MGW Short Throw Shifter
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 173
Likes: 54
From: Pacific Northwest
MGW Short Throw Shifter
I don't plan to autocross, track or drag race my Z06. However, I do enjoy "spirited" driving around town occasionally and like the idea of a "short shifter."
Is it a waste of money to buy a "short shifter" if I won't be racing my 'vette?
Is it a waste of money to buy a "short shifter" if I won't be racing my 'vette?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 173
Likes: 54
From: Pacific Northwest
Moderator, please move to C7 General Discussion. Sorry folks.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 490
Likes: 92
From: Savannah GA
I would bet the majority of folks that have installed the MGW shifter do not track their cars, and everyone raves about it. I just installed mine yesterday, and have only driven around the neighborhood after the install yesterday, but I am very happy with it. In the short drive I understand what folks mean when they say it is night and day compared to the stock shifter. The shifts are very precise and defined. I do see it does take more effort to get into 7th, but I rarely use 7th.
It's a fairly cheap mod. Install is pretty easy as well.
It's a fairly cheap mod. Install is pretty easy as well.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 84
Likes: 11
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I have it in my 2015 Z51. I have tracked the car several times but I don't think the shifter will make much difference in reduced times! On a thread posted well over a year ago, another member likened the MGW to that of the feel of a bolt action rifle. I couldn't agree more. I really don't think the shift sequence is much shorter and as already mentioned, it does require a bit more energy to move from gate to gate, especially 7th gear. I only really appreciated the MGW after I ran several M7's at The Ron Fellows HSD course at Spring Mountain! Only then did I realize how imprecise the OEM manual shifter is. I think there are several threads on this forum with videos on the installation of the shifter. My best advice is to make sure that you have some of the nylon trim removal tools when self-performing this modification.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 793
From: Longview Texas
Just for reference, don't expect the throw on this or other aftermarket shifters to be significantly shorter than the stock shifter.
GM has made a good compromise between short throw and shifting effort. If it gets much shorter, like the Hinson shifter, there will be a noticeable increase in shift effort.
I went with the Core Shifters HURST just because I like the retro look, but the throw is actually about the same, at around 3 inches.
However, it does have a more positive feel when it goes into gear.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Dec 5, 2016 at 05:31 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 114
Likes: 6
From: Quincy MA
I would bet the majority of folks that have installed the MGW shifter do not track their cars, and everyone raves about it. I just installed mine yesterday, and have only driven around the neighborhood after the install yesterday, but I am very happy with it. In the short drive I understand what folks mean when they say it is night and day compared to the stock shifter. The shifts are very precise and defined. I do see it does take more effort to get into 7th, but I rarely use 7th.
It's a fairly cheap mod. Install is pretty easy as well.
It's a fairly cheap mod. Install is pretty easy as well.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,995
Likes: 9,759
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Stock Vs aftermarket they are all the same just a stick through a hole. You can make the hole smaller/larger, make the ball at the end of the stick fit into the stock receiver in the car tighter or looser and raise the fulcrum point on the stick but that is all that can be done. It just isn't a complex mechanism.
Bill
Bill
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,939
Thanks Bill.
That's kinda what I was thinking. I think the OEM shifter is already short-throw and don't find it to be "imprecise" at all. I'm not sure I want "bolt-action" on my shifter either, but I'd like to compare them side-by-side, which I should have a chance to do in the not-too-distant future.
That's kinda what I was thinking. I think the OEM shifter is already short-throw and don't find it to be "imprecise" at all. I'm not sure I want "bolt-action" on my shifter either, but I'd like to compare them side-by-side, which I should have a chance to do in the not-too-distant future.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 173
Likes: 54
From: Pacific Northwest
Thanks everyone for the comments! I like the looks of the MGW Flat Stick but can't get myself to pull the trigger on something that costs $400 and may not add much value to my driving experience.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 26,430
Likes: 493
Stock Vs aftermarket they are all the same just a stick through a hole. You can make the hole smaller/larger, make the ball at the end of the stick fit into the stock receiver in the car tighter or looser and raise the fulcrum point on the stick but that is all that can be done. It just isn't a complex mechanism.
Bill
Bill
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 20
From: St. Louis MO
If your anywhere near St Louis, let me know and you can row my shifter!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 667
Likes: 254
From: Philadelphia
I just installed my MGW shifter yesterday. It took me 3 hours but I took my time and watched the videos multiple time and read the sticky for the MGW numerous times throughout the install. I could probably complete in an hour if I was to do it again. The hardest part was putting that rubber boot over the MGW shifter. My fingers are still sore! Like others have said, the feeling is like a bolt action rifle and precise. I went with the stock look as I like the original look. I will never track my car either. I put 5 miles on my car after the MGW shifter install. I do like it and a cheap mod.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 949
Likes: 105
From: Cleveland Ohio
I just received mine last week and plan to install later this month (no hurry, as I'm already in hibernation for the winter). Even if the MGW is only marginally better than stock, it's something that you touch and use hundreds of times per drive. On something that you have so much direct interaction with, even a marginal improvement can make a significant, noticeable difference in your driving experience. By the vast majority of feedback from those that have installed the MGW, the difference is much more than just a marginal improvement. Can't wait to row some gears with this thing come spring.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 31
From: Beaverton OR
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 6,223
Likes: 1,700
From: Northern California
St. Jude Donor '15
I put mine on about a year ago, I give it a big thumbs up! The other mod I would recommend is the Vitesse throttle control. Those two mods really make the car a much funner driving experience imo.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 114
Likes: 6
From: Quincy MA
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,939
