Shifting Question

[pheick]

We have an 03 Torch Red Z06 and we are concerned about the ease of shifting. We also have an 03 KIA Rio 5 speed (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) and my youngest daughter has 03 Hyundai Tiburon 6-speed. Both the Kia and Hyundai are considerably easier to shift than the Z06 - the shift is smoother and requires less effort. The Z06 is 'stiffer' and requires a conscious effort to engage the gears. Are all Z06's 'hard' to shift?

Thanks,
Phil Heick

 

[rwd]

Everything is relative.

The short answer is that any transmission that is built to take the amount of power an LS6 produces will be comprised of parts that are harder to move than one built for the cars you mention. The length of the lever is another variable.

But, basically, the effort is not unusual for a transmission capable of handling the power.

It's unlikely there is a problem, but if you have concerns, I'd suggest trying another Z at a dealership.

 

[c5vetter]

you are comparing a sprots car to tin cans basically - big difference in torque and horsepower!

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Another thing to consider is that the transmission is different in design. Those transmissions are either with the shifter directly mounted to the transmission shifter rail, or they are cable actuated.
Now, for c5, this shifter uses a rod design, which may require a little more effort.
Also, your sig shows an 03. Your syncronizers will not be completely broken in for at least 7500 miles.
I would reevaluate after this time.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[rwd]

That's the 'long version' I was alluding to.

As always, thanks for the post.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Shifting

How long ago did you get the ZO6. Mine is still in the break-in period, but I notice a huge difference in shifting from when it had 100 miles and now with 1200. This is my second 6 speed C5. When I traded my 99, I noticed a big difference in shift feel. It most likely will loosen up over time. My clutch pedal effort is about the same, even though the clutch is more heavy duty in the Z.

 

[THE YAV]

Pheick,
Have you changed the trans fluid to a sytheic Dextron III fluid ie
Mobil 1, Redline Amsoil etc. Try this first, a lot of Z and C5 MN6/MN12 owners have expericenced hard shiffting changed the trans fluid to sytheic which improved shifting. Try this link under Downstram of the Engine, it applies to the Z/06/MN12 however it mention's the MN6. www.idavette.net/hibz06/index.htm
Hope this helps
v/r
THEYAV

 

[paintman]

Yep, i picked up my new Z06, 6 speed, today and noticed that it was significantly harder to shift than my previous '00 ragtop. I remember that my '00 loosened up quite a bit after the first couple hundred miles.

Anyone have any good mod ideas for my Z06????

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Mod Ideas and Congrats.!

Well, the first day I had mine, I ripped off that intake and installed the Blackwing, Granatelli ZO6 MAF sensor and the carbon fiber power air bridge. I by-passed the CAGS, installed the 160 degree thermostat and did the coolant by-pass. She runs 176 degrees on a 80+ degree day. I finally got my new Predator after I traded my old one back to Diablosport. I the lowered my cooling fans start temperature to 180 degrees, and raised the rev limiter to a disappointing 6600 rpm. Power Enrichment has been cranked up. I just purchased the Borla Stingers that should arrive tomorrow. Anyone want to buy my Titanium Exhaust? Only 2200 miles on it. That's a few ideas, hope they help.

 

[paintman]

thanks for the info. I was told that the factory Corsa titaniums are "tuned" for the vehicle and you wouldnt see that much of a difference in performance by switching 'em out. I think the guy was full of &^%$. the name of the game is air in and air out.

 

[FLYNLO]

We have an 03 Torch Red Z06 and we are concerned about the ease of shifting. We also have an 03 KIA Rio 5 speed (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) and my youngest daughter has 03 Hyundai Tiburon 6-speed. Both the Kia and Hyundai are considerably easier to shift than the Z06 - the shift is smoother and requires less effort. The Z06 is 'stiffer' and requires a conscious effort to engage the gears. Are all Z06's 'hard' to shift?

Thanks,
Phil Heick

Phil, I think "smoothness" is relative. The cars you speak of being "smooth" most people with a sportscar would think it to be spongy....with no feedback. In a sportscar(which is what you just bought), you want feedback. You want to "feel" the gear hit home. You do not want it to feel like a butter churn where you are not sure where it went. I hope this makes sense. It's is synonymous with saying that your car rides rough over the bumps...it is the price you pay for performance.