MGW shifter installed
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,037
Likes: 24,727
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Nice review there, Patches. Glad you finally found a shifter that feels just right.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 681
Likes: 11
From: Carson City MI
I too struggled with the demon key. I tried every tool in my shop. Nothing worked, pinched my hand and fingers, swore, threw tools and then it hit me. I need something small with great leverage. I went to my paint cabinet and got a paint can opener. Popped it right out.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,926
Likes: 30
From: Not where I want to be!!
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19
great write-up. I also went from stock to the MGW in my 04, what a difference. The install CD they send with it is easy to follow. I got my demon key with a pair of needle nose pliers. This shifter is exceptional.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Dayton Ohio
Chip - modified C6 **** on the MGW C5 threaded shaft in case I decide to swap the **** out. Doubt I will as it's even better than my custom Hurst ****.
o2Z51, my install page illustrates what I did but there is also a Tech Tip that outlines an effective method as do seferal other posts and sites. Personally, I've never had a problem getting one out.
Patches' Hurst Install
Tech Tip - **** Removal
Here's a just-released "Street-friendly" version of the MGW shifter.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2091893
o2Z51, my install page illustrates what I did but there is also a Tech Tip that outlines an effective method as do seferal other posts and sites. Personally, I've never had a problem getting one out.
Patches' Hurst Install
Tech Tip - **** Removal
Here's a just-released "Street-friendly" version of the MGW shifter.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2091893
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 1,925
From: NC
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
demon key
I have put in many shifters. Some keys come out pretty easy and some are true demons. I have removed some in minutes and one I can remember took almost an hour. 
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Katonah NY
Can someone compare the relative side to side stiffness of the MGW 30 percenter to the C6 shifter and/or the Hurst?
I have the C6 one and want a shorter throw but don't want much more stigffness.
Thanks.
I have the C6 one and want a shorter throw but don't want much more stigffness.
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 2
From: Annapolis MD
Patches, I went through the same shifter evolution as you with the same results. I've had the MGW shifter in for about 4 months now, and it just gets better!! Without question, the BEST shifter on the market!!
I've also tried several different *****, including the C6 **** which WAS my favorite. Not anymore. The newest race **** from MGW is frikkin' fantastic! It's the perfect size, weight, feel - everything. I'd pay double the price in a heartbeat for this thing!
Vaughn
I've also tried several different *****, including the C6 **** which WAS my favorite. Not anymore. The newest race **** from MGW is frikkin' fantastic! It's the perfect size, weight, feel - everything. I'd pay double the price in a heartbeat for this thing!
Vaughn
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,890
Likes: 0
From: FL
Only put about 10 miles on the mgw a few short drives to get the car out of the garage. It's very stiff side to side way more than the stock springs in the hurst. Much effort is required side to side, I was actually surprised at how racecarish the shifter feels and how everyone here still likes it. I have the latest model and the throws are shorter than any other shifter I've used. If someone was going from a stock shifter to this they might have a spasm their first drive haha. Hope that helped, if you dont want to put in a lot of effort side to side this is not the shifter for you, just checking to see if the car is in neutral takes forarms the size of the governators. I am very happy with the feel but consider it to be matching to my cars other considerable mods and would think for a daily driver it's extreme. I may be getting old...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 2
From: Annapolis MD
Much effort is required side to side, I was actually surprised at how racecarish the shifter feels and how everyone here still likes it. I have the latest model and the throws are shorter than any other shifter I've used. If someone was going from a stock shifter to this they might have a spasm their first drive haha.
HOWEVER -- the side-to-side stiffness REALLY calms down after about a month -- it's still firm and crisp, but requires very little effort (nowhere near as stiff as the Hurst now)... Effort-wise it's not much more than the stock now, but the throws are nice and short and it has NO SLOP (unlike the stock garbage).
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
It does start off significantly simillar to the Hurst in terms of effort but it is noticeably smoother through the gears and the effort is reduced over time as it was in my Hurst - most likely due to the wearing in of mating surfaces on the shifter and familiarity with it as well.I may have to try out the latest MGW **** now that you mention it, Vaughn.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 681
Likes: 11
From: Carson City MI
My new 30% MGW arrives tomorrow. Can't wait.. I have already done the anti-venom mod and am hoping that will help with the stiffness when new. It did help the stock unit, but it definately needs more help. I think that help will come from it being in a box in my garage attic...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 9
From: Northwest CT
I too struggled with the demon key. I tried every tool in my shop. Nothing worked, pinched my hand and fingers, swore, threw tools and then it hit me. I need something small with great leverage. I went to my paint cabinet and got a paint can opener. Popped it right out.
I worked on mine for waaay too long w/the two screwdrivers. 10seconds w/a paint can opener...
