Transmission Improvements
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
Transmission Improvements
My 2006 Base Coupe is fine in all respects except one. The paddle shifters. The lag times are horrific!
They are terrible, nothing like the 'paddles' of later models.
Are there any things I can do to improve the shifting characteristics of the paddle shifter's?
Kits? Software? (I do have the Diablo Sport tuning kit, but it really didn't improve the paddle shifting.)
As I am not enamored with the C7 and C8 (Not for the usual complaints, rather they are both terribly uncomfortable for me to drive) I am going to keep my C6. I have done a number of modifications to engine and suspension, so I am quite happy with its overall performance, with the exception of the 'paddles'
I look forward to any comments/suggestion from the group!
Many thanks in advance!
MC
They are terrible, nothing like the 'paddles' of later models.
Are there any things I can do to improve the shifting characteristics of the paddle shifter's?
Kits? Software? (I do have the Diablo Sport tuning kit, but it really didn't improve the paddle shifting.)
As I am not enamored with the C7 and C8 (Not for the usual complaints, rather they are both terribly uncomfortable for me to drive) I am going to keep my C6. I have done a number of modifications to engine and suspension, so I am quite happy with its overall performance, with the exception of the 'paddles'
I look forward to any comments/suggestion from the group!
Many thanks in advance!
MC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,291
Likes: 1,283
From: Phoenix, AZ to Quakertown, PA.
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Get a reputable Speed shop to give you a dyno tune. I had that done after header install and had engine and tranny done, NOW it is so enjoyable to use the paddles. I can't remember the last time I drove in D....
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
I understand the 2007 and 8 the paddles were much better. Will that trans work in my car, and if so, will I gain much improvement?
Or will one of the much later trans work without a lot of modification?
Gotta do something!
Thread Starter
Ham Radio - W7RKN
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 10
From: Reno, Nevada
The technician that worked on my car, a gentleman named Walt, who, sadly, passed away 2 years ago, told me once that at that time, there wasn't much that could be done with the 2006 tranny. 2006 was first year for the paddles and GM/Chevrolet/Corvette had a bit to learn about paddles yet. Each subsequent year, they improved the paddle operation, but the 'improvements, weren't retro.
Walt, could forget about Corvettes in seconds, what it would take me a year to learn, and I worked as a wrench all my life! His loss as a friend and as a fellow wrench saddens me deeply.
Maybe I will revisit Diablo if they are still in business and see if they have come up with anything new.......
Last edited by MCharlie; Mar 10, 2021 at 02:24 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
Not a fact the 06 A6 can’t be tuned. I have an 06 and had Vette Drs in NY tuned mine and it made a world of difference in shifting speed and solid feel of the gear changes., with the trans tune now I use them very much more so. Find yourself a shop in your area who is well versed in Corvettes and you’ll be smiling more driving.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 1,133
From: North Myrtle Beach SC
There is nothing physically different between 2006 and 2013 6L80e transmissions, but the 2012 and 2013 shift harder and faster due to GM programming charges. Mine will chirp the tires on the 1-2 shift even with the paddles
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
Actually there are differences. I found out the hard way and needed mine rebuilt by Circle D. Included in the fix they built it up to post 06 standard and even a little more if I remember correctly.
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