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I am looking for the best way to change my standard C5 manual shifter to a new Z06 shifter. I have the shifter box and all, is it better to change the whole thing or should I just change the shifter? Also, is there an easy way to modify the standard boot?
Buy a C6 ZO6 shifter from Gene at http://www.gmpartshouse.com/. It will cost you around $200 and it comes with the shifter and lower box. It is a direct bolt in for the C5. It has a shorter throw and is more precise than the C5 shifter. A significant improvement in my oppinion. There are many threads that discuss installation. Simple.
Easy to do:
Remove the boot,and turn it inside out.
On the small end,the leather is folded back over itself and glued with some hella good GM glue.
But,the glue is no match for a pair of either needlenose or duckbill pliers -just grab it and start slowly pulling it loose,work your way around a little at a time,and try not to rip it(although you can get away with about a 3/8" rip,and it won't show when you're done)
Then,pull off all the pieces of glue on the end(when you get here,you'll know what I'm talking about)
WET the end of the boot down with some leather conditioner,and give it about 15 minutes to soak in...
then slowly force a 9/16" or 5/8" socket thru the hole--when it gets all the way through(end poking out) let it sit for a few minutes,while you install the shifter.
Before you install the **** on your freshly installed shifter, remove the 5/8" socket,slip the boot over the shaft(it's still inside out),and push it down as far as you can on the shaft,then put the **** on and give it a whack to make sure it's all the way down(no leather pinched in there). Hold the boot down while you put the screw/bolt in that holds the **** on.
THEN pull the boot up onto the plastic part of the **** till the end of the leather is flush with the plastic - then pull the boot down over the assembly,and snap the plastic ring in place.
You may need to put a zip lok around the end of the boot to keep it from sliding off the ****,but on mine,the screw/bolt stuck out enough to hold the boot in place just fine
You do mean a C6 Z06 right? Cause going from a regular C5 manual to a C5Z06 manual shifter will net you nothing since theyre exactly the same.
Well actually the shift box on a C5 Z06 and C6 Z06 are the same as the only difference in either of them from a standard C5 or C6 shift box is the two horizonal mounts are solid bushings and the standards are rubber mounted. This solid mount gives more vibrations and firmer feel as compared to the isolated rubber mounts shift boxes. (C6 Z06, note the silver horizonal mount bushings) ( C6 standard shift box , note the black rubber bushings)
The C6 shifter, standard or Z06 are the same with just under 10% shorter throw than a C5 shifter. There is something to say for the ergonomics of the curved C6 shifter but it is subjective at best.
As far as installation; by all means use the Z06 shift box , but mark the location of the OEM box BEFORE you remove it, so as to have a point from which to reference. Also mark the transmission shift rod at the point that it joins the shifter box. The shift box has slotted mounting holes and a reference is always a good idea if the OEM shifter was smooth and acceptable.
The differences in C5 boot and C6 boot are evident here. .
What I do is open the neck seam, get a cinch ring that will slip over the shifter arm's vibration joint and sew the ring in place.
I've done about half dozen C6 to C5 shifter swaps with no problems. Take your time.
Last edited by dieseldave56; 10-02-2009 at 05:50 AM.
Reason: add images
Rhw shifter box I have looks just like the one in the pictures so I think I will follow the advise listed. Thanks to all and once finished, I will let you all know how it turned out..
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by JropTop
I think what Lonestar means is except for the solid bushings on a "C6 ZO6" shift box vs a C5 shift box?
Wrong. What I mean is what I said.
There are two (2) different shift "boxes" for C5s. One with rubber torque tube mounting bushings (for "regular" C5 6spds) and one with solid torque tube mounting bushings (for C5 Z06s).
From what I tell, the same differences exist between the C6 "regular" and C6 "Z06" shifter boxes as well.
The C6 Z06 shifter has been discontinued, but I can help you out with the stock C6 shifter kit. And as mentioned above, the only differences is in the bushings.
I installed the shifter and it looks great. One problem, when I shift into 6th gear sometimes it will pop out of gear when I release the clutch. How do I remedy that issue?
I installed the shifter and it looks great. One problem, when I shift into 6th gear sometimes it will pop out of gear when I release the clutch. How do I remedy that issue?
There are two (2) different shift "boxes" for C5s. One with rubber torque tube mounting bushings (for "regular" C5 6spds) and one with solid torque tube mounting bushings (for C5 Z06s).
From what I tell, the same differences exist between the C6 "regular" and C6 "Z06" shifter boxes as well.
My bad,Lonestar,i misread the question,i thought he was comparing C5 shift box to a C6 ZO6 shift box!
10-01-2009, 07:38 PM
Changing a standard C5 shifter to a Z06 shifter
( C6 standard shift box , note the black rubber bushings)
. 
What I mean is what I said. 
