Originally Posted by fattirewilly

My neighbor and I did it. I'm no mechanic but change oil, install speakers, and do other minor work like brake pads. I didn't install my Pedders Street II, although I know I could have done half of it. I consider a clutch install over my head, but would be tempted if the install guide was as good as the Billet guide.

Do not leave any boot or other sound deadening device off, it will only detract from your enjoyment of any shifter you select.

Prior to the Billet, when at a stop, I always shifted to first "twice" before letting out the clutch. The tranny had a habit of sometime not quite being in first, and it would pop out with a grind or clunk. The Billet did not cure this issue. I thought it made it better, but it still happened. I go into first twice now without even thinking about it.

The Billet takes some strength to operate initially. It should be installed in the highest setting (which is still lower that competitors) for leverage. The springs break in some and its all good. As I mentioned, my wife still finds it to stiff to drive comfortably, which is probably a positive in my book....

1-2 is a given, regardless of the shifter except with the Billet, its so short you don't need to lift the elbow, you can shift with your finger tips. 2nd to 3rd is absolute money. The 5th/4th/3rd downshift is money too. The centering tension pulling toward the center of the shift pattern is really good.

I'm not claiming perfection, I've done a single ham fisted missed shift from 3rd to 2nd in one of about a dozen 1/4 mile runs with the Billet (got excited, changed my regular grip), but missed fair amount more on the road prior to the Billet. 5th to 6th requires the same focus, palm away effort as the stocker so as not to end up in 4th, which happens to me frequently when I'm lazy or not paying attention.

Regarding grip, I read somewhere that the proper T-56 technique professed by all the Vette guys is for the thumb to be pointed down the shifter shaft. This helps prevent mis-shifts. I adopted that grip technique and it seems to work. Any thoughts on this?