C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

MGW shifter

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 10, 2011 | 08:18 PM
  #1  
Bob Chapman's Avatar
Bob Chapman
Thread Starter
Pro
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 45
From: Marquette MI
Default MGW shifter

I'm looking for feedback on the MGW shifter - for my C5. I am particularly interested in info on ease of operation and quietness. I don't want something that is difficult to shift and noisy/rattly. Thanks.
Reply
Old May 10, 2011 | 09:22 PM
  #2  
FLK-JR's Avatar
FLK-JR
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Florissant Missouri
Default

I have heard nothing but good reviews about the MGW. A friend of mine has a B&M...takes way to much force to shift in 2nd and 3rd for me. I heard MGW is alot more smoother. Check out their site. Good luck
Reply
Old May 10, 2011 | 09:24 PM
  #3  
StingrayRebel's Avatar
StingrayRebel
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Default

look towards the top of this page, there is already a thread on short shifters and try searching a bit, there are lots of threads on the mgw specifically... i have the newest version and in my opinion it is exceptionally well built and shifts a ton better than the oem shifter... my only complaint is the firmness... even in neutral you really have to put a little in it to move it side to side... i haven't driven my car much since i installed it so it may just need to loosen up a bit so i will see how it goes... if it doesn't loosen up enough i'm going to try the antivenom mod and see if that helps... as far as noise goes mine is just as quiet as stock... my shift box has metal shift bushings and i'm using a c6 **** if that matters
Reply
Old May 10, 2011 | 10:00 PM
  #4  
DIXZ's Avatar
DIXZ
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 989
Likes: 8
From: Chino Ca.
Default

When I bought my car it had a Hurst shifter in it. I had no problem with it, but when my friend got a MGW I knew I needed to change. I didn't realize how noisy the Hurst was until I put the MGW in!

I have never driven with the stock shifter so I can't say if the MGW is harder to shift, but I have had it for two years and have never thought about changing.
Reply
Old May 10, 2011 | 10:07 PM
  #5  
StingrayRebel's Avatar
StingrayRebel
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Default

Originally Posted by DIXZ
I have never driven with the stock shifter so I can't say if the MGW is harder to shift, but I have had it for two years and have never thought about changing.
it's not harder to shift... maybe i worded it wrong... it takes a little more effort to initially get it into first, reverse, or whichever gear due to the firmness when trying to move it from left to right... once it's in gear it shifts fine and is precise
Reply
Old May 10, 2011 | 10:56 PM
  #6  
DIXZ's Avatar
DIXZ
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 989
Likes: 8
From: Chino Ca.
Default

It looks like Neutron has it covered, and we are on the same page!

Never heard of someone that didn't like the MGW.
Reply
Old May 10, 2011 | 11:30 PM
  #7  
81c3's Avatar
81c3
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,561
Likes: 946
From: Communist Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by DIXZ
It looks like Neutron has it covered, and we are on the same page!

Never heard of someone that didn't like the MGW.
Well, I bought my near brand new MGW (6 mo old or so) from a forum member for $200. shipped He didnt like it stating it didnt fit his "driving style"..... I dunno, but Im glad he wanted to sell it.
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 08:24 AM
  #8  
MStrahan's Avatar
MStrahan
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 769
Likes: 1
From: Columbia TN
Default

I bought a used one off the forum about two months ago and I love it. I've had others and the MGW is fantastic.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old May 11, 2011 | 08:54 AM
  #9  
chevy406's Avatar
chevy406
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 82
From: New Market AL
Default

Once you have used an MGW for a while, and then drive a C5 with a stock shifter you will be amazed at how spongy feeling the stock one is. I have only used a stock C5, stock C6, Hurst, and the MGW shifters but out of them my preference is the MGW - and by a far margin.
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 12:42 PM
  #10  
MillertimeZ06's Avatar
MillertimeZ06
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,028
Likes: 3
From: Matthews Nc
Default

Have nothing to compare to but I love my mgw.
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 02:04 PM
  #11  
zeevette's Avatar
zeevette
Race Director
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Default

High effort, but IMO, worth it. Very high quality.
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 09:59 PM
  #12  
NotScared's Avatar
NotScared
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 616
Likes: 124
From: Thornton PA
St. Jude Donor '23, '25
Default

Stupid question as I'm about to order mine -

Is the Stock C6 **** the same as the C6z? I have a C6Z ****/shifter in my car now and the throw is way too long for my taste.

