C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

B&M Shifter change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 8, 2006 | 06:31 PM
  #1  
30YR W8T's Avatar
30YR W8T
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 53,282
Likes: 3
From: God Bless America
Default B&M Shifter change

Just replaced the stock shifter in my C6 with a new B&M shifter and have to say WOW!, what a difference. The shifter almost feels like a gate shifter now, very short precise throws. For what ever it is worth, I did notice when I did the upgrade was that the shifter rail assembly that has the ball socket had almost no grease on the rods on either side. My shifter never felt smooth since I have owned the car and I am pretty sure this is why. I used EP grease on both rods and worked the shift pattern to make sure the grease was lubricating both the rods and sockets on both ends of the shifter assembly. Once I put everything back together and drove the car, it shifts much smoother now and the short throws feel great. I was skeptical about this upgrade at first, but now I am really glad I did it.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2006 | 07:19 PM
  #2  
timd38's Avatar
timd38
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

I took my car to the dealer for an oil change and I like you, have a B&M and the service manager could not beleive the difference when he put it in gear for the first time.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2006 | 08:24 PM
  #3  
Wayne O's Avatar
Wayne O
CF Senior Member
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
Default

I appreciate reading your reassuring feedback on the B&M shifter. That's one thing I postponed when I modded my car that I should have just done. Looks like I have a Saturday project coming up in the near future.

Thanks for sharing your experience.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2006 | 11:17 AM
  #4  
NineBall's Avatar
NineBall
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 107
From: Houston TX
Default

I also installed my B&M this past Saturday. I was amazed at how much different it feels. I didn't think the stock shifter was that bad at all, especially compared to the boat oar in the C5's. The C6 shifter was short, somewhat precise, but had a rubbery feeling and sometimes would hit the gate going into 3rd hard. This B&M shifter is SUPER precise, and has much shorter throws. I'm very pleased with the product. It's throws are so much shorter and precise that I have to learn my clutch/shift timing all over again, since it goes into gear much quicker than before.

Simple install, I could do one in less than an hour now.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2006 | 01:02 PM
  #5  
midnite902's Avatar
midnite902
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Default

I have had my B&M for a year. Big imnprovement over the OEM shiifter and it onl;y gets better with use
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2006 | 03:05 PM
  #6  
BIGGGIE's Avatar
BIGGGIE
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 0
From: Palm beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Default

My B&m has been sitting on my computer desk for over 5 months now..i guess i should install it....
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2006 | 03:12 PM
  #7  
schilitj's Avatar
schilitj
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,477
Likes: 2
From: Boca Raton, FL
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Default

Haven't any of you experienced the vibrations I did? They drove me crazy, especially when winding out. I sold my B&M to timd38 and replaced it with the Calloway shifter.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2006 | 03:20 PM
  #8  
rosecustom's Avatar
rosecustom
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 453
Likes: 1
From: Poughkeepsie NY
Default

Am I correct in assuming my B&M shifter from my C5 is a direct bolt on for the C6? Does anyone know if there are posted instructions to remove the plastic dash housing? I'm a great one for snapping off those little plastic tabs.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 9, 2006 | 04:40 PM
  #9  
timd38's Avatar
timd38
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Originally Posted by schilitj
Haven't any of you experienced the vibrations I did? They drove me crazy, especially when winding out. I sold my B&M to timd38 and replaced it with the Calloway shifter.

He is correct in that you do get vibrations at time with the B&M. it reminds me of the type of vibration that used to come from a transmission mounted linkage shifter.

It bothered schilitj, so I bought his B&M, but I am ok with it, so we are both happy!
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2006 | 06:40 PM
  #10  
2JZFAN's Avatar
2JZFAN
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Default

Originally Posted by schilitj
Haven't any of you experienced the vibrations I did? They drove me crazy, especially when winding out. I sold my B&M to timd38 and replaced it with the Calloway shifter.
How does the Callaway compare to the B&M in throw, feel, and sound? I've driven a C6 with a B&M installed but never had the chance with a Callaway. tia
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2006 | 08:12 PM
  #11  
schilitj's Avatar
schilitj
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,477
Likes: 2
From: Boca Raton, FL
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Default

Originally Posted by 2JZFAN
How does the Callaway compare to the B&M in throw, feel, and sound? I've driven a C6 with a B&M installed but never had the chance with a Callaway. tia
The throw distance is about the same as the B&M, also just as difficult to get into reverse. The main difference is the Calloway has a notchy feel/sound when shifting that is not there with the B&M. I would have stayed with the B&M except for the vibration/noise.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 08:57 PM
  #12  
wwbill617's Avatar
wwbill617
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by NineBall
I also installed my B&M this past Saturday.

