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C5 shifter vs C6 shifter

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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 05:39 PM
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Default C5 shifter vs C6 shifter

Ok , I've looked around and I have a question. The difference between a c5 and c6 shifter is, obviously the shifter shaft angle and diameter. But what about the box, it looks identical in every picture I could find. Is there a difference in the box or should I just find a c6 shifter and bolt it onto my box to get the short throw feel? Is it really worth the upgrade?
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 06:33 PM
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Not sure what you mean by the box. The C6 shifter is plug and play and is more than just the stick. Did this installation years ago and still love. Tried the Hurst, it was a piece of crap IMO.
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 06:37 PM
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I didn't look REAL close but, it does appear to be the same box... when I bought the C6 shifter it came with the box... IF there is a difference it is a very subtle one... Still happy with the results
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 09:51 PM
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just get a MGW and be happy
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 09:52 PM
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I've torn both the C5 and the C6 shift mechanisms down. The difference in is the lever (and the shift ****), that's it.
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by jackthelad
I've torn both the C5 and the C6 shift mechanisms down. The difference in is the lever (and the shift ****), that's it.
Thank you. That is the answer I was looking for. SO I don't have to buy the whole box just the shifter. And was it a noticeable upgrade? worthy of the potential couple hundred bucks I'm gonna drop?
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 10:31 PM
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I did not like the MGW shifter, was getting caught up going to 5th gear. I installed a new c6 shifter and **** and it shifts great. Could not be happier.
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted by cloud 9
Thank you. That is the answer I was looking for. SO I don't have to buy the whole box just the shifter. And was it a noticeable upgrade? worthy of the potential couple hundred bucks I'm gonna drop?
I think it was worth it... but, I also did the Anti-Venom Mod, Lucas Torque Drive Fluid, Modified Ranger Method SEVERAL times till the fluid stayed clean, Vented the Dust Covers on the Bell Housing, Was meticulous in cleaning and lubing the lower box and other moving parts and then sealed it really well...also switched to Lucas Dot IV fluid...
Shifts like butta...
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 11:37 PM
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Originally Posted by cloud 9
Thank you. That is the answer I was looking for. SO I don't have to buy the whole box just the shifter. And was it a noticeable upgrade? worthy of the potential couple hundred bucks I'm gonna drop?
__________
I installed a TPS 427x C6 modified shifter they offer a few weeks ago along with one of their shift *****, and new rubber bushings for the lower box and honestly I could not tell any difference whatsoever in the shifting. I like the look and the feel of the cue-ball ****, but that's it. I'd suggest adding a bit more $$ and going with the MGW shifter.
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Old Jul 13, 2016 | 11:52 PM
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Originally Posted by c6miller
I did not like the MGW shifter, was getting caught up going to 5th gear. I installed a new c6 shifter and **** and it shifts great. Could not be happier.
Just did this mod a few weeks ago and I truly love it. Pops went with the MGW, and he has his gripes with it.
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Old Jul 14, 2016 | 08:59 AM
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Thanks for all of your input guys! So I don't feel like dumping $360 for the mgw as some of you dont like it. I just don't have the money. And it sounds like the box itself is roughly the same from the c5 to the c6. It seems that the only real difference is the ****, shaft, and gate. I'll be looking for those pieces soon. I have a list of more essential fixes I need to address first with the car.
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Old Jul 14, 2016 | 09:19 AM
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The MGW is a lot tighter, if that's what you're looking for. The C5 and C6 are a lot looser, but also a lot smoother and much less effort to shift.

As mentioned, the box is the same for both C5 and C6. You may wish to replace the rubber bushings that mount the box, though. Be careful about dropping any hardware in there--it's very hard to fish it out!
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Old Jul 14, 2016 | 11:06 AM
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I tried the TPS shortened C6 set up, but reverted to a shortened C5 set up as the kink in the C6 lever moved the **** back just far enough to feel a big less natural to me.

