Alright,

I just installed an MGW 30% Short Throw shifter on my '03 Annie a few days ago, then got her out on the road for a test run and let me tell you...I must agree with the majority of members on this site, the MGW Short Throw is an absolute must for any Corvette owner. The shifts are precise and snap into the next gear without a whim. My Vette was too much fun to drive before and I can't believe how much more fun I am having now! Not only do the shifts now snap into gear but there is no more sloppy stock shifter that always seemed a bit too loose for my taste and never really felt like a muscle car's shifter should feel.

As far as construction is concerned, I am pretty sure the MGW could stop a barrage of bullets if it needed to. Excellent craftsmanship and super easy to install. I was expecting to take a few hours on the job just because I am very meticulous when it comes to projects like this and want to make zero errors and get it right the first time. It only took about 1h30min or so(give or take). No snags, a total breeze. Even the "demon key" was little effort.

As for the noise/buzzing that a lot of people seem to be complaining about after installing the MGW, I am yet to experience any noise when the vehicle is at operating temperature. I have heard, only 2 or 3 times since, a small hum/buzz from the shifter when the vehicle is NOT at operating temp AND I am cupping the shift **** AND I am accelerating hard. HOWEVER, inside the box that MGW sends you, there is a piece of paper that explains the shifter is designed to expand and contract as the Vette reaches operating temperature and that you might experience some noise from the shifter before it has reached operating temp. But I will say that even though I have experienced(only on a couple occasions) some buzzing, it DOES go away once the vehicle is at operating temp and is never heard from again. I even reused my stock shift ****(which some say is the problem) and even so, no noise/buzzing at all.

As for the stiff springs and ease of shifting. With the MGW, the shifts are a lot stiffer than the stock shifter(which was too loose anyway). Some say that if your Vette is a daily driver that you should stay away from the MGW. I don't believe this to be true. Sure the shifts are stiffer than before but gears 1 - 4 are still no problem what-so-ever, not to mention they are WAY more fun to go through. Besides, your increased enjoyment from banging through the gears with your new MGW will far outweigh the extra effort required to shift gears, daily driver or not. I will say that when shifting into 5th gear, you DO need to pay a lot more attention so not to hit reverse(due to the closer gears) but let's be honest, how often does one shift in and out of 5th gear? Not that often at all. Just something I wanted to point out for those looking into the MGW.

Final Verdict. I am sure there are a few good short throw shifters out there and everyone has their own preferences and reasons for such but in my opinion, if you want a GREAT shifter, buy MGW. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

Cheers!
Drive safe.

AWard.

 

I've had mine since last summer, love it. One of the best upgrades/mods I've done.

 

Good info.

Chuck

 

no complaints from me about my mgw

 

AWard, I have had the MGW in my car for about two months now and though it is not a daily driver I had some struggles going to 5th and 6th. I felt like it was just to much effort. In order to salvage my brand new shifter I decided to move my seat back ( I usually sit close to the wheel ). After doing this I had more leverage to move the shifter to the outside gates. I am now enjoying the shifter much more. Anyone who is having difficulty shifting into 5th might want to try this . Also mine seems to be getting easier with more miles, guess all the surfaces are wearing in. All in all it is worlds ahead of the stock shifter.

 

when he said watch out for shifting into 5th gear. That sounded real bad...............what out for reverse. I will be getting this shifter within the next week. Good write up

 

Very happy with my 15% MGW! Improved shifting for all gears. Like a bolt-action rifle! One of the best mods I've done.

 

Good review. I'm sure this will help other forum members decide which shifter to go with should they want to change the stock shifter out.

 

Just when I was thinking of giving this a try, another question pops into my mind.......

Anyone used both the 15% and 30% shifters and can explain the difference?

 

Both versions are available; however, the 30% is the default when placing your order on-line. You need to specify if you want the 15% version. Very subjective - one easy way to look at it is: use the 30% for drag racing and the 15% for road racing.. but it really comes down to personal preference for daily driving.

 

15% seems to be the preference for daily driving. Does any one else have any feed back of this system?

 

Just got mine the other day. Just waiting to get some time to install it.

 

I've got the default 30% shifter (I'm assuming since I never asked for 15%). It is a great shifter.

Reverse should have a lockout if the car is moving. If you are hitting reverse then get that fixed. If should take a lot of force to get to reverse while going ahead.

I have no trouble with any gear. 4th to 5th just push up with a little pressure to the right.

The big trouble people have is that the side-side movement from left to right is really tight. Basically, I shift on "faith". Use just a little sideways push and shift and you end up in the right gear. I find I can't feel the shifter go sideways as I shift, from say 2nd to 3rd, but I still never miss it.

The only trouble I have is my tranny tends to stick with the forks over in the 5th/6th side when pulled to neutral. It did that with the old shifter too though. Gives me trouble getting from 5th to 4th sometimes.

Peter

 

You may want to perform a shifter adjustment. It really helped mine.

 

Very nice write up

 

Very nice write up!! I have the 30% and I swear by it. Its an absolutely rock solid shifter.

 

I've had mine in for about 5 months now. My car is a daily driver (about 1000 miles a month) and I love it. I have the 30% model and find it a pleasure to shift. It was stiff getting into 5th and 6th when new but loosened up after a couple weeks driving.

No way should you be able to get into reverse with the car moving. If you can you need to replace the lockout solenoid.

 

I know all about that - it's something in the tranny sticking.

Peter

 

By this I meant other people that drive the car, not the owners. The other drivers were expecting to feel the shifter move to the side going 2nd to 3rd and 4th to 5th but you really can't. Then, they over think it and get lost. I'm used to it and just shift it no problems. When I make then just shift a few times then they get it too.

Peter

 

I just ordered a MGW shifter today. Do you have to remove the console to install it? Any install tips?