that is so cool... Please pay close attention and give us all the details... can't wait to get your review... I hope it's as good as it looks and sounds...
Hinson versus MGW
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,319
Likes: 24,777
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
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,441
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
I am very happy with my MGW which I have had now for about three years - much shorter throw, no noise, no vibration. It is so mechanically beautiful that I almost didn't put the boot back on. It does require a little more effort to shift - but not a problem.
Don't know anything about the Hinson.
Don't know anything about the Hinson.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 45
From: Long Grove IL
I've had the Hinson for a few weeks. I've never experienced a MGW. The Hinson is way better than the shifter the previous owner installed (I believe it's a B&M ripper).
I'm sure the MGW sits closer to the console, but the throws on the Hinson are nice and short. I measured the 3-4 shift at about 3 3/8" with no ****.
I'm sure the MGW sits closer to the console, but the throws on the Hinson are nice and short. I measured the 3-4 shift at about 3 3/8" with no ****.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 17,337
Likes: 39
From: Birmingham, AL www.hinsonsupercars.com 205-909-9402
I've had the Hinson for a few weeks. I've never experienced a MGW. The Hinson is way better than the shifter the previous owner installed (I believe it's a B&M ripper).
I'm sure the MGW sits closer to the console, but the throws on the Hinson are nice and short. I measured the 3-4 shift at about 3 3/8" with no ****.
I'm sure the MGW sits closer to the console, but the throws on the Hinson are nice and short. I measured the 3-4 shift at about 3 3/8" with no ****.
Check out some of our latest reviews from customers that had the opportunity to check our shifters out first hand in our test cars and displays at Holley LS fest this past weekend. They loved them so much they purchased on the spot.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...os-inside.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...in-action.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 9
From: Western Massachusetts
Hinson Install
Made the decision to buy/install the Hinson! Install time was under an hour. Compared to the stock shifter- like night and day. Only complaint is getting into reverse - really irrelevant. After the first five minutes my C5 was a dream to drive. Positive engagement in first thru forth. Didn't worry about any sloppiness - reminds me of a puddle shifter. I had a chance to track the Vette on three different tracks - was somewhat apprehensive shifting. With the Hinson the next time I do it it I won't worry about anything. 👍
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I have experienced the C5 OEM, C6 OEM, and the Kirban Ripper Shifter.
The C5 OEM is HORRIBLE.
The C6 OEM is a good improvement over the stock C5 OEM.
Like "VETTEC599" stated,, the up=grade to a good billet shifter = " Compared to the stock shifter- like night and day."
The Kirban, Hinson & MGW shifters have outstanding reviews so, I do not think that you would complain about the performance of any of them.
When installing an aftermarket shifter, the proper fasteners MUST be used to secure the shifter to the lower shift box. You also need to examine the rubber isolation grommets that isolate the box from the torque tube. The OEM rubber grommets rot and fall out and that will allow the box to get sloppy and move when shifting. That will have a detrimental effect on shift quality.
Bill
The C5 OEM is HORRIBLE.
The C6 OEM is a good improvement over the stock C5 OEM.
Like "VETTEC599" stated,, the up=grade to a good billet shifter = " Compared to the stock shifter- like night and day."
The Kirban, Hinson & MGW shifters have outstanding reviews so, I do not think that you would complain about the performance of any of them.
When installing an aftermarket shifter, the proper fasteners MUST be used to secure the shifter to the lower shift box. You also need to examine the rubber isolation grommets that isolate the box from the torque tube. The OEM rubber grommets rot and fall out and that will allow the box to get sloppy and move when shifting. That will have a detrimental effect on shift quality.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Nov 6, 2015 at 05:46 PM.
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,755
Likes: 589
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
As noted above, the MGW seems to be the gold standard for C5 shifters. That's because they've been around for a log time, and it's a good product, but it's time for a new Sheriff...
The Hinson shifter is pretty new to market, but is rapidly becoming THE shifter. The guys that developed it know a thing or two about high performance vehicles.
I've driven the stock, C6, B&M, and MGW. And I've driven them likely about as hard as anyone on this forum.
Then, I had the opportunity to try this shifter from Hinson. It is the best shifter I've experienced. Whether you like track your car or just enjoy a precision shifter, this Hinson shifter is really nice and precise.
Just my $.02
The Hinson shifter is pretty new to market, but is rapidly becoming THE shifter. The guys that developed it know a thing or two about high performance vehicles.
I've driven the stock, C6, B&M, and MGW. And I've driven them likely about as hard as anyone on this forum.
Then, I had the opportunity to try this shifter from Hinson. It is the best shifter I've experienced. Whether you like track your car or just enjoy a precision shifter, this Hinson shifter is really nice and precise.
Just my $.02
Last edited by C5 Pete; Nov 9, 2015 at 05:57 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
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
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 14
From: Glenwood Springs Colorado
I have a Hinson shifter in my car. I installed it in 2013. I loved it and it has performed flawlessly. However I wanted it shorter, so I removed about an inch from the length and retreaded it to install a carbon fiber **** (that was meant for a Honda I believe) which fit my hand perfect. I absolutely love it and few other guys that have tried my car loved it too.
Hinson were great to deal with and I can vouch for their motor mounts too.
Hinson were great to deal with and I can vouch for their motor mounts too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 30
From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
I have been driving a 2008 Miata for a daily driver since 2008, and recently upgraded to a 2003 C5 after selling my 94 C4 Corvette and trading the Miata. The first thing I noticed during the test drive of the C5 was the shift ball seemed like it was a foot and a half off the console and the throw was exaggerated. Over the past few weeks I have gotten accustomed to the longer throw and high perch of the shift ball, but continue to want my old Miata shifter back!
My point here, is that I'm considering the Hinson shifter but it doesn't seem much shorter in height than the factory stick. Is there a shorter option like one of the posters above. He cut an inch off to get it a bit lower. Will that significantly alter the effort required for shifting?
My point here, is that I'm considering the Hinson shifter but it doesn't seem much shorter in height than the factory stick. Is there a shorter option like one of the posters above. He cut an inch off to get it a bit lower. Will that significantly alter the effort required for shifting?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I have been driving a 2008 Miata for a daily driver since 2008, and recently upgraded to a 2003 C5 after selling my 94 C4 Corvette and trading the Miata. The first thing I noticed during the test drive of the C5 was the shift ball seemed like it was a foot and a half off the console and the throw was exaggerated. Over the past few weeks I have gotten accustomed to the longer throw and high perch of the shift ball, but continue to want my old Miata shifter back!
My point here, is that I'm considering the Hinson shifter but it doesn't seem much shorter in height than the factory stick. Is there a shorter option like one of the posters above. He cut an inch off to get it a bit lower. Will that significantly alter the effort required for shifting?
My point here, is that I'm considering the Hinson shifter but it doesn't seem much shorter in height than the factory stick. Is there a shorter option like one of the posters above. He cut an inch off to get it a bit lower. Will that significantly alter the effort required for shifting?
Here's a picture of my MGW for reference:
