C5 Corvette Manual Shifter Mod (Shorten)

[@fritzmeynejr2983]

Thanks for your videos. I took my stock shifter, left it attached, used four hands (yes my son and myself) I held the shifter from rotating while he threaded the factory rod all of the way down (9/16 18 thread cutter) to the larger radius section. We then, leaving the Thread cutter on the shifter, we cut off the depth of the internal aftermarket round knob. Then we turned the thread cutter "off" cleaning the threads from the cut. Worked perfectly. Next is the two washers(Venom) kit. I really like shorter height.

[@Toys4Life]

Nicely done!

[@josherhard7808]

Run a nut all the way down to the bottom of the thread before you cut. Then after you cut just back the nut off with a ratchet. It will clean and reshape the threads as it comes of

[@petercarey6883]

Sometimes the simplest mods are the best mods. Brilliant! Save the Wave.

[@MichaelTolento-ck9pu]

Great Mod...And...it's All about Personal Choices!! The Venom Mod...No washers-OEM, 1washer-improvement(my personal fave retains mechanical "feel"), 2washers-many describe as "loose/vague"....YOUR Personal Choice!!
Short/Cut OEM Shift Lever...recall your Physics 101 fulcrum/lever Class...the more you cut off...the more "effort" to row thru the shift pattern!! By cutting the recommended 7/8 inch...you retain the OEM convert back to original capability!!
Allow me to ADD that a WEIGHTED Shift Knob(Cube, C5R Rod, PistolGrip, Handle etc) will assist across-the-board in the Overall Shift Experience....You will NOT have a B&M, Hurst, MGW Shifter But You WILL have as Good as it can get for less coin.....recall Personal Choices!! 🥂

[@mcm95403]

Also, for anyone who doesn't know about TDmodcustoms, he rebuilds the factory shifter box - it's the ultimate shifter mod you didn't know you need.

[@Team512]

Great little mod. Might consider after you have a chance to report back on the results. 👍

[@jhs5150]

To me the stock shift knob was hideous and looked/felt like I was shifting with the head of golf club. After looking at both the B&M and Hurst replacement shifters and their $350 price tags, in the interim I bought a $50 replacement shift knob - the round "cue ball" type. It does have the correct shift pattern and the Corvette logo on it so that with a new boot definitely looks like a nice upgrade. I also found that if you screw it almost all of the way down before you tighten the locking nut it definitely reduces the throw length when shifting. So much so in fact, that I scrapped the idea of replacing the shifter entirely. Get rid of that stock shift knob, folks.

[@Toys4Life]

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of the C5 shift knob either, I should really do something about that!

[@dollahdave]

I cut off about 1/2" and threw that stock one away,( I hated that thing) Installed a "ball" shifter knob.So much better IMO. I got a yellow one to match my C5. I think I got it from Twisted Shifterz.

[@Toys4Life]

Nice!

[@SonnyGTA]

I had a short throw shifter in my Vette when I bought it. Sucked. Couldn’t find the gears. Lame. I found a stock shifter and put it back….SOOOO much better.

[@Toys4Life]

Between this and the anti-Venom mod, 10 times better in my humble opinion.

[@walts9930]

Got a spare stock shifter. Haven't looked yet but is there enough thread to shorten the shifter one inch without cutting more threads?

[@mcm95403]

Next time, thread your die on first, then cut, then when you file the end you just unscrew the die to easily clean up whatever is left.

[@MattSump]

This is a good tip. I recently put a C6 knob on mine and previous owner did this shortened shifter mod. Knob did not want to thread so I ended up buying a die to clean the threads up and C6 knob went right on. Edit: If anyone stumbled on this on the internet, I used a Bosch B46023 9/16-18 Size die after so research.

[@Toys4Life]

That would be the smart way to do it....🙂

[@bretthagen827]

Should try the mgw short shift kit for the c5

[@Toys4Life]

Agreed, I need to reach out to those folks see if they can help us out!

[@Dokuji]

what is the purpose of the slot going down the threads? Is that just for the stock shift knob? would an aftermarket knob just thread right on without worrying about that? I've changed a few shift knobs in my day and never seen that.

[@Toys4Life]

The knob just turns on to the shifter shaft until it is snug and pointed where you want it. Then a wedge is lightly pounded in from the top that expands the slot and keeps the knob tight. I want to go with a C6 knob soon as I like the way they look, I am not sure about aftermarket options stay tight - I assume the same way - but maybe not.

[@nyernga]

Before you pry that little wedge out, put one of those little apple locator things on it because it WILL fly away.......ask me how I know

[@Toys4Life]

Lol, true 🤣

[@trevorcolin755]

I spent a pretty penny on an mgw, you might want to add a washer on your trans, called the anti venom mod

[@Toys4Life]

Did the anti venom mod a couple years ago. Good mod 4 sure

[@danielbudimir8519]

The shifter...rod spins on my c5 zo6....why?

[@Toys4Life]

I'm not sure. Does it seem to work properly?

[@danielbudimir8519]

@Toys4Life C5 yes...I guess I have to get a new shifter assembly

[@walts9930]

The throw was likely reduced by 1 inch. I'm contemplating doing it. Your still happy with this mod I presume?

[@Toys4Life]

No Brainer vs. stock C5 length IMO. I might have taken a tad bit more off if I was doing it today.

[@johnnybegoodyeah]

How did the shift mod work out, thinking of doing this myself

[@Toys4Life]

Yes, I love it and may go back in and shorten it a bit more. Do the Anti-venom mod too at the same time!!

[@johnnybegoodyeah]

@@Toys4Life thank you for your answer and suggestion, I will do both at this time.

[@Teramydog]

If you have a cut off wheel why did you use a hack saw? 🤔

[@Toys4Life]

Exercise

[@Teramydog]

Oh.....

[@Team512]

Toys4Life C5 😂

[@tarheelhemoglobin]

After 4 years how are you liking the 3/4" shortened length?

[@Toys4Life]

Absolutely love it. Occasionally I see a normal C5 shifter and I think it looks strange not to mention how long the throw would be.

[@nescockk]

We need more fiero video😭

[@Toys4Life]

OK, I am going to start working on one soon - thank you!

[@nescockk]

@@Toys4Life im sorry if it came off kind of rude it wasn't my intention , i just love your fiero build

[@Toys4Life]

No worries 👍