i just bought a two tone shift boot and i was wondering how to get the shift knob and boot off so i can put the new boot on.

To remove your shift knob, check out my instruction web page at:

http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_install.htm

The boot is removed by pulling in its base towards the shifter shaft and then pulling upward. If I recall correctly, there are sheet metal clips or a ring that needs to be compressed slightly. You'll see what I mean when you start pulling the boot inward.

While we are on the subject of shifters I have a question. The only Vette I have ever drove in my life is my own and one of the first things I noticed was that the shifter was (and still is) extremely stiff. So my first question is, how can I tell if I have an aftermarket shifter (like a short throw)? and my second question is, is there anything I can do to make the shifts more smooth? I've heard switching to Royal Purpule Trans Fluid can help make shifting smoother, but I wanted to get some opinions first. Thanx.

Yes, if your shifter is stiff, in all likelyhood, you have a short-throw. I happen to enjoy the snick-snick of rapid-fire shifts; that's why I installed my BPP. Replacing the tranny fluid with synthetic will help, but it still won't be near a stock shifter, both in ease of use and in lengthy, cumbersome throws. A good compromise, I hear, is the C6 shifter. Its throw is shorter than the stock C5 shifter, but longer than a Hurst, BPP, Ripper, etc. Its main advantage, besides easier shifting, is its vibration isolation construction. My BPP buzzes after the tach hits 3500 rpm and I know why GM isolated the shfter shaft so much!

I definitely like the shorter throws, I just wish it was a little bit smoother. I sat in a new Z06 at the car show last month and was playing around with shifter and it felt extremely smooth.

The C6 shifter will bolt right in to your C5. The only thing is that you'll have to use a C6 shift knob.

I cut my OEM shifter off about an inch and really like the results. Very easy, very cheap mod.


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