Is short shifter worth it
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Orange County CA
Oh Yeah!
I was wondering if short shifter is better than stock.. I felt one the other day and it just seemed weird to me. Does it make the car shift just as smooth as stock?? You would think you would get confused on gear position.. If some of you are happy with the short shift.. What kind or brand do you recommend?
Callaway shifter: A+
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines Fl
I called B&M today and posed the question raised about the short shifter and transmission longevity concerns and also resting your hand on the shifter while driving. The gentleman was extremely helpful, took his time, and actually described the entire process used for designing the current model B & M Ripper for the C5/C6 vettes. He actually logged on to this forum while we spoke and discussed the excellent pictures that had been posted. Although Hurst is now a B & M subsidiary, he could not speak for that shifter as the Hurst brand was apparently a recent acquistion. He did state with the current model Ripper had been designed specifically for the C6 which they had in house through the entire design process. He also said that there should be no concern for this type of catastrophic failure due to use of a Ripper, and that there was also no problem with the practice of resting your hand on the shifter while driving. A great product and the customer service to back it up. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
I installed a Callaway shifter in my C6 last Friday night. Went for a test drive Saturday night, and was so stoked that I could not stop driving it. Ended up logging 150 miles (!) with lots of up/down shifting. The improvement in shift action is phenominal. Shifting is now very "second nature" (as it shoud be), as the action is so much more precise and deliberate. At $55,000, my only disappointed is that GM didn't outfit this beatiful automobile with this shifter from the factory.
Callaway shifter: A+
Callaway shifter: A+
The Callaway Short-Throw Shifter is designed with adjustable stops that eliminate over-travel of the shift linkage. So if you rest your hand on the stick (or powershift), the positive stops prevent the linkage from traveling farther than it should.
with round aluminum **** (p/n 212.60.6000):
same mechanism with stick for OEM style **** (p/n 212.60.6001):
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 904
Likes: 2
MCV, I have received mine, but have not installed it yet. It did not come with a parts description list. Besides the shifter, there were 4 bolts and washers along with an aluminum plate. Do I have everything needed? The reason that I ask, is because the plastic with the screws was not sealed.
Thank you for your compliments.
The Callaway Short-Throw Shifter is designed with adjustable stops that eliminate over-travel of the shift linkage. So if you rest your hand on the stick (or powershift), the positive stops prevent the linkage from traveling farther than it should.
with round aluminum **** (p/n 212.60.6000):
same mechanism with stick for OEM style **** (p/n 212.60.6001):
The Callaway Short-Throw Shifter is designed with adjustable stops that eliminate over-travel of the shift linkage. So if you rest your hand on the stick (or powershift), the positive stops prevent the linkage from traveling farther than it should.
with round aluminum **** (p/n 212.60.6000):
same mechanism with stick for OEM style **** (p/n 212.60.6001):
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Broad Run VA
MCV, another question on the Callaway
on the model for C5/6, showing the round alumimum ball, I was looking at your web site, and it appears the ball is just that... the threaded ball with Callaway logo. What is the story on the machined piece that fits over the shifter shaft below the ball, as shown on your picture. The pics of the ***** in all the colors do not indicate that this nice-looking piece is part of the package. Does it come with that model shifter? (thus the higher price compared to the model that uses the stock shift ****)
If not, does it come with the ball?
If not, where did it come from, how could you get one, and how much is it?
Thanks!
fig
If not, does it come with the ball?
If not, where did it come from, how could you get one, and how much is it?
Thanks!
fig
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 13,156
Likes: 109
From: I'm not doing as well as I expected, but I never expected I would
Sparkman is right on. The difference is remarkable. The Callaway may be a little more, but with so many complaints from other brands as to buzzing, and other noises, why take the chance, its a Vette. The Callaway is solid and silent.
MCV, is correct. Set the stops per directions, recheck and you are done. I got the OEM **** type, but I assume that the two piece handle means you can swap to the round ****. MCV, is this correct? If so I did not see an option to purchase just that piece.
MCV, is correct. Set the stops per directions, recheck and you are done. I got the OEM **** type, but I assume that the two piece handle means you can swap to the round ****. MCV, is this correct? If so I did not see an option to purchase just that piece.
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
I was wondering if short shifter is better than stock.. I felt one the other day and it just seemed weird to me. Does it make the car shift just as smooth as stock?? You would think you would get confused on gear position.. If some of you are happy with the short shift.. What kind or brand do you recommend?
You ask if it shifts as smooth as stock, yes it does but in a different way, the short shifter does require a little bit more effort (nothing extraordinary) the shifts feel tighter, makes the stock feel like long, mushy paddling.
I cannot comment on any other brand shifter, however, I am very pleased with my B&M shifter and would highly recommend
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Arizona
in one word - YES! I just installed a B&M shifter and now my c6 feels like a totally different car and IMHO the way it should have come from factory. There is no mistaking what gear you're in, the throws are shorter and very precise, a bit "notchier" than stock but feels right, better balance between shifting and clutch pedal release.
