Okay, other Forum members asked me to let them know how my install went this morning and my impressions. Well, in a word ..... AWESOME!

The install was very straight forward. It took all of 45 minutes. The most time was spent on removing the center console as I've never done it in this car and didn't want to scratch anything. George's instructions were pretty complete. I found what I thought were a couple of inconsistancies and a couple of missing steps.

First, no mention of removing the stock **** and although that seems self expanitory, I was going step by step and went to remove the console and the **** was in the way and I was never told to remove it. No biggie but it should come off pretty early in the process.

Second, I felt the instructions for removing the console was unclear. It says to lift from the top first but there is no real way to grasp the top of the console that I could see. It kind of tucks into the dash. I found just grabbing the sides and pulling out (to the rear of the car) GENTLY unsnapped the connectors and then I could jimmy it from there.

Thirdly, in my opinion take his advice and just forget trying to disconnect the TC button. I spent at least 5 minutes trying to disconnect it and never did figure it out! It is NOT a problem to leave it connected. There is plenty of service loop in the wiring to leave it attached and swing the console to the passengers side.

Fourthly, there is a rubber piece I would guess to be a noise isolator in my 2007. It is not descibed in the instructions. I was able to stretch it over the stock shifter shaft and remove it. I DID reuse it on the new shifter. Here is a picture of it:



I did not take a bunch of pictures during the install because the inclosed CD has step by step pictures. What I did do is take a short video of the shifter in action. Before you watch it let me say that I am extremely please with how this shifter works. I noticed ZERO difficulty shifting, ZERO vibration or noise of any kind. The shifts are short and precise. The 2 - 3 shift is phenominal, worth the price just for that shift. No need to direct the shifter. Just slight pressure forward and in it goes. Anyone who loves to shift is going to love this shifter. So, here's the short video:



Anyway, let me know if you have any specific questions and I will try to answer them.

Great job George! I'm diggin' it

 

Thanks for the write-up. How do you like the shifter ****?

San

 

Great report and video Paul.

 

DUH, Love it! Feels great in my hand and I think it is perfect for putting your hand in the correct position to shift. I always learned to keep my elbow out when shifting (it's just a "lesson" to put you in the proper position to shift) and this shape is ideal for that. I don't personally like using a round ball. It almost forces you to grab it from on top and puts you arm in a poor position. The stock **** is better than a round **** in my opinion but this is sweet.

 

i love my mgw shifter too, i made my own custom **** that sits much much lower than the stock **** or even the mgw **** sits on the shifter, i didnt notice any increased effort.

btw your video will prolyl be pulled because you accelerated past 55mph...

 

I was entering a section of Southern California freeway were the speed limit is 70 but whatever!

 

oh bro ive gone plenty fast and enjoy doing it when there isnt any traffic (minimize the risk for probs) just past experiences tell me the moderators dont like that. if they didnt mind i could actually post my videos up

in any case great car, glad you like the shifter

 

Hey Paul;

Thanks for the photos and video. I really like the big picture of the car in front of the house. I'm really taking a liking to Orange.
Looks like the shifter is very smooth and easy to get in position for the 1-2 slot. I have one of the older models and I have to slap it sideways to make it move.

I have to say that I have never before seen someone shift with the heel of their hand with the thumb on the same side as the fingers, but it sure looks like it works.

Thanks again.

BJK

 

Thanks BJK. I think I probably exaggerated my hand position slightly to show the shifter but I never "grab" the shifter. I mostly push it with the palm of my hand and pull it with an open hand. It is definetly setup for the 3-4 line. You do have to move it slightly left for the 1-2 slot and right for 5-6 but it centers itself and let's face it, that's where the real action is.

 

i agree, with the MGW and its strong centering springs the shifter should be pushed forward to go into 3rd. nothing like ripping on a mn6

 

With your shifting style the race **** looks like a good choice. I think I'll go with the gripper. Thanks again for the pics, review and video.

San

 

Thanks and nice sound

 

Thanks, LG Pro Long tubes, high flow cats and Corsa Sports. BTW, ZERO drone at any cruise speeds or rpms.

 

My pleasure San.

Grip it and Rip it buddy

 

Popy,
I know what I'll be ordering next week. I have an 07 as well, so if you feel the need to offer any specific "tips", please post up or pm me. Thanks.

San

 

Looks good. Great job! Is that how you shift normally or did you do that just for the video so we could see how short the throw is?
John

 

I have the MGW Gripper **** that I bought with the MGW shifter. I only used it twice and then went with the stock ****. If anyone wants mine, PM me for shipped price and you will save a few bucks.

BJK

 

You have pm.

San

 

Reply sent

BJK

 

I think I probably exaggerated my hand position slightly to show the shifter but I never "grab" the shifter. I mostly push it with the palm of my hand and pull it with an open hand. My thumb is generally at the top of the **** not doing anything. Think of holding a coffee mug. I'm not sure how to describe it but my hand is never "wrapped" around the ****. All the work is done with palm and inside of fingers. Make sense?

I did just notice the still of the video in the post above. It shows my hand down on the shaft below the ****. It is NEVER like that. I guess I was trying to show the action of the shifter.