Simple install, I could do one in less than an hour now.
I am about to do this. Can you give me the 1hr lesson?

Bill
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 09:25 PM
  #13  
Gene Gorman's Avatar
Gene Gorman
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 4
From: Saint Johns Florida
Default

How is the Hurst shifter? I can pick one up for $148.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 09:42 PM
  #14  
30YR W8T's Avatar
30YR W8T
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 53,282
Likes: 3
From: God Bless America
Default

Originally Posted by rosecustom
Am I correct in assuming my B&M shifter from my C5 is a direct bolt on for the C6? Does anyone know if there are posted instructions to remove the plastic dash housing? I'm a great one for snapping off those little plastic tabs.
Yes the shifters are the same, but you have to turn the shifter shaft (the top black threaded piece) around for the C6 so the flat part is facing the dash. On the C5 the flat part was facing the back of the car. There is a single bolt that runs through this piece that you need to remove and then you can pull the top part off. You will have to pull on it hard because there is rubber O-rings that keep is firm on the actual shifter rod. In regards to dash removal, try this site.

http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_06...ifter_install/
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 09:49 PM
  #15  
30YR W8T's Avatar
30YR W8T
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 53,282
Likes: 3
From: God Bless America
Default

Originally Posted by schilitj
Haven't any of you experienced the vibrations I did? They drove me crazy, especially when winding out. I sold my B&M to timd38 and replaced it with the Calloway shifter.
I have noticed this too, but I think I know what is causing it. The top shaft on the B&M shifter is narrower than the stock shifter and considering there is a single bolt holding the shifter **** on the shaft, I think the the shifter **** can move around a little bit causing the buzz when winding the car out. I did not use lock-tite when I installed the bolt to secure the shifter **** just in case I wanted to get a different one. I am going to try an experiment to see if I am right and I will let you know if the fix worked.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 09:54 PM
  #16  
30YR W8T's Avatar
30YR W8T
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 53,282
Likes: 3
From: God Bless America
Default

Originally Posted by Gene Gorman
How is the Hurst shifter? I can pick one up for $148.
I think they are viewed as a better shifter because they give you the ability via springs to adjust the feel of the shifter to your taste. I looked at these, but went with the B&M instead because price wise the shifter was less and looked basically the same except for the set screws and springs. If you can get the hurst for that price that is a good deal. I would ask how long it was in use and why they are selling so cheap.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 10:11 PM
  #17  
Gene Gorman's Avatar
Gene Gorman
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 4
From: Saint Johns Florida
Default

Brand new in the box on E-bay. They have 37 left at this price. Thanks for your input,now 36 left.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To B&M Shifter change

Old Oct 10, 2006 | 10:27 PM
  #18  
30YR W8T's Avatar
30YR W8T
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 53,282
Likes: 3
From: God Bless America
Default

Originally Posted by Gene Gorman
Brand new in the box on E-bay. They have 37 left at this price. Thanks for your input,now 36 left.
Damn, never fails. Once I buy something they start giving the good stuff away. Good for you man...
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 10:35 PM
  #19  
C6Coupe's Avatar
C6Coupe
Pro
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: Long Island New York
Default

Well after slamming 5Th gear today you know what my next mod is!
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2006 | 11:36 AM
  #20  
Zig's Avatar
Zig
Safety Car
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 5
From: stafford country, va. Avatar: Me on turn 3 @ Bristol (The World's Fastest Half-Mile)
Default

Originally Posted by Gene Gorman
How is the Hurst shifter? I can pick one up for $148.
i ended up installing a c5 version of the hurst shifter in my c6, the c6 versions weren't out yet. i love it. not that he stock one was all that bad but this one is better. instead of using my arm to move the shifter between gears i'm able to shift using just my wrist, except for 5th and 6th.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:20 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE