Shifting issues with MGW Short Shifter
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
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
... the op said the shifts feel crunchy though and to me that sounds like synchros but it's hard to say over the internet
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
But for the MGW, I really like the nice precise shifting.
Last edited by QCVette; Dec 12, 2016 at 07:00 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 80
From: Metro Detroit
Mine shifted very hard and notchy. I readjusted it with the alignment tool and it was a bit better but soon worsened again. I took it to the shop and had it analyzed. Turned out my clutch was not completely disengaging, I needed a new Clutch. Mega Bucks later, it shifts VERY well, a little stiff, a bit notchy but very nice!
Hope that's not the issue.
Hope that's not the issue.
Last edited by Bossdog; Dec 12, 2016 at 09:14 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 234
Likes: 18
From: So Cal CA
mine is definitely "notchy" when going through the gears at first. when its warmed up, it still feels a bit notchy, but takes less effort. I too have the feeling of it "locking" me out of 1st or reverse, but I just slap it into third before first if its giving me the business. the mgw is fairly stiff compared to stock. at first it was REALLY stiff, and then it seemed to loosen up, but still stiff. I bought mine used fwiw. I haven't done the antivenom mod, but in time I may. all this talk about it being a clutch issues worries my wallet 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 57
From: Kensington MD
I bought an MGW for my C5, because I really like the feel of the one I have in my Mustang, but even with the antivenom mod it just never had that same feel, so I went back to the C6 shifter.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Mine doesn't want to do into first like you describe. Everything else is fine and I've tried re-aligning the shifter without any luck. I just try 3rd to 1st or 2nd to 1st until it drops into first smoothly.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
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From: Buffalo Texas
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 185
Likes: 43
From: Raleigh
Installed the MGW Short Shifter Flat stick in my 2004 C5Z about a month ago and while the throw was definitely shortened there still seems to be a "crunchy" feeling when going through the gears.
I did the Antivenom mod with 1 washer thinking it would fix it, but it didnt.
Sometimes going into 1st gear when I start the car in the morning or from a dead stop feels like there is something in the way or takes a couple tries to go in smoothly (for example, I push the clutch in, try to shift to 1st and it either doesn't go in at all or goes in but feels like its got some resistance/notchiness. Same goes for reverse)
I've noticed that if I press the clutch in and shift to 1st then shift out of 1st back to neutral and do that a couple times, it gets smoother each time.
Any ideas on what's causing this or how to fix it? I've searched on here and found a shifter adjustment thread, so I followed the steps on there. Took apart the MGW this morning, repositioned everything to line up better and still the same.
Would really appreciate some insight as I hate the way the shifter feels even with the MGW
I did the Antivenom mod with 1 washer thinking it would fix it, but it didnt.
Sometimes going into 1st gear when I start the car in the morning or from a dead stop feels like there is something in the way or takes a couple tries to go in smoothly (for example, I push the clutch in, try to shift to 1st and it either doesn't go in at all or goes in but feels like its got some resistance/notchiness. Same goes for reverse)
I've noticed that if I press the clutch in and shift to 1st then shift out of 1st back to neutral and do that a couple times, it gets smoother each time.
Any ideas on what's causing this or how to fix it? I've searched on here and found a shifter adjustment thread, so I followed the steps on there. Took apart the MGW this morning, repositioned everything to line up better and still the same.
Would really appreciate some insight as I hate the way the shifter feels even with the MGW
Pro
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 201
From: Montgomery City, MO
Re-read what you posted here until the lightbulb goes on.
The upper shifter components aren't the only pieces between your right hand and the shift shaft that comes out of the front of the transmission. Research it if you must, but by my recollection theres:
1) the lower shifter box
2) the pinch block that clamps the shift shaft to the lower shifter box "output" shaft
3) the shift shaft itself with two crappy pinned universal joints
4) the bushings between the lower box and the torque tube
All these components can introduce slop into the system which can produce the problems you're noticing. Also, the first/second and reverse shift forks could be bent or the pads worn (internal transmission components) which would cause these symptoms.
If you want "butter" you need to address the entire system, not just the "primary input device".
In my experience, anything shorter than a C6 upper is ridiculous overkill. Going to a short-throw shifter to improve shift feel isn't going to help unless you're willing to go the extra mile and drop the driveline to pull the shift shaft and send it to Tom (TMODCUSTOMS) along with the lower box for him to work his magic.
Last edited by spfautsch; Jan 3, 2024 at 06:10 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 67
Likes: 10
@harryk387 I have had success in adjusting g the shifter to reduce this crunchiness, and I know exactly what you are referring to. As heinous as it sounds, I have adjusted the central rod that the shifter is cupped into, and I’ve also slid the rod forward and back and left and right in the pinch clamp with major success. I know it’s a terrible way to describe it, but mine feels like the shift gates are less noticeable, but the shifts are still positive. It’s almost a little gummy, which I like personally.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 203
Likes: 32
From: Reston VA
This is the first thread that popped up. Two notch is a good description. It's almost like you lifted the clutch too early and the gear is half way in, so you have to pull it some more into the gear.
Ive noticed that I tend to push the Shifter to all the way to the left. If I ease off on pulling it to the left too much, it goes in straight.
It's almost like the Shifter has a tiny gap on the left and it's not aligning it correctly.
Not sure what the antivenom mod is, but other than the 1st to 2nd shift, everything is smooth. 7th gear sometimes does the same though - all the way to the right.
Ive noticed that I tend to push the Shifter to all the way to the left. If I ease off on pulling it to the left too much, it goes in straight.
It's almost like the Shifter has a tiny gap on the left and it's not aligning it correctly.
Not sure what the antivenom mod is, but other than the 1st to 2nd shift, everything is smooth. 7th gear sometimes does the same though - all the way to the right.