Hey all,

Just bought my '01 WS6 M6 last weekend! I LOVE the car. While the LT1 was great, I'm happy to be moving up to the world of LS1's, and I'm also new to manuals.

First issue - Car came with a SHORT shifter kit already installed, and I mean short. I may be new to Manual but I am somewhat familiar with shifters as I have driven a few friend's manuals. Any idea how I can tell exactly which shift kit it is?

Also, the shift Handle is REALLY short, to the point where the shift **** sits almost below the centerpiece area for the shifter. Is there anyone that makes a standard length shift handle? or does anyone have a price/part number for the stock one? I also need a new shift know, this metal momo one with the screw holes in it is annoying.

Here is my noobie question - its about gear dropping. When I drop it into second from say 35 mph, it kinda chirps and shutters into 2nd, like i did something wrong. Do I have to match RPMs before I drop a gear, or slowly clutch it out or something? Is something wrong with the trans? I'd like to get an idea now, as I have a 3 month warranty on the car.

As usual, thanks to everyone who can give me some insight on these issues. Have a good one!

 

That does sound really short, but some pictures might help us out. You'd have to take the console and rubber shifter protector off to see exactly what shifter is on there. They might have taken the stock shifter and cut it or bought a shorter stick and cut it. You do need to match rpm's when downshifting, but that stuttering may be the clutch being bad or maybe not. Try slipping the clutch out a little more. If it's really tight and hard to slip, you may have an aftermarket clutch on there. Congrats on the new purchase and good luck.

 

If you're just downshifting and dropping the clutch you are damaging things... you really should rpm match as best as you can or feather the clutch; otherwise you maybe looking at a tranny rebuild sooner than later.

As for shifter length; go online and get just a "short" shifter stick and the **** you want. The sticks are like $20 off ebay. these are short, but not as short as what you are describing.

To check what shifter you have just remove the shifter boot, and you should be able to see a logo, if not, then you may have to remove the concole and basically almost remove the shifter assembly (There are TONS of DIY's on ehre about it, just search for shifter install).

To me it almost sounds like you have a custom shortened stick; similar to how mine is. I run a Pro 5.0 with 1.5" removed from the stick and a MBA Billet **** which has a 3/4" recess before it threads in.... it's DAMN SHORT; but I wouldn't have it any other way. Works great, and makes for really really quick shifts with no missed 2-3 shifts.