Chevrolet Corvette Short Throw Shift Kit - Finding The Right Gear

To take out the center fascia, remove the Torx-head screws under the ashtray/cigarette-lighter door.

Once these screws are removed, the fascia plate is simply held in place by push-in retainers that allow the plate to be pulled away from the dash. Be sure to disconnect the cigarette-lighter pigtail at this point.

The shift knob is the next thing to come out. The factory knob (previously replaced on our C5) has a top cap that simply pops off. The knob itself is held in place by a wedge that fits tightly into the shifter handle. Gently pry the wedge out; the knob can then be unscrewed counterclockwise. Note: On C6s, an aftermarket knob will be required with the new shifter.

Remove the 10mm nuts to detach the shifter boot. The original boot can be reused with the Fidanza shifter.

Before removing the OEM shifter, place it in Neutral. There's a line-up hole at the front or rear of the shifter where you can insert a locking pin. This pin locks the linkage in Neutral to allow for easy installation.

Next, remove the factory shifter assembly; it's held in place with four 10mm bolts. Before you pull the shifter handle out of the housing, blow away any debris or contaminants that may have accumulated. Then, simply pull the shifter straight up and out.

The nylon isolator from the stock shifter must be installed on the new Fidanza unit.

A little silicone along the mounting base helps isolate the shifter from driveline noise. A dab of synthetic wheel-bearing grease on the pivot ball and isolator keeps the shifts smooth.

Reverse the removal process, and the shifter install is complete. The entire process should take less than one hour.