Shifter Precision
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 0
From: Rockmart GA
'90 Miata 9/10 shifter.
'05 C6 6-7/10.
Changing out the clutch fluid frequently keeps my rating higher. Shifting is smoother when warm and is surprisingly easier at high RPM's.
But I've had too many clutch/shifter issues to recommend it.
Clutch sticking to the floor at high revs.
Clutch engaging too far back.
Shifter rattle and buzz when the outside temp is <60 degrees.
Difficulty hitting reverse, and the '05 requires reverse to shut down, making that one a double P in the A!
'05 C6 6-7/10.
Changing out the clutch fluid frequently keeps my rating higher. Shifting is smoother when warm and is surprisingly easier at high RPM's.
But I've had too many clutch/shifter issues to recommend it.
Clutch sticking to the floor at high revs.
Clutch engaging too far back.
Shifter rattle and buzz when the outside temp is <60 degrees.
Difficulty hitting reverse, and the '05 requires reverse to shut down, making that one a double P in the A!
The C6 uses GM Super DOT 4 brake hydraulic fluid.
I'm basing this off of what Ranger and some others have said in the tech section.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,520
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
Apparently all this can be avoided by changing out the clutch fluid in the resevoir under the hood regularly. It seems the hydraulic clutch fluid gets really hot during heavy clutching and the fluid turns dark and eventually you get clutch issues from it..sticking and not engaging at the right spots. I think Ranger said its best to change it out once every month or two. If your doing heavy use at a track or roadcourse its recommended to change it out before and after the event.
The C6 uses GM Super DOT 4 brake hydraulic fluid.
I'm basing this off of what Ranger and some others have said in the tech section.
The C6 uses GM Super DOT 4 brake hydraulic fluid.
I'm basing this off of what Ranger and some others have said in the tech section.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=562
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 1
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From: Northeast Ohio
My 06 is the same. It's a little difficult to shift when it's cold, but after about 10 minutes of in town driving it's great. I love driving and shifting this Vette. I wonder if it gets better with more miles. Mine still only has 1300 on it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 2
From: Hope, Arkansas - '07 LMB Coupe
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The rubber bushings on the shifter mount. I replaced mine with a Z06 shifter, which is the same except for the bushings; it feels much more positive. It also gives the feel of a shorter shifter, although by measurement the throw is the same.
I didin't know that the bushings were the only difference when I ordered the Z06 part, or I might have tried fabricating some replacement bushings myself. It would be much cheaper than replacing the shifter.
The notchy feel is in the transmission itself; it has serious detents to hold it in position. There are no detents in the shifter. The shift rod linkage itself is quite robust and tight - not going to get much flex out of it.
I didin't know that the bushings were the only difference when I ordered the Z06 part, or I might have tried fabricating some replacement bushings myself. It would be much cheaper than replacing the shifter.
The notchy feel is in the transmission itself; it has serious detents to hold it in position. There are no detents in the shifter. The shift rod linkage itself is quite robust and tight - not going to get much flex out of it.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
A little too rough and imprecise. It takes an extra second to find third gear sometimes. Will occasionally slip out of first because I haven't been careful to seat it all the way. The 1-4 slip is good for fast starts, but annoying much of the time.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
A little too rough and imprecise. It takes an extra second to find third gear sometimes. Will occasionally slip out of first because I haven't been careful to seat it all the way. The 1-4 slip is good for fast starts, but annoying much of the time.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,887
Likes: 4,342
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
I guess the grass is always greener....
My C5 shifter was a bit long, so I replaced it with a Hurst short throw. Drove that for several years - it was a nice,
crisp shifter if a bit notchy. The C6 is quite a bit better. Smoother, just as short and once you stop trying to guide it into third and just push it forward, never miss a shift.
I dunno, maybe I just got a good one, but I will keep this one. The 08 is even better.......
My C5 shifter was a bit long, so I replaced it with a Hurst short throw. Drove that for several years - it was a nice,
crisp shifter if a bit notchy. The C6 is quite a bit better. Smoother, just as short and once you stop trying to guide it into third and just push it forward, never miss a shift. I dunno, maybe I just got a good one, but I will keep this one. The 08 is even better.......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
There is room for a lot of improvement....... It works fine but the precision feel clearly isn't there to me. Perhaps it's been improved for 08 which would be a good thing. I don't think it's up to the standard of the rest of the car but it’s functional. I’ve never missed a gear with some pretty fast shifting being employed………
Last edited by cthusker; Jun 21, 2007 at 09:08 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 31
From: Central Florida
The stock C6 shifter works very well.
Accurate, fast shifting is a skill that drivers develop through proper technique and practice. Here are some drills that will help Improve Your Shifting.
And here is an audio track of three fast shifts using a stock shifter.
Ranger
Accurate, fast shifting is a skill that drivers develop through proper technique and practice. Here are some drills that will help Improve Your Shifting.
And here is an audio track of three fast shifts using a stock shifter.
Ranger
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Arcadia CA
Compared to an '03 NSX I used to have, it takes quite a bit more effort for the 3-4 shift and especially the 5-6 shift. I think the shift feel and length of throws is quite acceptable but the NSX was a lot more notchy. I read somewhere in the C6 there was a lot of free play from when the clutch is all the way to the floor to about 3/4s up. Not in my C6 as it pretty much engages pretty close to the floor. Overall, pretty satisfied with the the shifter, just got to get used to the higher effort for the 3-4 and 5-6 shift. I'll be eagerly awaiting the difference owners of '08s have to say about the new tranny.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 27,596
Likes: 0
From: YOU SEE ... I'M NOT CRAZY ...I'M JUST AHEAD OF THE CURVE
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
I must not be too picky. Of all the standards I have had, the only "substandard" was an old Aspen wagon that was a 3-on-the-tree.
My wife has a BMW and I truly don't see that too be any better ... certainly not superior.
I did put a Callaway shifter in for the shorter throw and to help the aftermarket economy ...
My wife has a BMW and I truly don't see that too be any better ... certainly not superior.
I did put a Callaway shifter in for the shorter throw and to help the aftermarket economy ...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,303
Likes: 12
From: R.I.P Zebra Ct