Heard nothing but good about the MGW as well.
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 10:16 PM
  #13  
Rhotrod's Avatar
Rhotrod
Advanced
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Default MGW Shifter

Just installed mine 2 weeks ago, one of the best upgrades I have
done so far. Yes it's tight, no noise, no rattles, no crap. Get one
you can't go wrong. It will make you want to drive that vette even
more.

Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 10:53 PM
  #14  
evo2ls1's Avatar
evo2ls1
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: dothan alabama
Default

Do it
Dont think Twice
On of my top 3 mods
Picked up ET at the track and havent missed a gear since!
Easy install with step by step instructions
Great reduction in throw
Ummmhhhh I really like the shifter
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 11:29 PM
  #15  
StingrayRebel's Avatar
StingrayRebel
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Default

Originally Posted by NotScared
Stupid question as I'm about to order mine -

Is the Stock C6 **** the same as the C6z?
yes 05-07 **** is kind of a carbon fiber look on the shift pattern and 08+ is a brushed aluminum look, which i prefer... the mgw shaft has 2 holes for the different c6 *****... i have the 08+ **** and mine bolts in the top hole so i'm guessing the 05-07 goes in the bottom hole
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 11:31 PM
  #16  
waddisme's Avatar
waddisme
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
Default

Had mine in for 2 mos now. For tracking, it is quick and precise. Not sure how you could miss a shift. For dd, it is tight, and requires some effort to get to reverse or second from neutral. It is the price you pay for the short throw. I just ordered the longer shaft to relieve some of the effort. I road race mine so the longer throw will not hurt me much. Car had B&M in it when I got it, but didn't seem that smooth. Went to C6, which was great for dd, but longer throws, but not a lot of effort. Really like the C6 ****. Went to RSD snap shifter for short throws. It seemed perfect, until I got race seats put in. The C6 shifter, which the RSD is, is angle back slightly and my elbow would hit seat before I got finished with 3rd to 4th shift. Sold all my shifters and bought a C5 style MGW. It is precise and smooth and short, but does require some effort. Will update on extended shaft when I get it in. HTH.
Reply
Old May 12, 2011 | 12:16 AM
  #17  
81c3's Avatar
81c3
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,561
Likes: 946
From: Communist Colorado
Default

^^^^^Nice looking T/A!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To MGW shifter

Old May 12, 2011 | 07:02 AM
  #18  
NotScared's Avatar
NotScared
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 616
Likes: 124
From: Thornton PA
St. Jude Donor '23, '25
Default

Originally Posted by neutron82
yes 05-07 **** is kind of a carbon fiber look on the shift pattern and 08+ is a brushed aluminum look, which i prefer... the mgw shaft has 2 holes for the different c6 *****... i have the 08+ **** and mine bolts in the top hole so i'm guessing the 05-07 goes in the bottom hole
Thanks! Ordering today.
Reply
Old May 12, 2011 | 07:24 AM
  #19  
MT0911's Avatar
MT0911
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 3
From: US
Default

Originally Posted by NotScared
Thanks! Ordering today.
Good choice! I have the MGW and I couldn't be happier. It shifts amazing and it's firm yet very precise. I'm sure you'll be happy with your decision.
Reply
Old May 12, 2011 | 06:45 PM
  #20  
Atok's Avatar
Atok
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 6
From: NS
Default

I'm another happy customer. Although I wanted something that looked stock. In order to get the exact height of my stock shifter I had to machine a longer shaft. My custom height shaft shifts easier without losing the precision. It also has significantly shorter throws than the stock shifter. Exactly what I was looking for. Very little difference in noise. I may hear slightly more gear noise under heavy load but perfectly acceptable.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:57 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE