Replace Z06 solid shifter bushings
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
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Replace Z06 solid shifter bushings
Can I replace the Z06 solid type shifter bushings with the standard model rubber shifter bushings? Will I need the standard model "standoffs" in addition to the rubber bushings?
My (new to me '03 Z06) shifter makes more noise and more vibes than I'd like.
My (new to me '03 Z06) shifter makes more noise and more vibes than I'd like.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 302
Likes: 2
From: Baton Rouge LA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
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There are other ways to reduce shifter vibrations and noise. Have you tried a heavy stainless steel shifter ****? The heavier the ****, the more vibration attenuation.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,037
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From: Tollesboro Kentucky
The Z06 shifter box IS thicker than the standard shifter box.It's about 1/8" thicker plus it has raised areas where the bushings go.Just checked them out as I have both styles in the garage.
Last edited by jamieo; Apr 7, 2014 at 08:35 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Tollesboro Kentucky
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Appleton WI
I don't think you can just swap in rubber bushings to a Z06 box. IIRC the holes for the bushings are different sizes. The solid bushings had a significantly smaller opening.
A couple of years ago, I swapped in a C6 shifter and was going to use the C6 box but the bushings were shot so I wound up keeping the stock box. I'm pretty certain that was the other issue I ran into.
A couple of years ago, I swapped in a C6 shifter and was going to use the C6 box but the bushings were shot so I wound up keeping the stock box. I'm pretty certain that was the other issue I ran into.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 19
From: Reading Pennsylvania
When I was looking for a new shifter I was told that the solid bushings in the C5 ZO6 is why they were discontinued. Too much noise and vibration. Went with a C6 ZO6 shifter which is rubber bushed. Huge improvement. They are available from G M Parts House, a forum vendor for approx. $200.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Lewisville TX
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
If you just now started to notice something after years of driving the car, I'm going to say it isn't the shifter bushings and I would not go to something worse by putting the rubber ones in it. I know the factory (trying to make everything as quiet as a library) did it, but there are way to many issues with the rubber ones failing over the years. Be happy you have one of the good ones that won't fall apart.
If you are getting noise, or a vibration in the car and it just started I would try to find the source of it. Could be a worn bearing in the torque tube, could be a tire, could be a engine or trans mount...could be a number of things but try and figure out where it is coming from and what it is related to.
Is it speed related? Is it RPM related? If it is RPM related, try pushing the clutch in and holding it at that RPM...if it follows the RPM no matter what the clutch is doing then I would say it is engine mounting or engine related. If it does follow the clutch, then it could be the torque tube, or a bearing in the torque tube..or even something with the clutch itself.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
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Thanks to everyone for the help.
First of all, the car is brand new to me. I'm a 68 year old geezer (still paying FICA though) and had expected my new baby to be more sophisticated than the '72 I sold to fund the '03.
Second of all, the noise and vibes aren't any worse than a Pro 5.0 shifter on a '95 Mustang (from direct experience).
I should have just taken it apart at first and saved you all the trouble. Here are the facts. I'm looking at the shifter.
The shifter is special to Z06 (it is stamped "Z06")!
The cast flange is about 7/16" thick. The slot is about 7/16" x 11/16". The "standoff" is a TIGHT fit all around and is about 5/16" wide inside. The "standoff" is oval, not round.
One last little thing is the top shifter part is not stock, but a Kirban one. Matches the picture in the CC catalog. The sound "boot" is cut up to clear the aftermarket shifter. Explains a lot of the noise.
Either a standard C5 or C6 shifter looks to be in my future if I want soft bushings.
Thanks again.
First of all, the car is brand new to me. I'm a 68 year old geezer (still paying FICA though) and had expected my new baby to be more sophisticated than the '72 I sold to fund the '03.
Second of all, the noise and vibes aren't any worse than a Pro 5.0 shifter on a '95 Mustang (from direct experience).
I should have just taken it apart at first and saved you all the trouble. Here are the facts. I'm looking at the shifter.
The shifter is special to Z06 (it is stamped "Z06")!
The cast flange is about 7/16" thick. The slot is about 7/16" x 11/16". The "standoff" is a TIGHT fit all around and is about 5/16" wide inside. The "standoff" is oval, not round.
One last little thing is the top shifter part is not stock, but a Kirban one. Matches the picture in the CC catalog. The sound "boot" is cut up to clear the aftermarket shifter. Explains a lot of the noise.
Either a standard C5 or C6 shifter looks to be in my future if I want soft bushings.
Thanks again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,311
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From: Plano Texas
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17