C7 manual transmission shifting
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Boise Idaho
C7 manual transmission shifting
I'm curious what other experience with regard to C7 Manual Transmission Shifting? It seems to me the synchros are incredibly slow, not something I would expect from a performance car. Whether I shift 1-2 or let the car guide from 1-4, I find if shifts way smoother if I allow a noticeable pause between gears.
Last edited by 2016SilverZ06; Jan 1, 2020 at 12:17 PM.
Popular Reply
Jan 1, 2020, 06:38 PM
Tech Contributor
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Bill
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From: Fulshear, TX
Quality aftermarket synthetic fluid helps a lot. The OEM stuff is junk. My personal choice is Redline D4. 2014 Z51 w/49k miles and it shifts better now than it did when brand new. I also have the ZIP Corvette shifter bushings and TMOD Customs shifter box.
Last edited by Kracka; Jan 1, 2020 at 12:52 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
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From: Near Charlotte NC
As others have mentioned,a better fluid makes a diff.I use Amsoil in my '17.
One note....when I changed mine,I noticed that it was about 1/2 qt low from the factory.
Of course,Tremecs are known to be notchy when cold.Mine was for the first 1000 miles or so.
Miles & better fluid did the trick for me.
\db2
One note....when I changed mine,I noticed that it was about 1/2 qt low from the factory.
Of course,Tremecs are known to be notchy when cold.Mine was for the first 1000 miles or so.
Miles & better fluid did the trick for me.
\db2
Last edited by dbaker; Jan 1, 2020 at 03:58 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,332
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
As others have mentioned,a better fluid makes a diff.I use Amsoil in my '17.
One note....when I changed mine,I noticed that it was about 1/2 qt low from the factory.
Of course,Tremecs are known to be notchy when cold.Mine was for the first 1000 miles or so.
Miles & better fluid did the trick for me.
\db2
One note....when I changed mine,I noticed that it was about 1/2 qt low from the factory.
Of course,Tremecs are known to be notchy when cold.Mine was for the first 1000 miles or so.
Miles & better fluid did the trick for me.
\db2
Race Director
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From: Bonneville Salt Flats
I changed fluid in my C5 within a week of it arriving, but I didn't see it made that much difference. Hence, I didn't bother with my C7. Mine doesn't bother me; indeed, it isn't that much different than any other manual, apart from the one in my wife's '99 Miata Sport. I find temperature of the unit and fluid matters... but, your clunkiness may differ. Happy New Year. 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,772
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From: Indianapolis IN
I'm curious what other experience with regard to C7 Manual Transmission Shifting? It seems to me the synchros are incredibly slow, not something I would expect from a performance car. Whether I shift 1-2 or let the car guide from 1-4, I find if shifts way smoother if I allow a noticeable pause between gears.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 841
From: New Jersey
Let us know how it works. I changed my fluid to Mobil-1 Synthetic Dexron-3 fluid and it made little, if any difference. My 2nd gear syncro often grinds a bit, even when the transmission is hot.
Same issue as OP. Subscribed for more responses.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 38
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From: Boise Idaho
I changed fluid in my C5 within a week of it arriving, but I didn't see it made that much difference. Hence, I didn't bother with my C7. Mine doesn't bother me; indeed, it isn't that much different than any other manual, apart from the one in my wife's '99 Miata Sport. I find temperature of the unit and fluid matters... but, your clunkiness may differ. Happy New Year.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Fulshear, TX
Keep in mind this transmission is designed to handle quite a bit more torque than a Miata gearbox! I'm a former S2000 owner so I get what you mean. After the mods I listed above, I would put this transmission in the top 3 that I've owned/modified in sports cars.
Last edited by Kracka; Jan 1, 2020 at 06:34 PM.
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Bill
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IMO it shifts very smooth at a high RPM. To drive in the city or slow traffic the M7 doesn't hack it.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
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That is more about launching and gearing Vs shifting. Z06 can do 0 to 67 mph in low gear so it doesn't matter how fast a transmission shifts if it doesn't need to shift at all. Once warm the C7 M7 transmissions shift fine with little effort. I can shift mine quickly using my finger tips and the palm of my hand.
Bill
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From: Fulshear, TX
Thanks. My '14 Z51 doesn't like 1st as it seems hard to engage and I grind it occasionally (temp doesn't matter). Other then that its decent - shifts well on track but can be a bit notchy or stiff around town. I went from the OEM fluid to Mobil 1 and noticed it was 1/2 quart low. Replacing the fluid helped a little, but I am being to think a shifter box might be the answer. I believe TMOD sells one that reduces the effort. I don't want a short shifter, I feel the throws are fine its just the engagement that seems off.
Last edited by Kracka; Jan 5, 2020 at 09:47 AM.
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From: Fulshear, TX
Last edited by Kracka; Jan 5, 2020 at 09:47 AM.