It's certainly the cheap way - a $10 die, a hacksaw and a new **** - around $30-$40 depending on choice. I did tie the box down a bit more solidly - used conventional bolts with good thick flat washers under them, and made sure they were torqued up good and tight.
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Old Jul 14, 2016 | 11:20 AM
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When I did the c6 shifter in my 02 I left c5 lower box on trans and just installed the top piece, lower is same on both. Didn't notice any difference in shifter throws but that wasn't the reason I swapped mine. I hated the club that the c5 came with on top of shifter, the c6 **** is more pleasing to my eye and hand. Also no need to buy a new shift boot, I was able to utilize my c5 shift boot, it's a stretch but it will work.
So as far as performance not a noticable improvement, but looks and feel in the palm gets 2👍👍
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Old Jul 16, 2016 | 10:09 AM
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to the MGW naysayers it takes a little time. I have the mgw with new lower box. Like others said its stiff at first and was tricky going into 5th. Heres what you need to do.

1.Make sure to use the alignment tool during install this helps with 1st and 5th alot
2.. Amsoil Torque Drive fluid in the trans
3. Clean clutch fluid - I used ranger method with a long skinny hose to really get beyond the reservoir and squirt fresh fluid all the way in the back pushing the bad fluid forward.
4. AntiVenom mod - I think I'm on 1 washer after starting with 2.
5. Actually drive your Car - after 1000 miles or so the MGW loosens up

Right now after 2 years my shifting is soo smooth and precise its just perfect. A little patience needed with this one

Last edited by SuperTom; Jul 16, 2016 at 11:34 AM. Reason: added another line
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Old Jul 16, 2016 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by SuperTom
to the MGW naysayers it takes a little time. I have the mgw with new lower box. Like others said its stiff at first and was tricky going into 5th. Heres what you need to do.

1. Amsoil Torque Drive fluid in the trans
2. Clean clutch fluid - I used ranger method with a long skinny hose to really get beyond the reservoir and squirt fresh fluid all the way in the back pushing the bad fluid forward.
3. AntiVenom mod - I think I'm on 1 washer after starting with 2.
4. Actually drive your Car - after 1000 miles or so the MGW loosens up

Right now after 2 years my shifting is soo smooth and precise its just perfect. A little patience needed with this one
I did the same things and not ONE of them maybe would make a big difference but put together they do...
I also switched to Lucas Synthetic DOT IV clutch fluid...I think that helped a little
I also VENTED the dust covers on the bell housing... one by the oil filter and one by the starter... keeps heat and dust down....
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Old Jul 16, 2016 | 12:55 PM
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I installed a hurst short shifter, loved the feel of it but HATED how tall the shifter was. I chopped the shifter down and threaded it the whole way down to where it tapers out. It's perfect now, along with the solid motor mounts it feels like shifting a heavier s2000 shifter.
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To C5 shifter vs C6 shifter

Old Jul 16, 2016 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by SuperTom
to the MGW naysayers it takes a little time. I have the mgw with new lower box. Like others said its stiff at first and was tricky going into 5th. Heres what you need to do.

1.Make sure to use the alignment tool during install this helps with 1st and 5th alot
2.. Amsoil Torque Drive fluid in the trans
3. Clean clutch fluid - I used ranger method with a long skinny hose to really get beyond the reservoir and squirt fresh fluid all the way in the back pushing the bad fluid forward.
4. AntiVenom mod - I think I'm on 1 washer after starting with 2.
5. Actually drive your Car - after 1000 miles or so the MGW loosens up

Right now after 2 years my shifting is soo smooth and precise its just perfect. A little patience needed with this one
100%
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Old Jul 16, 2016 | 01:20 PM
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I run Royal purple synchromax in my tranny with awesome results as well
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Old Jul 17, 2016 | 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by SuperTom
to the MGW naysayers it takes a little time. I have the mgw with new lower box. Like others said its stiff at first and was tricky going into 5th. Heres what you need to do.

1.Make sure to use the alignment tool during install this helps with 1st and 5th alot
2.. Amsoil Torque Drive fluid in the trans
3. Clean clutch fluid - I used ranger method with a long skinny hose to really get beyond the reservoir and squirt fresh fluid all the way in the back pushing the bad fluid forward.
4. AntiVenom mod - I think I'm on 1 washer after starting with 2.
5. Actually drive your Car - after 1000 miles or so the MGW loosens up

Right now after 2 years my shifting is soo smooth and precise its just perfect. A little patience needed with this one
I recentley replaced the trans fluid and was going to purchase the Amsoil torque drive fluid, Amsoil now recommends the Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid as the first choice for MM6. Severe Gear for the differential.

Last edited by steig; Jul 17, 2016 at 06:16 PM.
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