MGW shifter installed
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa OK
MGW shifter installed
I know this has been played to death, but here's my story anyway! I've been on the fence for a long time about replacing my factory shifter and finally decided to go for it last week. I ordered the shifter from MGW and had it at my door in less than a week. I received it today and installed it during the afternoon (maybe 2 hours time max).
Wow...just wow! It's almost like driving a different car! The shifting is SO much better now! They should definitely come from the factory like that. I took her out for a nice long drive and enjoyed the heck out of it. The only issue I had was that I missed fifth gear a couple of times and slid back into third, but I assume that's just because I'm not used to the new shifter yet.
Anyway, if you're on the fence about it, I think it's probably one of the best/most effective mods you can do...worth EVERY PENNY!
Wow...just wow! It's almost like driving a different car! The shifting is SO much better now! They should definitely come from the factory like that. I took her out for a nice long drive and enjoyed the heck out of it. The only issue I had was that I missed fifth gear a couple of times and slid back into third, but I assume that's just because I'm not used to the new shifter yet.
Anyway, if you're on the fence about it, I think it's probably one of the best/most effective mods you can do...worth EVERY PENNY!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 74
From: Ave Maria FL
MGW shifter installed
Thanks. I'm like you were, still on the fence, but you're not the first to mention missing 5th. I've had issues at the track with 3rd but haven't missed yet this year with my stocker. Still on fence.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa OK
Yes, I installed the lower unit as well. I'm really impressed that the kit includes sound dampening and heat insulation for the install...all things that really should have come that way from the factory.
I need to get out and drive it some more and figure out what I was doing wrong to miss those fifth gear shifts now!
I need to get out and drive it some more and figure out what I was doing wrong to miss those fifth gear shifts now!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 608
From: Ridge, ny
USN
Mods
Yes, I installed the lower unit as well. I'm really impressed that the kit includes sound dampening and heat insulation for the install...all things that really should have come that way from the factory.
I need to get out and drive it some more and figure out what I was doing wrong to miss those fifth gear shifts now!
I need to get out and drive it some more and figure out what I was doing wrong to miss those fifth gear shifts now!
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa OK
MGW shifter installed
I installed the original MGW shifter a couple of years ago and it improved the shifting of my 2008. Recently, when they came out with a lower unit which will make the shifting effort similar to OEM, I decided to upgrade. Unfortunately the earlier MGW shifters are not compatible to the new lower billet unit. So I had to buy the new shifter also. MGW however gave me a $100 credit for the old shifter which I sent back. I was blown away by the improvement. MGW has created one of the best mods for a C5/6 IMHO. As for the 5th gear acquisition I found it helpful to place my hand on the side of the shifter which puts a little more pressure to acquire that 5th gear. You may also might want to try the Anti-Venom Mod.. I use 1 washer which was just right for me. Others have tried 2 or more which I guess is according to taste.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 608
From: Ridge, ny
USN
Anti-Venom
It entails putting one or more washers on the bolt/spring detent bolt on the tranny. This reduces the amount of force the detent bolt applies to the tranny gears, making shifting easier. Draw back: possibility of tranny popping out of gear. However, I never read about any one having this problem consistently. Of course the possibility of this happening would increase proportionally with the amount of washers used. Please do a search on this forum for more specifics.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 769
Likes: 91
From: Niceville Florida Panhandle
St. Jude Donor '15
MGW install
Installed my 10th MGW shifter yesterday in a friend's GS. I have personnaly installed 5 in my cars and the rest in friends. 
You can't beat the quality and ease of installation!
You can't beat the quality and ease of installation!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 148
Likes: 1
From: Warrenton VA
Another MGW convert. The shifter with lower box absolutely works beautifully and is an incredible piece of engineering too. I can't believe there is a better quality, precision shifter out there. Wish all aftermarket vendors delivered on their promise as well as MGW does. Kind of a shame to hide it under the boot.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 114
Likes: 11
Very happy customer.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 224
From: Manitowoc WI
I seem to remember someone posting their dealer wouldn't warranty some transmission issues because changing the shifter was a mod to the drive train there by voiding the 5 yr/100,000 warranty.
Does GM consider this a mod to the drive train?
Does GM consider this a mod to the drive train?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa OK
OK, quick question for fellow MGW owners: Is it normal for the shifter to be able to move left and right while it is in gear? Getting into gears isn't an issue, but I've noticed that once I'm in gear, the know will move all the way to the right or left, but the car stays in gear. Just wanting to see if that was normal!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa OK
By law, they have to prove that the shifter caused the damage, but pursuing that would require a lawyer/etc....but strictly according to the law, the cannot deny the claim unless they can prove the shifter was the problem.