Extremely loud shifter noise
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 4
Extremely loud shifter noise
Hello,
I have an 01 Z06 with around 110,000 miles on it.
Since I got the car, the shifter has always been loud, especially when it is cold outside. I know it has an after market shifter installed by the previous owner (not sure what kind). I pulled the boot off and I'm pretty sure there is a part missing. (pic included)
Anyway, does anyone have any ideas or experience on how I could reduce the sound? I was thinking maybe I could cut some insulation, or maybe some dynamat(I'm not sure whether or not it would melt). This noise is seriously starting to bug the heck out of me; it makes the car sound like its running like crap, and greatly reduces the fun factor of driving.
Thanks for the help!
I have an 01 Z06 with around 110,000 miles on it.
Since I got the car, the shifter has always been loud, especially when it is cold outside. I know it has an after market shifter installed by the previous owner (not sure what kind). I pulled the boot off and I'm pretty sure there is a part missing. (pic included)
Anyway, does anyone have any ideas or experience on how I could reduce the sound? I was thinking maybe I could cut some insulation, or maybe some dynamat(I'm not sure whether or not it would melt). This noise is seriously starting to bug the heck out of me; it makes the car sound like its running like crap, and greatly reduces the fun factor of driving.
Thanks for the help!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
There is not other piece or part missing from the OEM design as pictured. Maybe you need to just remove it and make sure it is fully lubricated and properly adjusted. I have never heard of anyone discussing a "loud" shifter.
Maybe it is a short throw shifter and has a louder sound???
Maybe it is a short throw shifter and has a louder sound???
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 75
Likes: 3
That lower shift boot has been cut to allow the aftermarket shifter to fit. That allows a ton of noise and heat in the cabin. I had the exact same problem. I got a brand new lower shift boot and oem Z06 shifter and the noise was reduced 90%. Took me 1 hour to replace and adjust the new shifter. WAY Quieter and better shifts.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 4
That lower shift boot has been cut to allow the aftermarket shifter to fit. That allows a ton of noise and heat in the cabin. I had the exact same problem. I got a brand new lower shift boot and oem Z06 shifter and the noise was reduced 90%. Took me 1 hour to replace and adjust the new shifter. WAY Quieter and better shifts.
I'm going to hit up home depot and get a roll of insulation and see if that helps.
Thanks for the replies guys.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
That my friend is the B&M precision sport shifter. It is loud as hell and the shifts are a little firmer than I liked. I had one and only kept it in for a couple of months. I now replaced it with a brand new 2013 Z06 shifter and never looked back. Slightly longer throws but smooth as butter. Sorry to break it to you but most short throw shifters will be noisy and require a firm throw. It's the nature of the beast. Less leverage = more shift effort / noise.
The insulation will help a lot. But I'm willing to bet that you will eventually get fed up.
The insulation will help a lot. But I'm willing to bet that you will eventually get fed up.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
I have an MGW that makes shifting near impossible for the wife.
The cabin noise is not a problem.
Based on the opinions here, a good compromise is the C6 shifter?
The cabin noise is not a problem.
Based on the opinions here, a good compromise is the C6 shifter?
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,716
Likes: 13
From: Staten Island NY
Hello,
I have an 01 Z06 with around 110,000 miles on it.
Since I got the car, the shifter has always been loud, especially when it is cold outside. I know it has an after market shifter installed by the previous owner (not sure what kind). I pulled the boot off and I'm pretty sure there is a part missing. (pic included)
Anyway, does anyone have any ideas or experience on how I could reduce the sound? I was thinking maybe I could cut some insulation, or maybe some dynamat(I'm not sure whether or not it would melt). This noise is seriously starting to bug the heck out of me; it makes the car sound like its running like crap, and greatly reduces the fun factor of driving.
Thanks for the help!
I have an 01 Z06 with around 110,000 miles on it.
Since I got the car, the shifter has always been loud, especially when it is cold outside. I know it has an after market shifter installed by the previous owner (not sure what kind). I pulled the boot off and I'm pretty sure there is a part missing. (pic included)
Anyway, does anyone have any ideas or experience on how I could reduce the sound? I was thinking maybe I could cut some insulation, or maybe some dynamat(I'm not sure whether or not it would melt). This noise is seriously starting to bug the heck out of me; it makes the car sound like its running like crap, and greatly reduces the fun factor of driving.
Thanks for the help!
I had the same problem with my car...apparently the lower boot was removed at some point and when they put it back on they never made sure it sealed properly around the donut.
You *may* be able to pick up a used stock shifter and rig something up to work with your aftermarket. Or you could try wrapping the shaft with something so that it seals better to the lower boot.
I've seen people use rubber pipe caps you can buy at lowes as well. Pop a hole in it and slip it over the shifter shaft. But I tried that and couldn't find a way to make it stay sealed around that rubber ring on the lower boot.
Another thing I did was add some sound insulation in the center console around the shifter and also up in the empty cavity under the radio/behind the cigarette lighter to stop sound from resonating up behind the dash.
I used some frost king HVAC wrap just as a quick experiment but it worked well, it was cheap and it's flame resistant to I just left it.
Good luck.
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 337
Likes: 12
From: AUGUSTA GA
St. Jude Donor '08-'11
my wife is all of 110 pounds soaking wet and 5'7" and she drives our project cars often to test for me.
George
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Just the shifter is quite an increase in effort due to the throw reduction and the OEM lower box design. IF you get the lower box i would bet money your wife would have no problem. my wife is all of 110 pounds soaking wet and 5'7" and she drives our project cars often to test for me. George
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 27
From: Bay Area CA
Just the shifter is quite an increase in effort due to the throw reduction and the OEM lower box design. IF you get the lower box i would bet money your wife would have no problem.
my wife is all of 110 pounds soaking wet and 5'7" and she drives our project cars often to test for me.
George
my wife is all of 110 pounds soaking wet and 5'7" and she drives our project cars often to test for me.
George
I had the old(er) MGW shifter, and the effort was too much for my wife also. I ended up selling it. However, you've convinced me to try the new shifter and box. We'll see if it is what you say it is.
For the record, I've had the following shifters:
Stock C5
Stock C6
Hurst
B&M
MGW
Core/Hurst
TPS
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 896
Likes: 6
From: Dallas TX
Looks like the lower shift boot is cut too far back.. I replaced mine when I got my Vette and it went from annoyingly loud to very reasonable. It's a cheap piece and quick fix to try first!
FWIW, I have an MGW and just did the Anti-Venom mod ($3 and 15min - you can find a write-up on Toque's website) a few days ago and it is now SUPER EASY to get into gear and shift! Another washer (anti-venom) would make it buttery smooth. 
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