Ok, I've had enough. The stock shifter sucks.
The throw is too long, shifts are not positive and the centering is weak.
That all said, I have found 2 replacements. Hurst and B&M claim to have better mouse traps. I have installed Hurst units in my older Vettes with good results, but they were '70 & '80 models.
Has any one installed either or both of these shifters and care to share your opinions?

My opinion is based on the B&M Ripper Shifter, I have found that it is very stiff, it never jumps out of first gear and I have never missed a shift to third gear.

I do have a little bit of trouble shifting to fifth gear and down shifting to fifth gear. Screw It!! I just avoid fifth gear but I still love the stiff feel of the B&M Ripper

I have kept my eyes open for some opinions on th new Hurst shifter, looks very close to the B&M Ripper.

If you are going to the Hurst please give us some ideas on it's feel, does it hit third with 'NO EXCEPTIONS' does it have any other problems with any other gears etc...... .....Later, JA

I also have the B&M shifter and am very happy with it. It is much more positive feeling than stock. Some folks have had problems with a "rattle" after putting the stock knob back on the B&M. I didn't have a problem since I replaced the shifter and ball at the same time. (check out www.flameball.com when you get a chance!)
Hurst is supposed to have a shifter available sometime this year (said that last year as well) and Kirban is another popular shifter for the C5. I suspect you'd be OK with just about anything other than the stock unit.

Good luck!

I have used Kirban in my last Vette and I have a B&M in my Z06, these are both good shifter. I have a Hurst that the company sent me for *******Disclaimer*********** for free to try out, I have made some changes to it and will put it in the car in the next week or so, I will report.

I'm one of those who has bought into the hype of how great the new Hurst is supposed to be...It's been on order for about a month now. Will let you about it once I receive it and get it installed.

I've tried both the B&M and Kirban and the B&M was too harsh for me. It had very short throws, but as you know from basic mechanics, the shorter the throw, the more effort is required. The Kirban has throws between the factory and B&M, with excellent effort requirements and very precise feel. I doubt a Hurst or any other shifter could be much better.

Remember, a shifter is just a lever. The shorter the lever, the harder it is to shift.

I spoke to Power Tower(Pro 5.0)on Friday, about the release of their C5 shifter. I was told that it would be out in mid February. I have had their shifters previously in other vehicles, and loved them. I can't wait to place my order.

I had a Ripper and really liked it in the beginning, but changed to a modified stock unit because of the stiffness.

Pro 5.0(Mustang application)

I have the ripper. I also have strong arms. I wish my ripper was stiffer. It is always precise.
Since I've put it in I haven't missed a shift at the drag strip yet.

If you are used to the hurst style shifters of old, then this is nothing like them because it is a short throw shifter. You may wish to get a longer shifter, but for the C5 I wouldn't recommend it.

Still waiting for my Hurst shifter too. LG Motorsports has already billed me, but they haven't received the shifter either. I was gonna cancel and go somewhere else, but it looks like the shifter is not even out yet.

I opted for the Hurst over the B&M because the throws are supposed to be slightly shorter.

I've had the B&M, Kirban, and the Hurst prototype in my car for an article in Corvette Fever.

The Kirban reduces the throw by 25%. It has a nice feel to it. It had a bit more noise due to the shape of the base. But, I really didn't play with quieting it. You can cut the rubber piece to fit better and quiet it down.

The B&M reduces the throw by 30%. It has the firmest feel of all the shifters.

The Hurst also reduces the throw by 30%. The prototype had a longer shift arm than the B&M and Kirban. That gives it a softer feel than the others. Yet, not as soft as stock. But, the production item will, supposedly, have a shorter shift arm than the one I tested. The shifter I tested had adjustable spring tensions. This was a nice feature. You could fine tune it to your tastes. I believe this will also be on the production version. Just remember to use locktite on the spring screws or they'll back off over time.

All three are good shifters and improvements over the stock shifter. Each has their own subtleties. They all require some time to loosen up and for you to get used to the new feel.