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To relax the detent spring on top of the tranny. Without that spring, the shifter just flops around. I did that to my stock shifter, and it's close to perfect now (when hot), since I also did an Amsoil (fully synthetic) fluid change, and shifter box adjustment. And it's definitely less notchy when cold. I only used one copper washer. And the beauty of it is you can reverse it if you don't like it. The copper didn't fit perfectly, like I wanted, but good enough. So I used the same GM tranny sealer for the drain/fill plugs up there just in case, even though there shouldn't be any leaks without sealer. It's a 5-min mod once the car is in the air . Do a search for the copper washer p/n; I just remember the brand: 'Oil-tite', and bought it at O'Reillys. Hope this helps.
If you buy one just be careful when trimming the rubber that seals the shifter from the tunnel. I cut mine larger than the shifter and seem to have an issue now with the Center console getting warmer than before.
I replaced my 08 oem shifter with a MGW shifter and the shifts feel much more positive and shorter. At first, the shifting felt a little notchy and a little more effort was needed compared to the oem shifter. After about 2-3 weeks, both the notchiness and effort had improved to the point that under normal driving I can use two fingers to shift from 1st. to 2nd. No more missing 2nd to 3rd like the oem shifter. Yes, I always use the open palm method. Again 3rd to 4th two fingers. 4th to 5th open palm a slight movement to the right and two fingers 5th to 6th.
BTW: Ragin Cajan made a good point. Cut the rubber seal boot to fit around the shifter to seal. I highly recommend you buy the dynamat insulation with the MGW shifter to install in the tunnel, around the shifter and up under the center console. This will significantly reduce heat transfer around the console area and help a bit on sound. I ordered two 10 x 10 sheets for $20 to complete the task. MGW website has instructions and you will receive an instructional DVD video with the MGW shifter that is very thorough.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Feb 6, 2013 at 02:40 AM.
The MGW is better in every respect over the stock shift except that it takes slightly more effort to shift. It does not rattle, it does not allow more heat in, gating is much improved. So much so that it is almost impossible to miss a shift. This is the shifter that should come stock with the car.
Wow, can't believe I haven't seen this mod before now! Just ordered my washer and since I already have my car in the air dropping in a new motor it will be a snap to through it in. Can't wait to try it out!
I am also running the MGW shifter but I ended up going with an "old school" B&M shiftier "T" handle. It actually gives you an even shorter throw as it's lower overall than the typical handle plus it gives you a very positive shifting feeling IMHO.
I installed it today, took me an hour and a few minutes. This shifter is the best invention on the planet. WOW!! I found a few good short cut's to install and a few things they left out in their video. Also a few errors
on the video. If you want to install one just PM me and I'll send you what I found out. And also that fuse for the skip shift works like a champ.
All people having problems with any aftermarket shifter should have done the Anti Venom Mod and that would have taken the excess spring pressure off and made the shifter feel like butter. I was able to fix my buddies MGW with just a copper spacer on the spring bolt as per the anti venom mod suggests.
You can do this on stock setup as well to get her to shift better.
I did this and I am so glad I did. In fact, I don't think I'll ever buy an MGW shifter after the copper washer mod. It did take some of the effort out of the shifter and it is very smooth once the tranny is up to temperature. Also, this is by far one of the simplest mods you'll do to your car.
I did this and I am so glad I did. In fact, I don't think I'll ever buy an MGW shifter after the copper washer mod. It did take some of the effort out of the shifter and it is very smooth once the tranny is up to temperature. Also, this is by far one of the simplest mods you'll do to your car.
I love it! Highly recommend!!
I'm going to add the copper washer and the synthetic Amsoil on Monday. That should make it really good. But it shifts great right now without the washer.
Last year there was talk that MGW was going to bring out their own shifter box. Has any one heard about this?
I talked to George at MGW he said maybe another month or two. He also told me that I should change my shifter box over to one with bushings. The ZO6 is mounted solid from the factory. I just used the box that was there and it works great.
Did you guys also do away with the thing that tries to make you shift from 1st to 4th? I go 1st to 3rd quite a bit but to 4th seems to defeat the purpose of the car.
Mine has this but I hardly ever hit it... If you bring your RPMs up a tad higher it will allow you into 2nd every time... Just accelerate harder and it will go away! <==== FREE MOD!
I did this and I am so glad I did. In fact, I don't think I'll ever buy an MGW shifter after the copper washer mod. It did take some of the effort out of the shifter and it is very smooth once the tranny is up to temperature. Also, this is by far one of the simplest mods you'll do to your car.
I love it! Highly recommend!!
Was this washer mod posted on this site someplace? I thought I read it once but have been unable to find it again.
My shifter is extremely "GATEY" and actually sticks every now and then... the dealership says it shifts normal to them... I disagree!
Heck my $20,000.00 2000 Sunfire shifts a heck of a lot better than my $67,000.00 2011 Corvette!!! To me this is unacceptable... I honestly HATE my transmission as I expect more from a sports car!
If all I need is a silly washer to improve the shifter feel and remove some of the "Gateyness"... I must give it a shot!
If this works I will be installing an MGW shifter... Im just afraid that if I go to a short throw it will only magnify my shifting issue.