Author Topic: Stiff Shifting  (Read 3906 times)

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Offline CarolinaSolstice

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Stiff Shifting
« on: January 08, 2020, 01:41:11 AM »
2007 2.4, 5 speed manual with 51,000 miles.
She's a little stiff shifting and was thinking of changing the trans fluid...what do you guys recommend??
Look up and read Charles Swindol "Attitude"

PONTIAC FOREVER!!!!!!

Offline LatinVenom

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Re: Stiff Shifting
« Reply #1 on: January 08, 2020, 06:33:56 PM »
Use the GM oil, I know other people will recommend other brands but the GM product works very well.
Solstice GXP 2007.
Aggressive and fully loaded.
Mods: Magnaflow 2.5" exhaust, DDM Backbone & ProBeam,ZOK suspension,LV Kappa Front Chassis Brace, BTF Turbo Upgraded Wheel, Windristrictor, JPM Center console,arms,tulip,side doors,DDM Upgraded wheel tune.

Offline wspohn

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Re: Stiff Shifting
« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2020, 12:47:38 PM »
I like Royal Purple, but the stiffness could easily be in the shifter, which you can access from inside the car.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2020, 06:46:23 PM by wspohn »
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
1958 MGA Twincam (race car)
1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1957 Jamaican bodied MGA
1971 Jensen Interceptor
2007 BMW Z4M coupe
Recently sold:
1969 MGC roadster,
1965 Jensen CV8,
1969 Lamborghini Islero S
1988 Pontiac Fiero GT
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Offline CarolinaSolstice

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Re: Stiff Shifting
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2020, 09:43:33 PM »
Use the GM oil, I know other people will recommend other brands but the GM product works very well.
Well......it's got the GM oil in there now and it only has 52,000 miles......I figured another brand might might make it shift better......then again it could shift worse with another brand that's why I was asking if anyone has tried another oil.
Look up and read Charles Swindol "Attitude"

PONTIAC FOREVER!!!!!!

Offline CarolinaSolstice

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Re: Stiff Shifting
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2020, 09:44:08 PM »
I like Royal Purple, but the suffness could easily be in the shifter, which you can access from inside the car.
when you say it could be the shifter, what do you mean?
Look up and read Charles Swindol "Attitude"

PONTIAC FOREVER!!!!!!

Offline LatinVenom

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Re: Stiff Shifting
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2020, 05:26:48 PM »
I have only 7800 on mine but because of the age I went ahead and changed. The mileage is one part of it the age of the fluid is also an important factor.
Solstice GXP 2007.
Aggressive and fully loaded.
Mods: Magnaflow 2.5" exhaust, DDM Backbone & ProBeam,ZOK suspension,LV Kappa Front Chassis Brace, BTF Turbo Upgraded Wheel, Windristrictor, JPM Center console,arms,tulip,side doors,DDM Upgraded wheel tune.

Offline CarolinaSolstice

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Re: Stiff Shifting
« Reply #6 on: January 11, 2020, 02:11:44 PM »
I have only 7800 on mine but because of the age I went ahead and changed. The mileage is one part of it the age of the fluid is also an important factor.
Did u notice a difference in the shifting when u changed it?
Look up and read Charles Swindol "Attitude"

PONTIAC FOREVER!!!!!!

Offline Uranium-238

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Re: Stiff Shifting
« Reply #7 on: January 11, 2020, 08:09:30 PM »
Dunno what is applicable to Kappas...but changing the trans fluid on my Camaro did nothing for shifter "feel".

Changing the clutch DID make a difference. So did the Hurst short-throw shifter kit.

I'd start by checking the linkage and making sure everything is happy. (Not worn, properly lubricated, etc.) Then, I'd make sure the clutch is disengaging properly. (the issue on my Camaro. It wasn't. (isn't))

I did change the fluid of my TR6060 to RP Syncromesh, but that had to do with expected temps/wear/abuse from racing, not seeking a better shift "feel". That being said, I changed my clutch last spring and the trans fluid was still purple...after two years of use and abuse. Bottom line, unless the manual says change and/or you see trans temps over 180*F I don't think anyone needs to worry about trans fluid in a manual...unless you grenade it, but then you've got bigger issues...
2005 Chevy Silverado Z71 Crew Cab, LM7 4L60E (What I traded my Kappa for. I regret nothing.)
2012 Chevy Camaro 2SS RS LS3 TR6060.
2021 Ram 2500 Cummins
2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. 3.6, manual trans.