MGW Shifter
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 422
Likes: 16
MGW Shifter
I am currently running an LG short throw Shifter and it's definitely an improvement over stock. It's not bad at all but a lot of times going from first to second can be very hard. This makes shifting during acceleration kind of challenging because more often than not when I'm driving I will pull it into neutral then slide it over into 2nd. If I try to pull it straight back from 1st into 2nd it's very hard. I am wondering if this is an issue with the MGW shifters? Everything I have read is that the shifting is much smoother and positive especially with the lower box etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,450
Likes: 371
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
What you've read about the MGW is true.
Tom
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
The MGW is worth every penny. The biggest change over the other short shifters out there is that they don't reuse the stock lower box, which is typically where all the slop is in the stock shifter. I am very happy with my MGW and when you see how well it's made the price won't seem that bad.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 392
From: Atlanta - - - - - Save the manuals
I think that Chevy did not do a great job on the shifter.Here's my story:Installed the standard MGW shifter about 8 mos ago.
The shift on my 05 was completely worn out and an attempted fix by the previous owner (removed the rubber grommets) made the problem worse. I decided to try to get as close to an easy throw precise "snick" "snick" feel as I could. (if that makes sense)
In order:
- MGW Shifter - huge difference, really tight, hard to shift smooth and get into gear at times (keep reading)
- Changed Clutch fluid - made the clutch more controllable but still a quick off-on feel (clutch fluid was black) flushed it ~15 times using ranger method.
- Changed the Clutch return spring to C5 - now clutch is just about right, easier to shift smoothly from gear to gear as well.
- Anti-Venom mod - small difference but shifting was smoother with less effort.(I used two rings)
- SkipShift eliminator - really helped getting 2nd gear at any speed (Don't quite get that, but maybe because of the next item). Helps grab second gear on a slow turn in traffic a lot !!!!
- TIME - After about 3 months ~1500miles I am now very pleased. I can now (old school) clutch -blip-clutch-down cross shift (ie. 3 to 2 or 4 to 2) just as smooth as an automatic. Shift effort is way down, and precise.
IMHO, I feel I'm about 90% there now. I still to want to change the transmission lube and I'm researching which will get me closer to less shift effort and with precision in the shift. (I'll probably try RoyalPurple or MobilOne ATF Dexon III type)
I hope this helps you, if you find a better solution please post it.
Last edited by Dutch08; Jun 4, 2017 at 04:53 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 613
Likes: 103
From: Farmington Arkansas
I had the MGW shifter installed a few weeks ago. I love it from first through fourth. Seems a little sloppy from fourth to fifth. It's like a giant sloppy to the right and up. I'm gonna change clutch fluid to see if it makes a difference. But it is really sweet first thru fourth.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,400
Likes: 39
From: Atlanta Georgia
I have MGW shifter and Royal Purple tranny fluid and it's perfect. I can litterally SLAM the shifter from 1st to 2nd at full throttle with no issues at all.
I've only missed the 2nd to 3rd shift once in 6 years.
One of the best mods you can do.
I've only missed the 2nd to 3rd shift once in 6 years.
One of the best mods you can do.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 608
From: Ridge, ny
USN
MGW is the best mod I did.
Please consider getting the lower unit also if you choose to go with the MGW. To go through all that work and leave the OEM lower in seems like taking a shower in your underwear. The complete MGW setup with the optional lower unit turns the nasty OEM shifting in to a great shifting experience. Isn't that why we chose the manual tranny over the auto slush box?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 205
From: Kansas City MO
I bought a used MGW without lower box from a member here for $150. I love this thing. Honestly I love it so much I couldn't justify spending another $200 just to get an updated style with lower box.
Firm, precise shifts with no notchiness. Perfect throw into every gear. I never miss a shift. I know it would be even better with the newer design, but man I'm still happy with what I have.
Firm, precise shifts with no notchiness. Perfect throw into every gear. I never miss a shift. I know it would be even better with the newer design, but man I'm still happy with what I have.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 392
From: Atlanta - - - - - Save the manuals
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...venom-mod.html
Took me longer to jack up the car than to do the mod.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 608
From: Ridge, ny
USN
I also had the original MGW.
I bought a used MGW without lower box from a member here for $150. I love this thing. Honestly I love it so much I couldn't justify spending another $200 just to get an updated style with lower box.
Firm, precise shifts with no notchiness. Perfect throw into every gear. I never miss a shift. I know it would be even better with the newer design, but man I'm still happy with what I have.
Firm, precise shifts with no notchiness. Perfect throw into every gear. I never miss a shift. I know it would be even better with the newer design, but man I'm still happy with what I have.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Please consider getting the lower unit also if you choose to go with the MGW. To go through all that work and leave the OEM lower in seems like taking a shower in your underwear. The complete MGW setup with the optional lower unit turns the nasty OEM shifting in to a great shifting experience. Isn't that why we chose the manual tranny over the auto slush box?
Last edited by MYCoupe; Jun 6, 2017 at 01:34 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 470
Likes: 129
From: San Diego CA
Here ya go: (Search is your friend)
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...venom-mod.html
Took me longer to jack up the car than to do the mod.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...venom-mod.html
Took me longer to jack up the car than to do the mod.
Almost forgot- I have had an MGW shifter for a year. That and the Vitesse throttle controller are the best mods I have found for the $$
Last edited by I Fly Low; Jun 6, 2017 at 12:12 PM.