Corvette Performance - C5 Z06 short shifter question. Newbie.

I just bought a used 2002 z06 2 days ago. So i am a newbie to the corvette thing, I traded my 01 SS in for it. Im sure I will be in here more often now.

Anyway it has a short shifter in it, Im not sure what kind. I pulled the boot back and shift knob off to see what kind it was. No markings found but after looking at pics online it looks like a MGW except the bracket that that attaches the upper rod to the lower is billet silver colored not like the black bracket on the MGW website. Is this an older design or a different brand?

Also since I have never driven a Z06 until I bought this, the shifter feels very short and can be difficult to find 1st and reverse. There is little to no play in netural so its hard to tell where its going, shifter feels tight. Not sure what to compare it to except the SS. Anyone else get this?

I am not sure on what brand yours is but I have a Hurst. The top of the base is gold colored so it doesnt sound like yours. As far first and reverse I dont have any issues with mine. The shorter stick on the shifter did make it take more arm strength to shift versus the taller factory shifter though.

I am not sure on what brand yours is but I have a Hurst. The top of the base is gold colored so it doesnt sound like yours. As far first and reverse I dont have any issues with mine. The shorter stick on the shifter did make it take more arm strength to shift versus the taller factory shifter though.

I have a 2003 Z and first went with a B&M shifter. Shifted good but reverse in a parking lot was a nightmare. Nothing worked as far as adjusting so I tried the MGW. This was a night and day difference as the MGW was smooth as glass, even going in reverse.

You might look up how to adjust your shifter before buying another.

I think this was my B&M
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t176/SportSide/BM.jpg

I tried the MGW and didn't care for it. First through fourth was fine but fifth, sixth, and reverse required too much effort. It was notchy as well. I then modified the stock C5 by sawing off about an inch and a half and that worked very well with a billet handle...effort and engagement was perfect but the shifter was still a little tall. I now have a shortened C6Z shifter and it is perfect.

I kind of know what you mean, the bushings are somewhat firmer in the Z06.. and the shorter the handle the less leverage you will have.
But, after some time I'm sure you will learn it perfecftly..mine took me a while..

Thanks for replies guys. I can drive the car and will probably get used to it but dont want a chance at a mis-shift.

I kind of know what you mean, the bushings are somewhat firmer in the Z06.. and the shorter the handle the less leverage you will have.
But, after some time I'm sure you will learn it perfecftly..mine took me a while..

You can purchase replacement rubber bushings for the shifter box and they will help firm up the feel and reduce vibration. They are available from Corvette Central, Mid-America, eBay and other places.

I'm actually looking for one right now I think I'm going to try b&m ripper I looks like more people like this one

That's what I have. Works great and put a custom billet plate in place to replace the shifter boot.

You may want to venture over to the corvetteforum and do a search on shifters. I installed a C6Z06 shifter and am very satisfied

S carve I see your about 40 min from me. If your around any meets/shows you can try my MGW out.

Here's a link to my install

http://ls1tech.com/forums/corvette-performance/1463345-new-designed-mgw-shifter-installed-z06-carbon-edition-suede-knob-boot.html