Shifter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 623
Likes: 4
From: Stuart Florida
If you are driving in colder temps the tranny will be a little stiff starting out.
Last edited by Triumph Jerry; Feb 8, 2012 at 06:25 AM. Reason: correction
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
It's impossible to know what your shifter feels like or what you consider "tight" but the Corvette manual transmission is widely considered to be 'notchy' compared to many other cars. As noted, cold temperatures affect ease of shifting as well. With only 20,000 miles it may be unnecessary but you might consider changing transmission fluid. I use Royal Purple Synchromax transmission fluid with good results. I doubt you'll get dramatically different results whether you use Royal Purple or the factory recommended fluid but it might be worth a try. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
It's impossible to know what your shifter feels like or what you consider "tight" but the Corvette manual transmission is widely considered to be 'notchy' compared to many other cars. As noted, cold temperatures affect ease of shifting as well. With only 20,000 miles it may be unnecessary but you might consider changing transmission fluid. I use Royal Purple Synchromax transmission fluid with good results. I doubt you'll get dramatically different results whether you use Royal Purple or the factory recommended fluid but it might be worth a try. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 3
From: Jupiter Florida
Also, don't forget the shifter-to-tranny linkage for a C6 is long due to tranny being in rear...thus it will take more effort to shift and is particularly noticeable in colder weather when lubricants are thicker/'stiffer' in both the tranny fluid and linkage lube.
I did switch to Amsoil tranny fluid and did feel a bit of improvement over OEM fluid BUT you not going to feel a miraculous jump in less shifting effort...just the nature of the beast. My 1990 ZR-1 with a direct input shifter ZF 6 sp tranny is soooo much easier shifting you just want to row the thru the gears.
I did switch to Amsoil tranny fluid and did feel a bit of improvement over OEM fluid BUT you not going to feel a miraculous jump in less shifting effort...just the nature of the beast. My 1990 ZR-1 with a direct input shifter ZF 6 sp tranny is soooo much easier shifting you just want to row the thru the gears.
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