delta_bratwurst

I have a 2001 Z06. 60k miles on it. I'm trying to improve overall shifting performance

I just performed a shifter plate adjust and the shifting has improved slightly but is still very notchy.

Will changing the transmission fluid improve the speed of the synchronization between shifts? I know that the T-56 in C5s are labeled as not ever needing a fluid change.


Also sometimes when shifting I have hit the gate between 1st and 3rd gears. I have also noticed that in gear my shifter wiggles about half and inch from side to side. Is this normal? Will buying an aftermarket shifter improve this?

If anyone can give me some advice I'd appreciate it.

DetroitPlac

Has the fluid ever been changed? I noticed an improvement in shifting smoothness when I changed my fluid to Redline Synthetic ATF. You definitely don't want to leave the stock stuff in there forever.

Bill Curlee

Changing the ATF fluid in my 98 (40,000) made a significant difference in shift quality and solved a minor 4th gear synchro issue.

Changing the ATF fluid in my 02 ZO6 at 27,000 miles, made a slight difference but it was noticeable and welcomed.

Examine the shifter shaft where it exits the rear of the lower box. Wiggle the shifter and see if the shift shaft has excessive SLOP/LOST MOTION between the shaft and lower box rear bushing when you apply shifting forces to the shift handle. Its a very common problem. You should NOT have any excessive slop or lost motion at that bushing.

I STRONGLY recommend a new aftermarket shifter and lower box. MGW makes a REALLY NICE replacement lower box and shifter.

I myself installed a KIRBAN Shifter and couldn't be happier!

Most aftermarket shifters have additional shift handle centering springs inside the shifter body. Your stock shift handle DOES NOT. ALL the shift gates are accomplished inside the transmission!

If you don't like the shift quality, I highly recommend starting with a quality aftermarket shifter and lower box.

BC

Bill Curlee

HERE is a post that is made JUST FOR YOU!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...age-trans.html

wcsinx

Getting that water-thin dex III out and refilling with Penzoil Synchromesh made a world of difference for me. My shifting became noticeably smoother and less notchy. I also used to get an occasional grind into 4th which went away. I can definitely tell this fluid is more viscous especially when the transmission is still cold, but once things are up to temp I dont think it significantly affected my ability to shift quickly.

cbell3186

Changing the fluid helped. One and while you're at it, do the "antivenom" mod. Super simple and costs a buck. Made mine shift for the better.

delta_bratwurst

Sorry I've been away for a day and just came back to this thread. Thanks for all the good answers guys. I should be getting my tax return soon and I'll put some money into a new shifter.

delta_bratwurst

Whats the antivenom mod do?

delta_bratwurst

As far as I know the fluid has never been changed. The car is at 60,000 miles. At the very least I will do a fluid change. It doesent seem to be terribly difficult by the looks of it.