So I bought my C5 with a B&M Ripper in it. I don't like it at all. In fact, I hate it. It's really "clicky" and hard to get into each gear.

I'm used to a Hurst 6-speed from my Firehawk days and I loved that shifter. I've also heard good things about the C6 Z06 shifter. Can I get some recommendations? I want something smooth, easy to use, with reverse lockout and I don't particularly like the short sticks. I've also heard and read awesome things about the MGW.

Also, can I install this myself? I prefer to do that when I can, it just increases my knowledge of the car and affords me a new and valuable skill. My local shop wants to charge $80/hr for labor to do it and quoted me an hour. I realize that the c6 shifter drops right in but I think that's converting from the stock shifter and not aftermarket. Will this be a total bear that I will want the shop to handle or can I do it myself? I can tell you now my husband won't do it, so it's me or the shop.

Your help is appreciated.

 

Installing a shifter in your C5 Corvette is not hard at all. Once you pop the trim off, it comes off with I think 2 torx bolts. There was a how-to in GMHTP once, I forget which issue.

The B&M shifter is "clicky" because it's meant to give you a more positive, accurate shift. If you want a softer (and sloppier) shifter, just go back to the stock C5 shifter. I'm not sure if a C6 shifter will fit, the best place to find that out is a Vette forum.