MGW Shifter Install
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 544
Likes: 383
From: southern rural MI
MGW Shifter Install
I just completed upgrading to a MGW (2000 Convertible). I also did the Anti Venom mod, although I started to remove the reverse light switch plug (same side of tranny) until I realized it wasn't the correct one. 
I added two shims (about .011" thickness) to the correct plug.
I went back to the stock C5 leather ****, in place of the white Hurst cue ball I had been using on the stock shifter, as I wanted the stock look again.
I like the change. I can now see the temp readings on the HVAC in 5th gear and the throws are nice, tight. It's a very, very well made unit and the instruction videos off their website are clear and concise.
I do not see much of a difference since I added the shims to the tranny though. Is the Anti Venom mod supposed to reduce the tension back and forth, (say 1st to 2nd, 3rd to 4th), or when shifting 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th?
Thanks,
RPGR90s
I added two shims (about .011" thickness) to the correct plug.
I went back to the stock C5 leather ****, in place of the white Hurst cue ball I had been using on the stock shifter, as I wanted the stock look again.
I like the change. I can now see the temp readings on the HVAC in 5th gear and the throws are nice, tight. It's a very, very well made unit and the instruction videos off their website are clear and concise.
I do not see much of a difference since I added the shims to the tranny though. Is the Anti Venom mod supposed to reduce the tension back and forth, (say 1st to 2nd, 3rd to 4th), or when shifting 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th?
Thanks,
RPGR90s
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,986
Likes: 719
I just completed upgrading to a MGW (2000 Convertible). I also did the Anti Venom mod, although I started to remove the reverse light switch plug (same side of tranny) until I realized it wasn't the correct one.
I added two shims (about .011" thickness) to the correct plug.
I went back to the stock C5 leather ****, in place of the white Hurst cue ball I had been using on the stock shifter, as I wanted the stock look again.
I like the change. I can now see the temp readings on the HVAC in 5th gear and the throws are nice, tight. It's a very, very well made unit and the instruction videos off their website are clear and concise.
I do not see much of a difference since I added the shims to the tranny though. Is the Anti Venom mod supposed to reduce the tension back and forth, (say 1st to 2nd, 3rd to 4th), or when shifting 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th?
Thanks,
RPGR90s
I added two shims (about .011" thickness) to the correct plug.
I went back to the stock C5 leather ****, in place of the white Hurst cue ball I had been using on the stock shifter, as I wanted the stock look again.
I like the change. I can now see the temp readings on the HVAC in 5th gear and the throws are nice, tight. It's a very, very well made unit and the instruction videos off their website are clear and concise.
I do not see much of a difference since I added the shims to the tranny though. Is the Anti Venom mod supposed to reduce the tension back and forth, (say 1st to 2nd, 3rd to 4th), or when shifting 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th?
Thanks,
RPGR90s
from gear to gear.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 302
From: CSRA, SC
The antivenom mod reduces the tension on the ball detent that holds the shifter in each position. It does NOT reduce the force you feel of the synchronizer pushing back on you until the gear mates with the hub. If you don't know what you're feeling for, you won't be able to tell the difference. I always joke with my friends "T" in T56 stands for Tractor because T56's are chunky clunky tractor transmissions. They are definitely not for grandpa and grandma (hence why so many C5 have a 4L60E) and won't blow anyone away in the refinement dept.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 544
Likes: 383
From: southern rural MI
The antivenom mod reduces the tension on the ball detent that holds the shifter in each position. It does NOT reduce the force you feel of the synchronizer pushing back on you until the gear mates with the hub. If you don't know what you're feeling for, you won't be able to tell the difference. I always joke with my friends "T" in T56 stands for Tractor because T56's are chunky clunky tractor transmissions. They are definitely not for grandpa and grandma (hence why so many C5 have a 4L60E) and won't blow anyone away in the refinement dept.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 414
From: New Jersey
I disagree with that. Just did the anti-venom mod and it significantly changed the whole characteristic of the shifting. I used 2 washers and the feel is so much lighter. You can still feel the gears synchronizing, but shift quality was dramatically improved. I have what I think is a B&M ripper shifter and not the stock shifter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,986
Likes: 719
I disagree with that. Just did the anti-venom mod and it significantly changed the whole characteristic of the shifting. I used 2 washers and the feel is so much lighter. You can still feel the gears synchronizing, but shift quality was dramatically improved. I have what I think is a B&M ripper shifter and not the stock shifter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
Likes: 216
From: Merritt Island, FL
The mod reduces the degree of engagement of the detent ball into the shift mechanism in the transmission. If that's the reason for perceived hard shifting, it will help. If hard shifting is occurring for some other reason (such as incomplete clutch release, incorrect fluid choice, synchronizer problems, for example), then it will be of no benefit.
Last edited by VetteMed; Sep 22, 2021 at 09:35 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,986
Likes: 719
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 414
From: New Jersey
Funny that it would do nothing. My shifter was even harder to shift before I greased it. It was very stiff. After the grease job it was alot better so I didn't do the anti-venom mod. The other day while changing my oil I decided to do it. It was so much easier to shift that at first I thought something was wrong. Maybe you should try greasing it. Mine had very little.
Last edited by C5MSG2004Vert; Sep 22, 2021 at 08:41 PM.