Just thought I'd share this with everyone.

Recalling some of the aftermarket and shortened stock shifter variations that I went through with my C5 (and ultimately deciding that I preferred the action of a shortened stock shifter), I decided to alter my C6 shifter rather than replacing it. The goal was to retain the smooth action of the stock shifter, but to reduce the height of the **** and the stroke between gears.

Using a hacksaw, I shortened the C6 shaft by 0.6". This left appx 0.25" of the indexing flat for the stock ****, so the stock **** can still be used, if desired.

I then used a cheap "knock off" of one of the spherical Momo ***** that I had available (I'll soon replace that with the real thing). These ***** are attached to the shaft with three set screws evenly spaced around the base, so they work just fine on the smooth, unthreaded C6 shifter shaft. The **** was almost a half-inch lower than the stock **** before I shortened the shaft, so the top of the **** was now a full inch lower than stock.

The stroke between 1st & 2nd and 3rd & 4th dropped appx 0.6" from stock, to right at 3.75".

This is a very simple mod, retains use of the stock **** if later desired, costs nothing except a few minutes of time (and, of course, the new **** you choose), and, for me, accomplishes the end result I was looking for.

 

any pictures of before and after shaft pictures? thanks

 

I didn't take any pictures of the bare shaft before and after the cutting, but the "operation" just simply removed the top 0.6" of the shaft, using a hacksaw. I removed rough edges with a stone and used plastic sheeting taped to the shaft to contain the filings, since the job was done without removing the shifter from the car.

I do have photos of the finished product from three different angles in the car. I don't currently have a website or photobucket account, but will email them to you if you provide an address.

Ernie

 

I like this kind of mod. Thanks for the information.

 

2 questions-

Stock know just unscrews of the shifter itself correct?
Once you remove the .5" you can STILL use the factory ****?


Did this on my C5Z and loved it. If I can still use my factory **** on my C6 this will be done tonight.

 

Although the C5 shifter shaft is threaded, the C6 shaft is not. The stock C6 **** just slides onto the shaft and is held by a single set screw at the base of the ****. If you shorten the shaft the way I describe, the stock **** mounts in the same position as stock and you gain nothing. An aftermarket **** that will slide lower down the shaft is required to realize the gains described.

 

I replaced the stock shift **** with a Flameball 2" off-white round ****. Because the ball is way shorter than the factory ****, the effect is the same as removing 3/4" off the shift lever with no cutting involved.

 

Good point. There is about one inch between the top of the shifter shaft and the top of the stock ****. Many replacement ***** sit lower on the shaft than the stock **** and therefore reduce the overall height.

Here's another possibility for those looking for yet a shorter version: I modified another C6 shifter by cutting off appx 1.25" then threading one inch of the remaining part of the shaft with a 9/16-18 die. This allows a replacement **** with C5-type threads to be used. With a 2-inch round threaded ****, the top of the **** ends up appx 1.6" lower than stock. This may be a bit too low for some, though.

-Ernie

 

Which Flameball would I get, 1-7/8" or 2-1/8"?

 

I went with the 2 1/8" and like it. Had the 1 7/8" on my C5. It was way too small and I have small hands.

 

can you kindly provide a link? and how much? do you still use the stock single set screw also? thanks

 

I like the factorys' smooth shift pattern, I find it perfect as I never miss a spirited power shift or otherwise. Like your idea.

 

Not a supporting vendor so I don't think links are allowed to be posted. The company name is FLAMEBALL. The link is an easy .com type guess. Look at the "plain" in ivory which is an off white.

Price is $22 for the ****. You need to order it with the spline adapter. See details on the website. Total price plus shipping & tax was around $39 for me. Nice piece and fits secure with 3 pre-loctited set screws in polished aluminum mount. No rattles or cheap feel.

 

ok, thanks