C5 short shifter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,639
Likes: 1,372
From: Orange County, CA
This question will net as many subjective answers as "what's the best underwear?". So many factors... especially cost/budget, shifting effort, how short of throw, and firmness.
I've had 2 separate used full MGW shifters (upper + lower) that went with a C6 **** on my 2001 Z06:
Along with a TMOD-upgraded shift linkage, the shifts are very tight and there's nearly zero slop, yet there's not much vibration/noise emanating from the shifter.
Many here love the MGW, though...
I've had 2 separate used full MGW shifters (upper + lower) that went with a C6 **** on my 2001 Z06:
- #1: several years ago I sold that MGW because I preferred a C6/C7 shifter with TMOD lower box
- #2: more recently I ran a different MGW for a couple weeks (was servicing my C6 Hurst shifter that sat on TMOD lower box). As soon as I was able, the C6 Hurst + TMOD lower box went back in and I sold the MGW.
Along with a TMOD-upgraded shift linkage, the shifts are very tight and there's nearly zero slop, yet there's not much vibration/noise emanating from the shifter.
Many here love the MGW, though...
Last edited by MetalMan2; Mar 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 686
From: Avon Lake OH
Whatever shifter you choose, make sure you have a TMOD box under it.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 4
From: Cincinnati OH
I put this one in using the factory box after 15 years of using the stock shifter and wow what a difference. Makes driving so much more enjoyable…
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c5-9...fter-nd-535059
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c5-9...fter-nd-535059
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 258
From: Apple Valley CA
If you upgrade your box it will make any shifter much smoother, more precise and much less vague and floppy. The lower half of the shifter assembly; the box, is responsible for most of the vibration and sloppy feel of the stock shifter. By upgrading the box you replace the old, worn components giving you the best possible performance out of whatever shifter you run on top. I often recommend upgrading the box before you make a decision on a shifter. Tons of my customers are perfectly happy with the stock shifter; C5, C6 or C7 on the upgraded box.
If you want to reduce the height of the **** or the throw of the stick (two completely different things) you can always add that later depending on how much reduction, height, shift effort, vibration dampening, etc you are looking for. The box upgrade is cheap and it's often all you need.
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/959809852
If you want to reduce the height of the **** or the throw of the stick (two completely different things) you can always add that later depending on how much reduction, height, shift effort, vibration dampening, etc you are looking for. The box upgrade is cheap and it's often all you need.
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/959809852
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 4
From: Cincinnati OH
If you upgrade your box it will make any shifter much smoother, more precise and much less vague and floppy. The lower half of the shifter assembly; the box, is responsible for most of the vibration and sloppy feel of the stock shifter. By upgrading the box you replace the old, worn components giving you the best possible performance out of whatever shifter you run on top. I often recommend upgrading the box before you make a decision on a shifter. Tons of my customers are perfectly happy with the stock shifter; C5, C6 or C7 on the upgraded box.
If you want to reduce the height of the **** or the throw of the stick (two completely different things) you can always add that later depending on how much reduction, height, shift effort, vibration dampening, etc you are looking for. The box upgrade is cheap and it's often all you need.
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/959809852
If you want to reduce the height of the **** or the throw of the stick (two completely different things) you can always add that later depending on how much reduction, height, shift effort, vibration dampening, etc you are looking for. The box upgrade is cheap and it's often all you need.
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/959809852
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 88
Likes: 41
I went from a C6Z (how a stock shifter *should* feel, honestly) to the Hurst. It's really short, feels good but can be difficult to suss out what gear you're in if you aren't super experienced driving short shift manuals.
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 453
Likes: 51
From: Stuart Florida
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 258
From: Apple Valley CA
I have a couple options, they all fell the same the difference is power and convenience. The factory box can be sent in and upgraded, I usually have them back in the mail within a day or two. Sometime I have upgraded factory boxes in stock and ready to ship but not always. Non-Z06 boxes can get Poly or Solid torque tube bushings; Poly, softer, is preferred for cars at or under 500HP, they dampen vibration a little better than the solid mounted setup, the difference is minimal. If you can't have the car down while you send your box in to be upgraded, and I don't have any in stock the Billet Box is my aftermarket replacement for the stock box. The Billet Box uses the same internal components as the upgraded factory box, it is solid mounted like a Z06 box, no Poly torque tube option. Either way you go with the box if your running a stock shifter or any shifter that uses the stock pivot bushing on the bottom (which is all of them I believe aside from MGW) will feel much better and it will stay that way for the life of the car.
Let me know what sounds good to you, I'm happy to answer anything I can. Thanks you for the kind words guys!
info@tmodcustoms.com
https://tmodcustoms.com/products/upg...39400988180614
https://tmodcustoms.com/products/bil...er-shifter-box
Upgraded Factory Box w Poly Bushings
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,482
Likes: 7,172
From: CT
Cap and bushing. The cup itself installed through there initially.
One thing which needs to be remembered is that the T56s everyone has are all different, and all of them have seen up to 28 years of relatively aggressive driving. They may take a beating and keep going but they also can be hard shifts. These same short shifters on a fresh box or on a 6060 are far smoother by nature. Annoying facts of life.
One thing which needs to be remembered is that the T56s everyone has are all different, and all of them have seen up to 28 years of relatively aggressive driving. They may take a beating and keep going but they also can be hard shifts. These same short shifters on a fresh box or on a 6060 are far smoother by nature. Annoying facts of life.