Best Shifter
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 67
From: Oak Point Texas formerly okc
St. Jude Donor '16
Best Shifter
I bought a 2002 that had a hurst shifter in it. It is very hard to shift and therefore is really not much fun to drive. I do not have replacement springs etc to change the tension. I was contemplating replacing it with a MGW or even a stock c6 shifter. I need more driveability than I do racing throws. Car is a coupe base, m6. Do any of you have suggestions or experience with the MGW vs. Stock vs. Hurst?
TIA
TIA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I did not like my OME sifter so I took recommendations from my Vette go to Mechanic and he installed a MGW for me. I like it much better than the OME but it still there is a 'little' notch'e shifting. But I have grown to like the notch feeling.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 67
From: Oak Point Texas formerly okc
St. Jude Donor '16
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 67
From: Oak Point Texas formerly okc
St. Jude Donor '16
Yes some. I am not sure how far I can back out the set screws because I don't know how far the were torked in. The instruction pdf says only loosen them one turn. So I am not sure how far out I can move the set screws for the springs. Any suggestions? Thanks
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,485
Likes: 4,326
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
When I bought my 2004 in February, it was very hard to shift, finding reverse was an exercise, and not anything like my stock 2003. I tried the anti venom and it helped somewhat, but not where I wanted it.
I had TMOD Customs rebuild a shift box for me, and a generous forum member donated a C6 shifter handle.
When I went to install the new parts, low and behold I found a previous owner had installed a Hurst shifter! So I removed the Hurst, installed the TMOD box and C6 handle, and now it shifts smoothly and it's easy to select the desired gear. (and it looks really cool)...
I suppose it boils down to your wants and needs. If you want a short throw for racing performance and are OK with the greater effort, or just a racing feel, you have the option of the Hurst, a MGW, or the short throw that TMOD Customs makes. If you want smooth easy throws, I recommend something similar to the route I took.
I had TMOD Customs rebuild a shift box for me, and a generous forum member donated a C6 shifter handle.
When I went to install the new parts, low and behold I found a previous owner had installed a Hurst shifter! So I removed the Hurst, installed the TMOD box and C6 handle, and now it shifts smoothly and it's easy to select the desired gear. (and it looks really cool)...
I suppose it boils down to your wants and needs. If you want a short throw for racing performance and are OK with the greater effort, or just a racing feel, you have the option of the Hurst, a MGW, or the short throw that TMOD Customs makes. If you want smooth easy throws, I recommend something similar to the route I took.
Last edited by vette4fl; Jul 13, 2021 at 02:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 67
From: Oak Point Texas formerly okc
St. Jude Donor '16
When I bought my 2004 in February, it was very hard to shift, finding reverse was an exercise, and not anything like my stock 2003. I tried the anti venom and it helped somewhat, but not where I wanted it.
I had TMOD Customs rebuild a shift box for me, and a generous forum member donated a C6 shifter handle.
When I went to install the new parts, low and behold I found a previous owner had installed a Hurst shifter! So I removed the Hurst, installed the TMOD box and C6 handle, and now it shifts smoothly and it's easy to select the desired gear. (and it looks really cool)...
I suppose it boils down to your wants and needs. If you want a short throw for racing performance and are OK with the greater effort, or just a racing feel, you have the option of the Hurst, a MGW, or the short throw that TMOD Customs makes. If you want smooth easy throws, I recommend something similar to the route I took.
I had TMOD Customs rebuild a shift box for me, and a generous forum member donated a C6 shifter handle.
When I went to install the new parts, low and behold I found a previous owner had installed a Hurst shifter! So I removed the Hurst, installed the TMOD box and C6 handle, and now it shifts smoothly and it's easy to select the desired gear. (and it looks really cool)...
I suppose it boils down to your wants and needs. If you want a short throw for racing performance and are OK with the greater effort, or just a racing feel, you have the option of the Hurst, a MGW, or the short throw that TMOD Customs makes. If you want smooth easy throws, I recommend something similar to the route I took.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,330
Likes: 1,589
From: Western NY
Keeping in mind that I installed the Hurst back in 2002, I believe that I backed off the adjustment screws about 1/4-1/2 a turn....
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 226
From: Coast of San Mateo CA
Bang for the Buck
TMOD Rebuilt Lower Box (or do the Box clean & washer/bushing upgrade yourself, search the CF)
Pair that with the OE C6 Z06 shifter standard handle length, or even shortened.
Detent springs can be adjusted with Venom Mod (also found with CF search)
MUCH better than OE C5, not as notchy or stiff VS MGW.
Easy and CHEAP enough to try before full aftermarket.
I have a 2011 Stock C6 Z06 with a shortened handle in my 99 C5
&
TMOD Lower Box & Modded/Shortened Stock C5 Handle in My
Street Daily Driver 2007 C6.