You ask if it shifts as smooth as stock, yes it does but in a different way, the short shifter does require a little bit more effort (nothing extraordinary) the shifts feel tighter, makes the stock feel like long, mushy paddling.
I cannot comment on any other brand shifter, however, I am very pleased with my B&M shifter and would highly recommend
You ask if it shifts as smooth as stock, yes it does but in a different way, the short shifter does require a little bit more effort (nothing extraordinary) the shifts feel tighter, makes the stock feel like long, mushy paddling.
I cannot comment on any other brand shifter, however, I am very pleased with my B&M shifter and would highly recommend
Very same experience with B&M shifter.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: Upper St. Clair PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09
Thanks for the description. Was the install hard? Good directions from Callaway?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
I installed a Callaway shifter in my C6 on the weekend. Amazing improvement, just like many have described above.
Installation was quite easy and the Callaway instructions were quite good. Seems like I spent more time being careful not to damage the console when removing & installing than anything else.
Installation was quite easy and the Callaway instructions were quite good. Seems like I spent more time being careful not to damage the console when removing & installing than anything else.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Orange County CA
Piece of cake...
Regardless of the brand you choose, replacing the C6 shifter requires minimal mechanical expertise, and a few basic hand tools. For those lacking some experience, I must give props to Callaway for their outstanding instructions included with the shifter. They're comprehensive enough to make even a rookie tech look like a hero. Heck, I bet even my neighbor could do it! Okay, perhaps that's a stretch, but you know what I mean.
Seriously, one of the toughest parts of the entire process is disassembling the console without damaging anything. Not to worry; Callaway's instructions guide you through every step in a way that the factory Helms manuals don't even cover. Give it a shot. You'll be glad you did! Best of luck.Spark
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Just got my MTI six shooter in and YES it was worth it to go with a new shifter. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal but it is! I haven't use the other brands, but I'm sure anything will be a huge improvement over stock.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville Maryland
MCV: I looked at your shifter at Carlisle last year, and I asked the salesman at your booth if the Callaway shifter would get rid of the dreaded rattle. His response was short shifters are tighter, thus the rattle would increase! But that the rattle was to be expected in high performance cars. Is this true?
I'd buy the shifter tomorrow if Callaway agreed to take it back if the rattle persisted.
I'd buy the shifter tomorrow if Callaway agreed to take it back if the rattle persisted.
Last edited by JD21029; Mar 13, 2007 at 10:42 AM. Reason: typo
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 13,156
Likes: 109
From: I'm not doing as well as I expected, but I never expected I would
MCV: I looked at your shifter at Carlisle last year, and I asked the salesmanat your booth if the Callaway shifter would get rid of the dreaded rattle. His response was short shifters are tighter, thus the rattle would increase! But that the rattle was to be expected in high performance cars. Is this true?
I'd buy the shifter tomorrow if Callaway agreed to take it back if the rattle persisted.
I'd buy the shifter tomorrow if Callaway agreed to take it back if the rattle persisted.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
Sparkman is right on. The difference is remarkable. The Callaway may be a little more, but with so many complaints from other brands as to buzzing, and other noises, why take the chance, its a Vette. The Callaway is solid and silent.
MCV, is correct. Set the stops per directions, recheck and you are done. I got the OEM **** type, but I assume that the two piece handle means you can swap to the round ****. MCV, is this correct? If so I did not see an option to purchase just that piece.
MCV, is correct. Set the stops per directions, recheck and you are done. I got the OEM **** type, but I assume that the two piece handle means you can swap to the round ****. MCV, is this correct? If so I did not see an option to purchase just that piece.
If someone wants to convert from OEM-style **** to round ****, they should select:
Part Number: 212.60.6016
Stick Conv Kit, Callaway Shifter, Round ****
Price: $48.00
If someone wants to convert from the round **** stick to the OEM-style ****, they should order:
Part Number: 212.60.6015
Stick Conv Kit, Callaway Shifter, OEM ****
Price: $48.00
***** are not included with these kits.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
MCV: I looked at your shifter at Carlisle last year, and I asked the salesman at your booth if the Callaway shifter would get rid of the dreaded rattle. His response was short shifters are tighter, thus the rattle would increase! But that the rattle was to be expected in high performance cars. Is this true?
I'd buy the shifter tomorrow if Callaway agreed to take it back if the rattle persisted.
I'd buy the shifter tomorrow if Callaway agreed to take it back if the rattle persisted.
The Corvette's OEM shifter has a large rubber doughnut-shaped bushing at its base which does an excellent job of isolating driveline vibrations from the shifter mechanism. In order to provide more positive shifting action, aftermarket shifter designs eliminate this bushing and other vibration isolating devices. Unfortunately, this can cause driveline vibration to be transmitted through the shifter body and stick.
Some Corvettes are more prone to "rattling" than others. We haven't had the opportunity to determine why, but it seems to be independent of model year and vehicle equipment. We are confident that there are no production aftermarket shifters that are "quieter" that the Callaway design. Most Callaway shifters do not rattle at all. I think you'll find this claim supported by Forum postings. Some do rattle, however. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that your particular Corvette will be perfectly rattle-free.