LT4 LT4 6-speed shifter - recommendations?

[sbu8999]

I have an LT4 w/6-speed manual, and while it's not cranky there seems to be a definite "hesitation", snitch, glitch, snag or whatever if I try to rush it thru the gates. I bought a Hurst BILLETT/PLUS ("fits C4 Corvettes with manual trasnmission", so it sez), but the install manual is leaves something to the imagination. Calls for dropping the exhause from the cats on back. Ouch. My local friendly Chev dealer wants to drop the tranny to do it (duh!).

So, for those who have opinions on a fast and smooth shifter, I'd like to hear your experience, advice and recommendations.

thanks,

 

[froggy47]

How long have you had it? I thought the same when I got mine. I changed the fluid (diden't do much - but I felt better (50k miles). Then I had others drive it who had owned Vettes (especially a couple of autox instructors) and they said it felt fine.

It's a bit of an "Armstrong" tranny if you are used to Honda/Toyota.

Are you getting the clutch all the way down?

The other thing is that the master& slave for the clutch do get "lazy" after a few years. You could bleed/change the fluid.

I would get it sorted out b4 I put the Hurst in.

 

[sbu8999]

Thanks Froggy,

Bought car May '03 with 32000 miles, now at 38000. All fluids are fine,
and clutch has always wanted to be buried into the carpet. Dealer (Vette fan and friend) sez this critter has no adjustment possible, and is normal.
Problem seems more with the shifter than anything else. :confused

Cool avatar -- as a newbie I note that lots of the LT4 members show off their backsides -- which is the most common view one has of an LT4 !! :s

 

[froggy47]

Thanks Froggy,

Bought car May '03 with 32000 miles, now at 38000. All fluids are fine,
and clutch has always wanted to be buried into the carpet. Dealer (Vette fan and friend) sez this critter has no adjustment possible, and is normal. /QUOTE]



No adjustment available is sort of correct. Same with all hydraulic clutches I think, but, the fluid & seals will degrade. Also moisture & air bubbles will cause incomplete disengagement.

I still suggest a flush & bleed before you tear into the tranny/shifter. The bleed can be a little tricky - ZFdoc has a procedure & there's a tool (Phoenix tool) to do a reverse bleed & force the bubbles up & not down.

Let us know how it turns out!

 

[WradDad]

I installed the Hurst shifter into my '96. I did drop the exhaust system, but only because I had another issue I had to deal with. With small hands and the right tools, you could do it without dropping the exhaust.

You definately do not have to drop the trans.

When I bought the car, with the stock shifter, I had a little trouble adjusting to the clutch and shift effort. Previous car was a Nissan 240SX. I got used to the effort, but still hated the long throw of the shifter. The short shift kit fixed that, and I'm a happy camper!

Barry

 

[Greg@NASA]

The previous owner had installed the Hurst shifter, so i only remember what the OEM long throw felt like on friends' 'vettes......the Hurst reminds me of the way a M-21 felt on a Camaro I had as a youngster, no complaints so far.


Greg

 

[all4c4lt4]

I still suggest a flush & bleed before you tear into the tranny/shifter.

I also think you should flush you clutch fluid. You should also change your tranny fluid (I think zf recommends every 20k miles, not what gm recommends). I would use (well I did use) the Castrol oil made for BMW p/n 07510009420. It takes 2.2 quarts. The shifter will not address your concerns, but will give you a shorter, possibly "notchier" throw. I'm also thinking you could possibly have a slave cylinder going bad.

Either way, there is no need to drop the tranny for a shifter change. Dropping the exhaust makes install easier. FWIW I have a Hurst shifter and like it.

 

[sbu8999]

To All who responded...

Thanks for your help and input. I think I'll follow ALL the advice and
a) change fluids, get onto a clean slate; and b), install the Hurst
after checking the effects of the fresh fluids, and also to get the short throw.

Thanks again!