Love both of them, Each is a HUGE Improvement over stock.
Just my .02
TMOD Rebuilt Lower Box (or do the Box clean & washer/bushing upgrade yourself, search the CF)
Pair that with the OE C6 Z06 shifter standard handle length, or even shortened.
Detent springs can be adjusted with Venom Mod (also found with CF search)
MUCH better than OE C5, not as notchy or stiff VS MGW.
Easy and CHEAP enough to try before full aftermarket.
I have a 2011 Stock C6 Z06 with a shortened handle in my 99 C5
&
TMOD Lower Box & Modded/Shortened Stock C5 Handle in My
Street Daily Driver 2007 C6.
Love both of them, Each is a HUGE Improvement over stock.
Just my .02
Last edited by Navy Blue 210; Jul 13, 2021 at 11:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 67
From: Oak Point Texas formerly okc
St. Jude Donor '16
Bang for the Buck
TMOD Rebuilt Lower Box (or do the Box clean & washer/bushing upgrade yourself, search the CF)
Pair that with the OE C6 Z06 shifter standard handle length, or even shortened.
Detent springs can be adjusted with Venom Mod (also found with CF search)
MUCH better than OE C5, not as notchy or stiff VS MGW.
Easy and CHEAP enough to try before full aftermarket.
I have a 2011 Stock C6 Z06 with a shortened handle in my 99 C5
&
TMOD Lower Box & Modded/Shortened Stock C5 Handle in My
Street Daily Driver 2007 C6.
Love both of them, Each is a HUGE Improvement over stock.
Just my .02
TMOD Rebuilt Lower Box (or do the Box clean & washer/bushing upgrade yourself, search the CF)
Pair that with the OE C6 Z06 shifter standard handle length, or even shortened.
Detent springs can be adjusted with Venom Mod (also found with CF search)
MUCH better than OE C5, not as notchy or stiff VS MGW.
Easy and CHEAP enough to try before full aftermarket.
I have a 2011 Stock C6 Z06 with a shortened handle in my 99 C5
&
TMOD Lower Box & Modded/Shortened Stock C5 Handle in My
Street Daily Driver 2007 C6.
Love both of them, Each is a HUGE Improvement over stock.
Just my .02
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 67
From: Oak Point Texas formerly okc
St. Jude Donor '16
I'm happy now
First I did loosen the springs on the Hurst a little. Second, I scoured the records on this car and determined that the fluid had never been changed in the transmission. 20 year old fluid had to go anyway. The guy that did it for me said it was not so bad but anyway... It helped a little. Just finished the Anti Venom mod and voila -butter. It is now easy to shift, will find reverse with little difficulty and springs back to the 3rd and 4th slot as it should. Thanks for all the comments. Now back to the tires and tpms. 
First I did loosen the springs on the Hurst a little. Second, I scoured the records on this car and determined that the fluid had never been changed in the transmission. 20 year old fluid had to go anyway. The guy that did it for me said it was not so bad but anyway... It helped a little. Just finished the Anti Venom mod and voila -butter. It is now easy to shift, will find reverse with little difficulty and springs back to the 3rd and 4th slot as it should. Thanks for all the comments. Now back to the tires and tpms.
Last edited by popshumphrey; Jul 15, 2021 at 04:50 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,330
Likes: 1,589
From: Western NY
I'm happy nowFirst I did loosen the springs on the Hurst a little. Second, I scoured the records on this car and determined that the fluid had never been changed in the transmission. 20 year old fluid had to go anyway. The guy that did it for me said it was not so bad but anyway... It helped a little. Just finished the Anti Venom mod and voila -butter. It is now easy to shift, will find reverse with little difficulty and springs back to the 3rd and 4th slot as it should. Thanks for all the comments. Now back to the tires and tpms.
First I did loosen the springs on the Hurst a little. Second, I scoured the records on this car and determined that the fluid had never been changed in the transmission. 20 year old fluid had to go anyway. The guy that did it for me said it was not so bad but anyway... It helped a little. Just finished the Anti Venom mod and voila -butter. It is now easy to shift, will find reverse with little difficulty and springs back to the 3rd and 4th slot as it should. Thanks for all the comments. Now back to the tires and tpms. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,798
Likes: 2,256
From: Brighton MI
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 9
From: Northwest CT
I went with MGW along with the previously mentioned AntiVenom mod... I recommend using TWO of the 3/4" copper washers.Better than using just one IMO. Copper washer part # 65277 Makes it much less notchy.
Simply do a search for AntiVenom mod. Good instructions and pics.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2 washers was way too sloppy for my mgw, made it feel like a 4 banger slushbox... I used one and it feels perfect, everyone has different tastes so they will need to find out what works best for them and their brand of shifter
