Shifting is stiff on MN6
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 4
From: Columbia Maryland
Shifting is stiff on MN6
I have a 2007 vert, MN6 and the shifter seems pretty "stiff". What I mean by that is that shifting from gear to gear takes some effort, it seams like it takes a little extra effort to get the shifter into the "gate". It's not difficult, but I have a '99 C5 and shifting from gear to gear is like butter, requires no effort what so ever. Is there something that can be done to make the shifter smoother, will it smooth out as I drive it more, am I over reacting, or is this the way its suppose to be?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 6
From: LOS ANGELES CA.
Your stick is stiff
I have a 2007 vert, MN6 and the shifter seems pretty "stiff". What I mean by that is that shifting from gear to gear takes some effort, it seams like it takes a little extra effort to get the shifter into the "gate". It's not difficult, but I have a '99 C5 and shifting from gear to gear is like butter, requires no effort what so ever. Is there something that can be done to make the shifter smoother, will it smooth out as I drive it more, am I over reacting, or is this the way its suppose to be?
The second 1000 miles it loosen up in certain gears.Still stiff
The third 1000 miles it loosen up a little more.Still stiff
The fourth 1000 miles it loosen up more.Not as stiff.
Just turned 5000 miles and it feels great.Pretty smooth as opposed to the first 1000-4000 miles.
It will break in and be just fine.Have a little patience. Rod
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 5
From: Ambler Pa.
I have a 2007 vert, MN6 and the shifter seems pretty "stiff". What I mean by that is that shifting from gear to gear takes some effort, it seams like it takes a little extra effort to get the shifter into the "gate". It's not difficult, but I have a '99 C5 and shifting from gear to gear is like butter, requires no effort what so ever. Is there something that can be done to make the shifter smoother, will it smooth out as I drive it more, am I over reacting, or is this the way its suppose to be?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,647
Likes: 1
From: Objects in your mirror are losing , Long Island, NY
St. Jude Donor '08
My 05 6MZ was always smooth, It now has 20k and I would never go to an aftermarket shifter. Stock shift ratio is just perfect. I never miss a shift under load.
Bow-Tie Guy
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 30
From: Chesapeake VA
The first 1000 miles my 6 Speed was very stiff.
The second 1000 miles it loosen up in certain gears.Still stiff
The third 1000 miles it loosen up a little more.Still stiff
The fourth 1000 miles it loosen up more.Not as stiff.
Just turned 5000 miles and it feels great.Pretty smooth as opposed to the first 1000-4000 miles.
It will break in and be just fine.Have a little patience. Rod
The second 1000 miles it loosen up in certain gears.Still stiff
The third 1000 miles it loosen up a little more.Still stiff
The fourth 1000 miles it loosen up more.Not as stiff.
Just turned 5000 miles and it feels great.Pretty smooth as opposed to the first 1000-4000 miles.
It will break in and be just fine.Have a little patience. Rod
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: St. Pete FL
I am totally peed off that GM took a great ZF MN6 German biult transmission that I had in my C4's of 89 and 93 and for my 2007 Vert turned it into one that is akin to a model "A" shifter. What in hell were they thinking??????????
With 3000 miles on my non Z51 trans it is still hard to shift and takes a lot of hard pushing and pulling to move through the gears.
I wonder if it is only the non-Z51 trans like mine or is it a problem on both types?
Royal Purple Syncromax: how much did parts and labor cost to replace tranny fluid?
With 3000 miles on my non Z51 trans it is still hard to shift and takes a lot of hard pushing and pulling to move through the gears.
I wonder if it is only the non-Z51 trans like mine or is it a problem on both types?
Royal Purple Syncromax: how much did parts and labor cost to replace tranny fluid?
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Verdad Gallardo
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
You might have the detent plungers or shift rails binding or maybe the linkage needs adjustment. If it's as bad as you say I'd have your dealership check it out before trying Royal Purple.
My 2005 shifter works well too. I've contemplated installing a B&M shifter but haven't felt a great need to do so.
I wasn't having any problems but I did put Royal Purple into my transmission. I did notice a slight improvement but maybe any fresh fluid would do that. I certainly don't have any complaints about Royal Purple...I'm happy with it.
Good point...if you have a shifter problem and you're concerned with maintaining your warranty, just go to the dealership.
Good point...if you have a shifter problem and you're concerned with maintaining your warranty, just go to the dealership.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: St. Pete FL
Thanks for the thoughts on "Dealer" participation.
But I expect the usual "they are all like that".
Warranty is #1 on my end!
So has anybody discussed this sticky shifter issue with the GM Vette dealer of their choice.
Also I wonder what any Forum dealer might say about this.
Hopefully not "Don't know nothing about it, did not know about it, we just sell em".
But GM has done something to improve the 08 tranny from what I hear.
But I expect the usual "they are all like that".
Warranty is #1 on my end!
So has anybody discussed this sticky shifter issue with the GM Vette dealer of their choice.
Also I wonder what any Forum dealer might say about this.
Hopefully not "Don't know nothing about it, did not know about it, we just sell em".
But GM has done something to improve the 08 tranny from what I hear.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Virginia Bch VA
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St. Jude Donor '06
Mine made a difference
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Virginia Bch VA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '06
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Minot North Dakota
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '21
Your wheels are hot!!!
Le Mans Master<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/5k-6k.gif" border="0">
Joined: May 2007
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
What I do notice, is that it gets easier if you repeat a shift. In other words, sitting in the car not moving, e-brake on. Clutch in and shift from 1st to 2nd. It's knotchy. Go back to 1st and do it again. Now it's silky smooth. Makes me wonder if I didn't get something lined up right when I installed my shifter.
-Ben
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,858
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From: Burlington County NJ
This is only my 2nd manual car ever, but i have never been happy with the shifting.
Its an 05 with 16000 miles on it and it has never gotten any better.
I still have alot of trouble shifitng into 1st sometimes, but i guess thats a different issue.
i think i remember hearing that theres something the dealer can do if you have trouble going into 1st gear 20% or more of the time? anyone know?
Its an 05 with 16000 miles on it and it has never gotten any better.
I still have alot of trouble shifitng into 1st sometimes, but i guess thats a different issue.
i think i remember hearing that theres something the dealer can do if you have trouble going into 1st gear 20% or more of the time? anyone know?