C6 Shifter
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
C6 Shifter
I've had several manual transmission cars (SS Chevelles, SS Chevy IIs, MGs, 66 and 69 Vette, Volvo, etc., etc.) and the transmission /shifter/whatever, and my 2005 is the klunkiest, hardest to shift transmission/shifter I've ever had. It is tough to get into 1st gear sometimes, the shifter seems to hang between 1st and 2nd and that (*&*^%^*&(* 1st to 4th shift light is always coming on and makes it hard to shift to any gear.
I'd like to make the shifter operate easier/smoother and not "bind" between gears as it does most of the time now. I've gotten a sorta lonher shift handle and that gives a little more leverage and makes shifting a little easier, but it looks like crap compared to the stock shifter.
Any ideas/help out there?
mohawk@bvunet.net
Paul Spangler
I'd like to make the shifter operate easier/smoother and not "bind" between gears as it does most of the time now. I've gotten a sorta lonher shift handle and that gives a little more leverage and makes shifting a little easier, but it looks like crap compared to the stock shifter.
Any ideas/help out there?
mohawk@bvunet.net
Paul Spangler
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 25
From: Apache Junction AZ
First of all I have a question. Have you changed the transmission fluid to a synthetic such as Royal Purple Synchromax? Redline and Amsoil also have excellent synthetics that will improve the syncro action in the vette manuals.
As to an after market shifter, the MGW shifter seems to be the hands down winner on the forum for now.
BJK
As to an after market shifter, the MGW shifter seems to be the hands down winner on the forum for now.
BJK
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,276
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Suggestion; invest into a new MGW shifter. While the stock Corvette shifter isn't the worst shifter I've come across, lets just say there is lots of room for improvement. MGW (owner George) is a forum sponsor and I can tell you from 1st hand experience, I would say it is the best manual shifter I've run across in 40-years. I installed the shifter in my 2005 vert and the difference was truly amazing. Check it out ~ short-throw, tight, precise, effortless shifting.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 22,369
Likes: 1,683
From: South Carolina
I think its hard to diagnose problems with shifters over the Internet because so much comes into play. Personally I think the factory shifter is one of the best ever.
Couple things, make sure your fluid is clean and filled properly etc....I drive manuals almost exclusively and learning what the tranny wants is a big help too. Rpm matching and fully depressing the clutch all can play a part as well...Sometimes it is the little things that get you.
Check out everything before you spring for a shifter...
good luck.
Couple things, make sure your fluid is clean and filled properly etc....I drive manuals almost exclusively and learning what the tranny wants is a big help too. Rpm matching and fully depressing the clutch all can play a part as well...Sometimes it is the little things that get you.
Check out everything before you spring for a shifter...
good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 2
From: Houston 06 C6 Ysi SC 402 fgd TX
and that (*&*^%^*&(* 1st to 4th shift light is always coming on and makes it hard to shift to any gear.
Any ideas/help out there?
mohawk@bvunet.net
Paul Spangler
Any ideas/help out there?
mohawk@bvunet.net
Paul Spangler
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
First of all I have a question. Have you changed the transmission fluid to a synthetic such as Royal Purple Synchromax? Redline and Amsoil also have excellent synthetics that will improve the syncro action in the vette manuals.
As to an after market shifter, the MGW shifter seems to be the hands down winner on the forum for now.
BJK
As to an after market shifter, the MGW shifter seems to be the hands down winner on the forum for now.
BJK
I know that the shift in my 06 vert is the pits, certainly compared to my old MR2 I had before. Also, I was looking at putting in that short shifter, but read that this could invalidate the warranty.
In any case, if there is somewhere else under there where you can add that AMSoil or Royal Purple that will improve the smoothness of the shift, I'd be on that like white on rice.
Thanks...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 25
From: Apache Junction AZ
OK, probably a dumb question, but I assume you are NOT talking about the transaxle, with the well-known popping/jerking issue, that the new GM Dexron LS gear oil is supposed to fix?
I know that the shift in my 06 vert is the pits, certainly compared to my old MR2 I had before. Also, I was looking at putting in that short shifter, but read that this could invalidate the warranty.
In any case, if there is somewhere else under there where you can add that AMSoil or Royal Purple that will improve the smoothness of the shift, I'd be on that like white on rice.
Thanks...
I know that the shift in my 06 vert is the pits, certainly compared to my old MR2 I had before. Also, I was looking at putting in that short shifter, but read that this could invalidate the warranty.
In any case, if there is somewhere else under there where you can add that AMSoil or Royal Purple that will improve the smoothness of the shift, I'd be on that like white on rice.
Thanks...
As the OP posted that his car is an '05 I was thinking that maybe the transmission fluid had never been changed and pasted experience has taught me that shifing quality can really go down after 20K-30K on the fluid.
BJK
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
You are correct in that I am NOT talking about a transaxle, but rather the manual transmission that is bolted to the front of the differential. There are DIY threads that have been posted w/pictures for changing the fluid in the manual transmission and also the for changing the fluid in the diff for the problem you mentioned. I used Royal Purple Sychromax in my trans with greatly impoved shifting when my car was still new, but some have posted that they were not impressed with the change.
As the OP posted that his car is an '05 I was thinking that maybe the transmission fluid had never been changed and pasted experience has taught me that shifing quality can really go down after 20K-30K on the fluid.
BJK
As the OP posted that his car is an '05 I was thinking that maybe the transmission fluid had never been changed and pasted experience has taught me that shifing quality can really go down after 20K-30K on the fluid.
BJK
Mine is a 06, but it's basically a new car (had 180 miles on it when I got it last summer, and has 6200 miles on it now), and I will definitely look into that Royal Purple tranny oil. Anything would be a distinct improvement.
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
Paul,
I'd invest in a skip shift defeater. Easy to install and can be bought for about $20-$50 at most Corvette parts suppliers like Mid-America, Ecklers, etc. I have one on my Z06 and my CTS-V daily driver. Can't tell you how much nicer it is not to have to deal with the skip shift.
If you are looking to change your tranny fluid, I'd suggest this one:
AMSOIL Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (stock code ATD1G - order 1 gal)
And if you are a DIYer, this comes in handy:
AMSOIL Hand Pump
(note: I'd take the tip off the fill hose - not needed and you don't want it popping off in your tranny)
I'd invest in a skip shift defeater. Easy to install and can be bought for about $20-$50 at most Corvette parts suppliers like Mid-America, Ecklers, etc. I have one on my Z06 and my CTS-V daily driver. Can't tell you how much nicer it is not to have to deal with the skip shift.
If you are looking to change your tranny fluid, I'd suggest this one:
AMSOIL Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (stock code ATD1G - order 1 gal)
And if you are a DIYer, this comes in handy:
AMSOIL Hand Pump
(note: I'd take the tip off the fill hose - not needed and you don't want it popping off in your tranny)
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C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA