Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ?
It has been 30 years between my 2 Vettes, but my C2 (1964 375 HP Vert with M22 Rock Crusher Transmission) shifted way better than my C5 MN6. I never missed a shift ! (I had shortened linkage and T-Handle) The 2nd to 3rd shift on C5 is tricky, especially when shifting fast. It also feels very notchy.
Realize C5 linkage is longer, realize benefits (more room, better weight distribution). Just don't try to shift fast.
Anyone agree with me?
Realize C5 linkage is longer, realize benefits (more room, better weight distribution). Just don't try to shift fast.
Anyone agree with me?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Oldvetter)
:iagree: That's why I took my stock shifter out and replaced it with a B&M Ripper. Straight bolt-in and no adjustment springs to fool with. It's firm but you don't need to be a weight lifter to handle it. It's self centering and I haven't missed a shift since installing it. 2cd to 3rd is a snap.
You also have Hurst, Kerban, Breathless and probably a few others to choose from. Each has their merits and supporters. No matter which you use it WILL be better than the lame stock unit. :cheers:
You also have Hurst, Kerban, Breathless and probably a few others to choose from. Each has their merits and supporters. No matter which you use it WILL be better than the lame stock unit. :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Oldvetter)
It has been 30 years between my 2 Vettes, but my C2 (1964 375 HP Vert with M22 Rock Crusher Transmission) shifted way better than my C5 MN6. I never missed a shift ! (I had shortened linkage and T-Handle) The 2nd to 3rd shift on C5 is tricky, especially when shifting fast. It also feels very notchy.
Realize C5 linkage is longer, realize benefits (more room, better weight distribution). Just don't try to shift fast.
Anyone agree with me?
Realize C5 linkage is longer, realize benefits (more room, better weight distribution). Just don't try to shift fast.
Anyone agree with me?
It's pretty bad, but I still haven't changed from stock. I had an SS Camaro with the Hurst before and it caused me to miss a fair amount of shifts, in the C5, until I got used to it. But, strangely, for track use, I would rather have the longer shift so I know, for sure, what I am doing. You really don't have to be quick on a road course but you do want to be sure.
[Modified by Richin Chicago, 9:18 PM 3/3/2003]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Richin Chicago)
Good point.
I'm not sure I want to shorten shifter and increase force. Normally I don't shift fast, and my racing days are behind me. Plus i heard that some after market shifters are noisey, I don't need that !
I'm not sure I want to shorten shifter and increase force. Normally I don't shift fast, and my racing days are behind me. Plus i heard that some after market shifters are noisey, I don't need that !
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster CA
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Richin Chicago)
But, strangely, for track use, I would rather have the longer shift so I know, for sure, what I am doing. You really don't have to be quick on a road course but you do want to be sure.
I've had it out on the big track at Willow Springs with the stock shifter. I can't wait to try it with the short positive throws of the B & M. I think it will make the experience even better.
:cheers:
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,060
Likes: 3
From: Dublin CA
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ?
Yes the stock shifter does (suck). It was more than just the shifter for me, I bled the clutch and it was much, much better. For about six months.
When it was time to replace my C5/M6, I thought a long time before buying a C5/A4, but I really didn't enjoy my shifter experience. I've had a few Porsches before, and driven a few BMWs, and I expected a newer car would shift at least as well.
If I thought about enough, I probably could've figured out how to make it shift acceptably. New synchros, new clutch, new hydraulics, new shifter. That would probably do it.
I miss my M6. I keep putting my hand on the A4 shifter. The exhaust isn't as sporty, when I can't control the shifting. But at least I know the most consistent 1/4's are from A4s, there's less breakage with them, and my GF likes this car better.
When it was time to replace my C5/M6, I thought a long time before buying a C5/A4, but I really didn't enjoy my shifter experience. I've had a few Porsches before, and driven a few BMWs, and I expected a newer car would shift at least as well.
If I thought about enough, I probably could've figured out how to make it shift acceptably. New synchros, new clutch, new hydraulics, new shifter. That would probably do it.
I miss my M6. I keep putting my hand on the A4 shifter. The exhaust isn't as sporty, when I can't control the shifting. But at least I know the most consistent 1/4's are from A4s, there's less breakage with them, and my GF likes this car better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Oldvetter)
I've had the same experience-missing 3rd. I just put a Hurst in and it's a lot better. I think my basic problem was, like you , I'm used to a four speed so the pattern is different. On the m6 3rd is straight forward while with the four speed you had to move forward and to the right. I'm gettin used to it-maybe you will too.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Plano Texas
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Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Oldvetter)
quote:
I've had the same experience-missing 3rd. I just put a Hurst in and it's a lot better.
:iagree:
I've had the same experience-missing 3rd. I just put a Hurst in and it's a lot better.
:iagree:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 1,200
From: Ft. Myers FL
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (AC54ME)
I never liked the stock setup so when I had the chance I got the Kirban. But, even with that you can miss a shift. It's a little harder to do, but, it can still happen.. :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Mike Campbell)
With the Kirban, hitting third is no problem for me - just straight up, since it wants to go there anyhow via self-centering. However, getting 5th is a problem with anything other than a very deliberate, slow shift, at least for me - any suggestions on that one?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Ca
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (George Cooper)
Technique you all! I can understand not liking the feel. But if you really learn (I'm talking muscle memory) the gates, you won't miss shifts. The gates are always in the same place. If you learn the stroke from 2nd to 3rd you will hit it every time. If there are no mechanical problems and a shift is missed, then the driver made the mistake. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Oldvetter)
I guess I distinguish between the linkage and he shifter. I think the linkage is fine, but the shifter is a disgrace to have in a Corvette. Why GM wants to put a crappy shifter into Corvettes doesn't make good sense. It is a constant reminder that this Car isn't as good as it should be. What do you touch with your hands in the car more than the Shifter (yeh the steering wheel)? So wouldn't it be smart to install Quality looking and Quality feeling parts on every thing that you are constantly touching? If I were making those decissions, I'd make sure that the things that a driver will see, touch and hear would SHOUT "Quality". :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 623
Likes: 11
From: Ankeny IA
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (Jim 47)
Don't let the noise issues scare you away. An aftermarket shifter will make a world of difference. If you are really on the fence find someone in your area with the shifter you want and give it a whirl. I have a B&M Ripper with Royal Purple fluid in the tranny and think this combo works great.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Niceville FL
Re: Anyone else think C5's shift linkage stinks ? (99C5JA1)
Don't let the noise issues scare you away. An aftermarket shifter will make a world of difference. If you are really on the fence find someone in your area with the shifter you want and give it a whirl. I have a B&M Ripper with Royal Purple fluid in the tranny and think this combo works great.
:seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya :seeya
