Smooth shifting
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Genoa Nevada
Smooth shifting
Okay, I don’t want to sound like a wimp, but I can’t seem to get a smooth up shift when driving my (new to me) 05 C6. It seems as though when the car is cold I can shift with less “jerking” between gears. I’m interested in knowing if it’s me or is this somewhat common?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 4
Well, having a less than smooth shift is pretty common. The clutch takes a little learning. I'm not sure about it being easier when cold or hot, but its common for the transmission to be slow shifting when cold, and that affects the timing of the whole operation.
One thing I'd recommend is to check out Ranger's "care and feeding of the C6 clutch" information. In particular, replacing the fluid in the hydraulics helps a lot.
Some folks have removed the assist spring or replaced it with a (smaller) C5 assist spring. I'd recommend against removing it altogether, but the C5 spring is a good $10 mod.
One thing I'd recommend is to check out Ranger's "care and feeding of the C6 clutch" information. In particular, replacing the fluid in the hydraulics helps a lot.
Some folks have removed the assist spring or replaced it with a (smaller) C5 assist spring. I'd recommend against removing it altogether, but the C5 spring is a good $10 mod.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Florida
When driving in traffic, my 05 is the hardest car I have had to consistently shift smoothly. If I am getting on it, shifts are fast and smooth. Those strange times when I find that I am driving like a stickshift rookie are forgotten with all the fun shifts!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth TX
Yep, it took me a while to learn how to shift the Vette smoothly; there's no substitute for seat-time 
As someone else has suggested, though, double check your clutch fluid. Changed mine out and noticed a difference for the better.
As someone else has suggested, though, double check your clutch fluid. Changed mine out and noticed a difference for the better.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I don't have any real problems with my 2005 transmission. It's 'deliberate' or 'notchy' as some describe it but mine works just fine. Your transmission shifting better when its cold seems to be the opposite of what many others experience. Although I wasn't having any issues, I did switch to Royal Purple fluid. I would suggest changing both the transmission fluid and flushing/changing your clutch fluid (as mentioned previously). If that doesn't help, definitely have the dealership check it out...especially if the car will be coming off warranty at some point soon.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Not meaning to sound difficult here but you didn't tell us much detail about what you are experiencing. It sounds to me like mostly your "new to you" car is just that and you need more practice and seat time learning what it wants and needs for smooth shifting.
That said, if you don't know the maintenance history of your car then maybe you should do what has been suggested here, change out the clutch fluid and maybe the trans fluid. Don't know if you are a DIY type but if you don't already know about the clutch fluid thing, which seems very important in the C6, then here are two links to forum threads that will explain it. Then you can make an informed decision on how to proceed. Good luck, keep us informed.
Fluid change procedure:
http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
Fluid change tutorial with pics:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1722073
That said, if you don't know the maintenance history of your car then maybe you should do what has been suggested here, change out the clutch fluid and maybe the trans fluid. Don't know if you are a DIY type but if you don't already know about the clutch fluid thing, which seems very important in the C6, then here are two links to forum threads that will explain it. Then you can make an informed decision on how to proceed. Good luck, keep us informed.
Fluid change procedure:
http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
Fluid change tutorial with pics:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1722073
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Averill Park NY
Wow, I thought it was me. Getting used to it driving slow but when I'm on it, its a dream. Makes me actually feel like I know what I'm doing....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Genoa Nevada
This is precisely why I appreciate this site, thanks for all the feedback. My 05 C6 has 8300 miles on it, clearly a “garage queen” and has had three fluid maintenance services already. In reviewing the work orders from visits to the dealer, I did notice that the clutch fluid had been replaced. I will check with the previous owner as to why this was done.
As for the symptoms, I simply find that some of the time the car “jerks” a little as I am attempting to coordinate the friction point of the clutch action with the acceleration. It is fairly subtle and certainly does not make people point and laugh, except my wife. I have only put 50 miles on the car and I agree, more windshield time, better shifts
As for the symptoms, I simply find that some of the time the car “jerks” a little as I am attempting to coordinate the friction point of the clutch action with the acceleration. It is fairly subtle and certainly does not make people point and laugh, except my wife. I have only put 50 miles on the car and I agree, more windshield time, better shifts
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 0
From: U.S.A.
Okay, I don’t want to sound like a wimp, but I can’t seem to get a smooth up shift when driving my (new to me) 05 C6. It seems as though when the car is cold I can shift with less “jerking” between gears. I’m interested in knowing if it’s me or is this somewhat common?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 1
From: CA
The C6 seems to have two shifting issues, and both are somewhat variable between perfectly functioning cars:
1. The clutch has a difficult to modulate engagement point. Two possible mitigations: a) remove the clutch assist spring on the clutch pedal b) replace the C6 spring with the C5 spring (recommended). Some people don't notice this problem because they position the seat relatively far back and brace their heel against the floor as they shift. Others, like me, sit closer and use their leg muscles to control clutch engagement. Either way, the C6 clutch engagement precision is not very good. It's normal not to notice it when you're shifting quickly.
2. The T56 transmission is slow, and the shifter naturally wants to hang a bit neutral between gears. This slowness allows engine rpm to fall, so when you let out the clutch the revolutions of the clutch and the pressure plate aren't matched well, hence a jerk. You can train yourself to manage the throttle and shift action differently and shift smoothly. Some people get a certain satisfaction of getting the cantankerous C6 to shift smoothly, others just find it annoying and bitch, buy something else, or get an automatic.
My category changes with my mood.
1. The clutch has a difficult to modulate engagement point. Two possible mitigations: a) remove the clutch assist spring on the clutch pedal b) replace the C6 spring with the C5 spring (recommended). Some people don't notice this problem because they position the seat relatively far back and brace their heel against the floor as they shift. Others, like me, sit closer and use their leg muscles to control clutch engagement. Either way, the C6 clutch engagement precision is not very good. It's normal not to notice it when you're shifting quickly.
2. The T56 transmission is slow, and the shifter naturally wants to hang a bit neutral between gears. This slowness allows engine rpm to fall, so when you let out the clutch the revolutions of the clutch and the pressure plate aren't matched well, hence a jerk. You can train yourself to manage the throttle and shift action differently and shift smoothly. Some people get a certain satisfaction of getting the cantankerous C6 to shift smoothly, others just find it annoying and bitch, buy something else, or get an automatic.
My category changes with my mood.
Last edited by Irv; Dec 13, 2007 at 09:00 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,488
Likes: 27
From: Long Island NY
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1728886
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver
Shifting with the 05 is crude when compared to almost any other vehicle. I came from an S2000 and let me tell you, it's the best manual in any car. Period.
That being said, it didn't take long to learn how this one worked and I wouldn't give it up unless it's an 08 (apparently has improved shifting).
Red Cell.
That being said, it didn't take long to learn how this one worked and I wouldn't give it up unless it's an 08 (apparently has improved shifting).
Red Cell.
