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I just recently installed a new MGW shifter on my 1999 C5 Corvette. I followed all the instructions perfectly and now when I try it out everything is perfect except for the fact that it stays in the neutral position between 5th and 6th gear and won't snap back to the middle position unless I push it there. The video that I will attach will be better at describing it than I can in text. Could this be because the bushings are brand new? Or maybe this is normal and I'm just overthinking it. If these questions could be answered that would be awesome.
Look into the the anti-venom detent mod
I just added an MGW not very long ago, did not have this issue, maybe because I'd already done the anti-venon mod (did 1 of the 2 washers)
Also let me add, when your working in the garage doing the shifter, moving it around a bunch, once you get it out and drive it, it might clear up a bit more
Look into the the anti-venom detent mod
I just added an MGW not very long ago, did not have this issue, maybe because I'd already done the anti-venon mod (did 1 of the 2 washers)
Anti-venom mod only affects fore/aft movement of the shifter, not side-to-side. Also if anti-venom did anything to the side-to-side, it would only make OP's problem worse.
Originally Posted by F1Fan
Also let me add, when your working in the garage doing the shifter, moving it around a bunch, once you get it out and drive it, it might clear up a bit more
I tend to agree with this. The shifter might just be a little tight, and a little break in period may reduce some of the drag when it returns to neutral from 5/6 position.
In the trans there is a spring used to control the side-to-side shifter movement. This spring rotates the shift rail. These springs tend to weaken with age and contribute to the problem you're seeing. I noticed somewhat similar behavior when I had a MGW and with my TMOD lower box, albeit not as severe as yours. My car only has 70k miles.
Looking at your video, my guess I think you might have that shifter base mounted too far back. You might want to move it slightly to the center of the bolt slot.
Picture of your shifter position.
On the T56, there metal guide groove and a tab that ride within it, that tab might be making slight contact with the guide.
I think I remember having this problem, too. I believe it has to do with the sound mat you install in the tunnel from the top. Where it's right under the shifter. You just need to break the shifter in for like 100 miles.
I just recently installed a new MGW shifter on my 1999 C5 Corvette. I followed all the instructions perfectly and now when I try it out everything is perfect except for the fact that it stays in the neutral position between 5th and 6th gear and won't snap back to the middle position unless I push it there. The video that I will attach will be better at describing it than I can in text. Could this be because the bushings are brand new? Or maybe this is normal and I'm just overthinking it. If these questions could be answered that would be awesome.
It's possible to get the alignment off where the bolt goes into the detent from the shift rod, mine was off like maybe a 1/16" of an inch, and it was popping out of 1st and 3rd until I realigned it.
Mine has done that for many years now. It's a weak return spring in the transmission. There is at least one aftermarket shifter with centering springs to help this issue.
I've messed with alignment a number of times and it's as good as it can get.
The anti-venom mod has nothing to do with this issue.
Do double check the alignment. Don't just use the pin but rather move it around and keep checking that the holes line up. The pin has a little play and lets it be slightly off.
Do double check the alignment. Don't just use the pin but rather move it around and keep checking that the holes line up. The pin has a little play and lets it be slightly off.
When you're referring to the pin, do you mean the pin on the stock shifter/lower box, or the alignment tool that comes with MGW shifters?
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New mgw shifter question
