C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Hurst shifter hard shifting 6 speed

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 05:23 PM
  #1  
SAS22's Avatar
SAS22
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Default Hurst shifter hard shifting 6 speed

My manual shifter is really difficult to shift smoothly or rapidly. Clunky and crunchy are words that come to mind. I had a Corvette tech check it and he said it was fine. The car shifts smoothly when not driving. The tech said make sure your clutch is completely down to the floor. I'm really a conservative driver and won't push a car until I get a good feel about how the car shifts. I DO NOT want to end up with an expensive repair! Any mods or ideas you guys know of? Thanks Scott
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 07:10 PM
  #2  
Fastbird's Avatar
Fastbird
Race Director
20 Year Member
Pro Mechanic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default

Search for washer mod. You space the shifter detent out on the trans and it should smoothen things up.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 07:43 PM
  #3  
SAS22's Avatar
SAS22
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Default

Originally Posted by Fastbird
Search for washer mod. You space the shifter detent out on the trans and it should smoothen things up.
Thanks man Is that the same mod used for the B&M linkage? I read that info on an older thread.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 08:16 PM
  #4  
~Josh's Avatar
~Josh
Banned Scam/Spammer
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Default

Also known as the anti-venom mod. Been around for 20 years.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 08:18 PM
  #5  
SAS22's Avatar
SAS22
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Default

Originally Posted by ~Josh
Also known as the anti-venom mod. Been around for 20 years.
Great thank you
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 08:48 PM
  #6  
~Josh's Avatar
~Josh
Banned Scam/Spammer
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Default

Also, fresh fluid helps. Not hard to change, or have a shop do it. Most notice a nice improvement.

An aftermarket shifter (top shifter box) is simply a lever. There aren’t detents in the mechanism that change feel, usually only geometry changes but that has nothing to do with notchiness.

The washer/anti-venom mod is one thing, but fresh fluid can never be a bad idea.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2019 | 10:39 PM
  #7  
johnson-rod's Avatar
johnson-rod
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
Default

Hurst shifters aren't well sealed. It might be time for a cleaning in addition to all the above. Take the shifter apart, clean everything and re-grease.This will make a big difference.

Hurst shifters also have different springs and adjustments for those springs. If you have the stock springs, try the softer ones. If you have the softer ones, try using only one on each side (the larger outside ones). Try adjusting the spring tension using the two torx screws on the top of the casing.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2019 | 10:23 AM
  #8  
Fastbird's Avatar
Fastbird
Race Director
20 Year Member
Pro Mechanic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
2016 C5 of the Year Finalist
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by johnson-rod
Hurst shifters aren't well sealed. It might be time for a cleaning in addition to all the above. Take the shifter apart, clean everything and re-grease.This will make a big difference.

Hurst shifters also have different springs and adjustments for those springs. If you have the stock springs, try the softer ones. If you have the softer ones, try using only one on each side (the larger outside ones). Try adjusting the spring tension using the two torx screws on the top of the casing.
Huh. Learn something every day. I've had the same hurst in my car since May of 2006. I've never had a complaint about it but if I can smoothen it up some then I may explore these options (no need to do the AV mod on my car, there's a TR6060 in there now).
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Oct 7, 2019 | 10:58 AM
  #9  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,522
Likes: 24,823
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Moved to C5 Tech.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2019 | 12:02 PM
  #10  
leadfoot4's Avatar
leadfoot4
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
Community Builder
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
Default

I've had a Hurst in my C-5 since 2002, and have been very satisfied with it. I did, however, when I first installed it, take quite a bit of time fiddling with the adjustments, just to get the right feel. I also made sure that the "neutral gate" was properly adjusted. To the OP, look up "shifter adjustment" on this forum. And for what it's worth, I've never performed the "anti-venom mod".....
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2019 | 02:15 PM
  #11  
roegs's Avatar
roegs
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 379
Likes: 116
From: MN
Default

I still have the stock shifter, but wanted to mention that I recently swapped out the original factory DEX3 to Amsoil Torque Drive and noticed a fairly significant change to how it shifts. Almost all the notchiness is gone. As others mentioned, it might be worth changing fluid if you've not done so already.
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2019 | 05:29 PM
  #12  
leadfoot4's Avatar
leadfoot4
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
Community Builder
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
Default

Originally Posted by roegs
I still have the stock shifter, but wanted to mention that I recently swapped out the original factory DEX3 to Amsoil Torque Drive and noticed a fairly significant change to how it shifts. Almost all the notchiness is gone. As others mentioned, it might be worth changing fluid if you've not done so already.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:06 PM
  #13  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by leadfoot4

I second that recommendation!! That's the first place to start. It will take 4 qts BUT, you will only be able to drain and refill 3.75 qts. Fresh quality ATF makes a very significant improvement in shift quality.

Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:15 PM
  #14  
SAS22's Avatar
SAS22
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
I second that recommendation!! That's the first place to start. It will take 4 qts BUT, you will only be able to drain and refill 3.75 qts. Fresh quality ATF makes a very significant improvement in shift quality.
You mean manual transmission fluid though right? We all know what ATF stands for. I only have 28000 miles on the car BUT it is 17 years old.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:22 PM
  #15  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

YES! The C5 MN-6 / MN-12 manual transmissions uses ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) as the gear box lubricant! It specifies DEXTRON III but, if you use the AMSOIL Torque Drive, its compatible with ALL the C5 manual transmissions.

NOTE!! The early C5s (97-2000) can only use the old DEXTRON NON Synthetic ATF or equivalent. The Late model C5s 2001-2004 can use synthetic ATF. AMSOIL Torque Drive is compatible with all.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:23 PM
  #16  
roegs's Avatar
roegs
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 379
Likes: 116
From: MN
Default

Mine is same age as yours. These manual transmissions take ATF. If you look underneath at the transmission you'll see a sticker saying Dexron III. If you do some searching you'll see many options for fluid that can be used in our transmissions - but whatever should be Dexron II based. I ended up using the Amsoil product as it seems to be the product of choice for many here on the forum.

Last edited by roegs; Oct 13, 2019 at 10:36 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:26 PM
  #17  
SAS22's Avatar
SAS22
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
YES! The C5 MN-6 / MN-12 manual transmissions uses ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) as the gear box lubricant! It specifies DEXTRON III but, if you use the AMSOIL Torque Drive, its compatible with ALL the C5 manual transmissions.

NOTE!! The early C5s (97-2000) can only use the old DEXTRON NON Synthetic ATF or equivalent. The Late model C5s 2001-2004 can use synthetic ATF. AMSOIL Torque Drive is compatible with all.
gotcha thanks but would I need to change it at 28000 miles?
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Hurst shifter hard shifting 6 speed

Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:30 PM
  #18  
SAS22's Avatar
SAS22
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
YES! The C5 MN-6 / MN-12 manual transmissions uses ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) as the gear box lubricant! It specifies DEXTRON III but, if you use the AMSOIL Torque Drive, its compatible with ALL the C5 manual transmissions.

NOTE!! The early C5s (97-2000) can only use the old DEXTRON NON Synthetic ATF or equivalent. The Late model C5s 2001-2004 can use synthetic ATF. AMSOIL Torque Drive is compatible with all.
OK thanks for that. Things have changed a lot in 43 years lol! Still I've read quite a few owners manuals that don't recommend a fluid change for a long time unlike an automatic transmission.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:37 PM
  #19  
SAS22's Avatar
SAS22
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
YES! The C5 MN-6 / MN-12 manual transmissions uses ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) as the gear box lubricant! It specifies DEXTRON III but, if you use the AMSOIL Torque Drive, its compatible with ALL the C5 manual transmissions.

NOTE!! The early C5s (97-2000) can only use the old DEXTRON NON Synthetic ATF or equivalent. The Late model C5s 2001-2004 can use synthetic ATF. AMSOIL Torque Drive is compatible with all.
Thank you! 3.75 quarts? Is that where you fill it until the fluid starts to come out of the overflow outlet?
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2019 | 12:40 PM
  #20  
SAS22's Avatar
SAS22
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Default

Originally Posted by ~Josh
Also, fresh fluid helps. Not hard to change, or have a shop do it. Most notice a nice improvement.

An aftermarket shifter (top shifter box) is simply a lever. There aren’t detents in the mechanism that change feel, usually only geometry changes but that has nothing to do with notchiness.

The washer/anti-venom mod is one thing, but fresh fluid can never be a bad idea.
Thank you
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:51 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE