bad news is, it's a lot more work to replace than a shifter.
The bad news is, it's a lot more work to replace than a shifter.