Short throw shifters
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: MA
Short throw shifters
I'm looking at installing a new short throw shifter on my 427 Vert. I know Hurst has been around since I was a kid and I'm sure there are a lot of good products to choose from. I've heard a lot recently about the MPW shifters. I'm looking for real world experience (not a debate) on what you've installed in your rides. Particularly in the 427 / ZO6 genre. Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 420
Likes: 63
From: Earth
I put a B&M Ripper in my '95 Camaro Z28 a long time ago and it was well built, easy to install/adjust, and was one of the best cheapest mods I did on that car. Went from shifting all wiggly and truck-like to what it should have been. Nice and solid, no play, and nice crisp shifts.
Was going to pretty much consider that in the '05 I recently picked up but opted instead for the MGW based on all the reviews here. That's an interestingly designed shifter but also nice and solid, easy to install, and well supported by the maker. Again, one of the best cheapest mod I have made so far.
My only complaint (not really a complaint) is that the shift pattern is definitely tighter than stock so sometimes, if I'm not really paying attention, I'll put it in 3rd instead of 1st. I have to remember to pull it towards me with more force to make sure it's in 1st. So it's a user-issue, not the shifter's fault.
Nice and solid, a good feel, notchy but like a well-made bolt action rifle. Just a very good piece of machinery. I'd definitely recommend it and would put another one in if I ever got another Corvette.
Was going to pretty much consider that in the '05 I recently picked up but opted instead for the MGW based on all the reviews here. That's an interestingly designed shifter but also nice and solid, easy to install, and well supported by the maker. Again, one of the best cheapest mod I have made so far.
My only complaint (not really a complaint) is that the shift pattern is definitely tighter than stock so sometimes, if I'm not really paying attention, I'll put it in 3rd instead of 1st. I have to remember to pull it towards me with more force to make sure it's in 1st. So it's a user-issue, not the shifter's fault.
Nice and solid, a good feel, notchy but like a well-made bolt action rifle. Just a very good piece of machinery. I'd definitely recommend it and would put another one in if I ever got another Corvette.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,629
Ditto with going to a MGW (due to the dampener assembly), and as for the notchy feeling, single "anti venom" Brass washer to shim the trans indexer detent assembly sightly outward will resolve that notchy feeling.
http://www.toquez06.com/avm.html
Also to note, the new MGW shifters comes with a off set. I lucked out since I have longer arms and got the version just before the current one that has the shaft coming straight up out of the damper instead.
This is the one that I have,
While the new ones have the off set (slightly back to the the left) and comes with the new lower shifter box as well.
http://www.mgwltd.com/corvette_short..._shifter.shtml
http://www.toquez06.com/avm.html
Also to note, the new MGW shifters comes with a off set. I lucked out since I have longer arms and got the version just before the current one that has the shaft coming straight up out of the damper instead.
This is the one that I have,
While the new ones have the off set (slightly back to the the left) and comes with the new lower shifter box as well.
http://www.mgwltd.com/corvette_short..._shifter.shtml
Last edited by Dano523; Jul 29, 2014 at 02:16 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 198
Likes: 12
From: Gold Canyon, Arizona
Not sure about the ratios, but I believe they are all short throw shifters. It's the quality of the shifter that makes a difference.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: MA
The only bad press I've heard was the rubber boot and seal supplied might crack. That could have been due to improper installation (I've seen the installation video).
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 475
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville TX
You will have no regrets installing the MGW shifter with the lower box. I let a person sit in the car and play the MGW shifter this last Saturday. His response was "WOW, this feels like a racecar shifter".
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 266
From: San Jose California
So none of them were/are "short throw" shifters since to use that description you would have to be able to say "shorter than XXX." The MGW and others have shorter throws than the stock unit because they change the pivot point of the fulcrum. The lever's "throw" actually is shorter than the throw on the stock shifter.
Note: if you order a replacement what you get is BOTH the shifter and the shifter box bolted together as one unit. Part #25823572.
Here is a pic of my original 2007 Z06 shifter box bushing.
Last edited by Zoxxo; Jul 30, 2014 at 01:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: MA
Sounds good. Maybe that will be the next project after I do up the engine bay. Thanks for the input. Wish there were some real world comparos between the MGW, Hurst, B&M, etc.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
I also have the MGW shifter and the lower box. I love it. Shifts are smooth and precise.
The OEM shifter was 'OK' but did feel a little 'sloppy/mushy' compared to the MGW.
The OEM shifter was 'OK' but did feel a little 'sloppy/mushy' compared to the MGW.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: MA
Thanks - this is good feedback. Were you able to compare the MGW to other aftermarket shifters before you bought?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 261
From: Greensboro NC
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Originally (in 2010) I had the older version that did not have a lower box. It was a improvement over the OEM shifter for sure, but when a newer improved version came out which also had a lower box, I bought that one.
It is even better than the first one that I had. I can't imagine a shifter could be much better than this newest MGW.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Arvada CO
I installed the MGW Shifter in my 2007 years ago before they sold the lower box. It's been fantastic! The tactile feel of every shift is impressive, a huge improvement from stock. My friend who has a stock shifter on his 2008 vette drove mine and said, "wow, what a difference!"
Just stepped up to a ZR1 and ordered the MGW shifter with the lower box BEFORE I even took delivery of the car! I will install it next week.
Just stepped up to a ZR1 and ordered the MGW shifter with the lower box BEFORE I even took delivery of the car! I will install it next week.
Last edited by Finster07; Aug 1, 2014 at 12:11 PM.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
The MGW I installed in my 06 about five years ago is the best mod I ever installed for the money. Don't bother looking at anything else.
Last edited by SUB VETTE; Aug 1, 2014 at 06:01 PM. Reason: addl info
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 266
From: San Jose California
As far as I know the only place to get a new one is from MGW. Not a bad thing, though, as their customer service is second to none.
http://www.mgwltd.com/corvette.shtml
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http://www.mgwltd.com/corvette.shtml
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