Difficulty Quick shifting M7
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 150
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
Difficulty Quick shifting M7
I have a 2014 m7 I have logged about 2000 miles in. I am having trouble shifting quickly through the gears 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4 with this trans. i mean quickly as in trying to run 0 to 60 time or quarter mile time. Missing shifts, missing gates, is this a Common problem with others or do I just need to practice more? Any advice on this?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 939
From: Georgetown, Tx
Yep, my 2014 is the same way. My earlier C4 and C5 manual transmissions were not like this one and I could shift them through those gear trains quicker.
The M7 in my 14 is a little different story. I believe internally the M7 is much more robust than previous Corvette transmissions. And this is perhaps why the synchronizers tend to mesh slower than earlier transmissions, thus causing missed shifts, etc.
Ultimately, the M7 driver has to learn the strengths and weaknesses of this transmission. It took me a little over 3000 miles to become fully comfortable with.
The M7 in my 14 is a little different story. I believe internally the M7 is much more robust than previous Corvette transmissions. And this is perhaps why the synchronizers tend to mesh slower than earlier transmissions, thus causing missed shifts, etc.
Ultimately, the M7 driver has to learn the strengths and weaknesses of this transmission. It took me a little over 3000 miles to become fully comfortable with.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 150
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
Yes that's exactly what its like. Like It doesn't want to move its internals that fast. I am used to a c3 st10 that was practically instantaneous. Also the margin of error shifting from 2 to 3 is very small and a little scary.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 150
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
No I usually keep it in rev matching I really like that feature. But it doesn't seem to help. There seems to be very little margin of error when shifting from 2 to 3. Seems easy to hit 1 or 5 by mistake.
Always Shiftin'
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,029
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From: Central Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C5 of Year Finalist (stock)
I wasn't too disappointed with the stock shifter when I first drove my 2016. However, like with the previous 3 Corvettes I owned, I replaced the stock shifter with the MGW assembly.
The MGW shifter makes shifts much more precise/positive once you get used to it. I have no issues at all "power shifting" with my MGW.
The MGW shifter makes shifts much more precise/positive once you get used to it. I have no issues at all "power shifting" with my MGW.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 734
From: Phoenix, Arizona
If you're into that kind of performance, I'd definitely recommend a short throw shifter. I have an MGW shifter that made a huge difference and it really helps minimize challenges with the specific gates you're speaking of. 4 to 5 shift can still a bit inconsistent for me because of the 7th gear gate, but that's on me because I don't log a ton of miles. Additionally, there is a spring detent mechanism in the transmission that might be weak which affects the feedback pressure you feel between gates. Some people modify that mechanism with what's called the "Anti Venom" mod which cuts down on the feedback pressure you get from the shifter. It's easy to check if a previous owner had done it and at least rule it out.
BTW, it's the same for the C7
BTW, it's the same for the C7
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 943
From: Bonney Lake Washington
yup
I wasn't too disappointed with the stock shifter when I first drove my 2016. However, like with the previous 3 Corvettes I owned, I replaced the stock shifter with the MGW assembly.
The MGW shifter makes shifts much more precise/positive once you get used to it. I have no issues at all "power shifting" with my MGW.
The MGW shifter makes shifts much more precise/positive once you get used to it. I have no issues at all "power shifting" with my MGW.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 768
From: Lindenhurst, IL
I have no issues with the OEM shifter on my C7, and have never missed a shift.
I apologize if you know all of this already....This guy does a good job of describing the proper way (in my opinion) to operate a shifter on a manual transmission.
If you grip (or hold onto) the shifter, and try to direct it into gear by consciously guiding it through the H-pattern, you're going to miss gears.
Using the method shown in the video, you'll never miss a gear.....assuming that you're timing the clutch pedal correctly.
I apologize if you know all of this already....This guy does a good job of describing the proper way (in my opinion) to operate a shifter on a manual transmission.
If you grip (or hold onto) the shifter, and try to direct it into gear by consciously guiding it through the H-pattern, you're going to miss gears.
Using the method shown in the video, you'll never miss a gear.....assuming that you're timing the clutch pedal correctly.
Last edited by car2fast4you; Apr 10, 2024 at 02:55 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 956
Likes: 440
From: FL
Stock or MGW, I have the same results. If I try to quick bang the shifter it gets hung up between gates. Sometimes it's ok, sometime it's not. The MGW I think made it a little worse only because now the shifts are notchy. Not smooth. Like advertised though.
Always Shiftin'
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,029
Likes: 941
From: Central Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C5 of Year Finalist (stock)
I guess after having the MGW on my last 4 Corvettes, I am used to the unique shifting feel. It does take some getting used to.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 960
Likes: 270
From: Western PA
I've owned the manual Corvette for a bit over two years and did around 10,000 miles. The more miles you log the better you will get. Rev matching is nice. The engine will tell you if you jammed the wrong gear. That is until you get real fast at shifting. Sequential shift would have been nice in these cars.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 559
Likes: 43
From: Bonita Springs FL
Try this, It helped me on my C6.
1st to 2nd, cup the shifter and pull straight back, no thumbs.
2nd to 3rd, cup the shifter and push in the direction of 3rd, again, no thumbs.
Rinse and repeat.
I can't remember where I read about this technique but it did help big time.
1st to 2nd, cup the shifter and pull straight back, no thumbs.
2nd to 3rd, cup the shifter and push in the direction of 3rd, again, no thumbs.
Rinse and repeat.
I can't remember where I read about this technique but it did help big time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,832
Likes: 1,173
From: Wauconda Il
Not sure about the mechanics if there’s any difference besides ones flat and ones not (cosmetic) I do know for a fact you can’t use any stock ***** on the flat stick