MGW Shifter

[Naaman]

I just installed my MGW shifter.

As for the purchase, the part arrived on time and well packaged. The quality of craftsmanship is excellent: it has a nice, solid feel to it and (even though you can't see it once installed), it looks way better than the OEM shifter.

The first thing I wanted to do when I opened the box was read the installation instructions. But sadly, there were none. I looked at the MGW website for them, but did not find them there, either. This is something that I would "deduct a star" for if I were writing a review on a product website.

The installation is easy enough, however, thanks to the sticky on this forum for installing an aftermarket shifter. I was able to do it in just under an hour my first time. My primary tool was a nut driver, but I did use a ratchet on the bolts holding the shifter in place, since they were torqued down a bit tighter.

Once installed, I immediately noticed that the shift effort increased dramatically. I really have to muscle the shifter into gear. This would also cost a star. It takes so much effort that I actually dread shifting. Also, due to the extra effort required, my shift times are no faster than with the stock shifter. It's like you hit a speed bump as you go from N into gear... there's just a lot of resistance.

On the bright side, the shifter engages much more solidly than the stock one, and, under hard acceleration, it does not shake and wobble like the stock one does. Also, the gears seem to engage more precisely, too: with the OEM shifter, there is some slop when it goes into gear sometimes. The MGW seems to eliminate this.

Unfortunately, I did miss 3rd gear once, hitting the gate between 3rd and 5th, although other than this one miss-shift, it seems almost impossible to miss, as the gears are so close together, and the throw is so short. In fact, shifting from 3rd to 2nd feels basically identical as shifting from 3rd to 4th. Still, I have yet to mistake one gear for another.

Overall, I am not sure if I'm happy with the "upgrade." I bought it because of the rave reviews it has gotten everywhere, although it's definitely a lot different than I was expecting it to be. Even on youtube videos I've watched, the shift effort seems similar to stock. On mine, I can feel my pectorals engage every time I go into 1st gear, whereas with the stock shifter, wrist movement was all that was necessary. Unless this is just part of the break-in process, I'm fairly disappointed.

Overall, I'd give it 3 out of 5.

[tatertot91]

I enjoyed mine from day 1. Maybe once you run with it for a while you will like it more. The centering springs on the mgw are so tight 2nd to 3rd should be just a firm push up with just a little help over. hope it loosens up a little for ya

[35th-ANV-SS]

Agree with Alex. I don't have the MGW, but an aftermarket Hurst billet shifter with stops. It literally goes right into 3rd from 2nd on its own while pushing straight forward/up.

If shifts are that much more difficult, maybe something else is going on.

Is your hydraulic fluid clean and full?

[Naaman]

Hydraulic fluid, huh? When I removed the factory shifter, there was a little bit of red fluid in the case. I figured it was some tranny fluid that had splashed up there from inside. There was also some red lube (kina like a paste or creamy consistency), on the ball joint (or whatever it's called) of the shifter. Other than that, I don't know

[tatertot91]

The grease is just to keep everything smooth, what jon means is maybe you should flush out the hydraulic fluid in the clutch master cylinder, slave and reservoir. Sometimes old/dirty fluid will make it hard for the clutch to disengage fully causing harder shifts.

[Naaman]

I looked this process up while trying to find my dash light problem. It looks simple enough, but requires me to lift the car... so it's going to be a while before I have the space/resources to do this...

[35th-ANV-SS]

Well until you do, you can at least check the fluid level and see whether or not it looks dirty.

It should be honey in color.

[rc74racer]

The shifter is supposed to give you a shorter, firmer shift with a more positive engagement. No aftermarket shifter will be as soft as a stocker at least none of the ones I've tried. I've had the MGW and tried out the Pro 5 and Hurst Billet. MGW is the best of the bunch. It's just different and takes a little time to get used to but I loved mine from day one.

[cammed goat]

I don't know if the MGW needs to be broken in. I drove LSCyal8r's MGW-equipped Firehawk last summer and I had to get used to it. It's firmer than my Hurst Billet Plus.

[35th-ANV-SS]

Hmm, I'm not sure I'd like it to be "too firm". Part of being able to rip through the gears quickly is being able to shift effortlessly. I do know my Hurst Billet was a little more pronounced and shifting into a gear felt more positive, but it certainly wasn't "difficult".

[rc74racer]

I wouldn't say the MGW is too firm. When I first drove mine it felt a fair amount firmer than the stocker but as soon as I made my first 0-100 run with it I was hooked. You can definitely hammer through the gears quickly with excellent feel and engagement. If they made a shifter for a GTO I would get one. I definitely miss that shifter.

[35th-ANV-SS]

My current shifter is about the same height as the stock OEM Hurst shifter. I've been thinking about getting one that is shorter. Do you know if the short throw threads still accept the OEM Hurst knob? It's important I keep that stock looking.

[tatertot91]

Depends what one you buy. Lous short stick keeps the oem thread size.

[cammed goat]

I read that the LSS wasn't compatible with the Hurst shifters.

[tatertot91]

I read that the LSS wasn't compatible with the Hurst shifters.

They make a few different versions, one of which should fit

[2000dreambird]

I love my MGW. and as far as changing out the fluid try this Clutch Care

[2000dreambird]

you can get the MGW with the stock thread size. that is the way i went and liked the fact that i could keep my stock shift knob

[cammed goat]

They make a few different versions, one of which should fit

Ah. I have been toying with the idea.

[cammed goat]

They make a few different versions, one of which should fit

Ah. I have been toying with the idea.

[KMdef9]

I'm hoping ill like it, it was #1 on my bday request list, lol.