Dfwz06

ok guys, I've searched but there are so many MGW threads out there, that it's hard to narrow down what I need.

I installed the MGW flat shifter in my C7Z yesterday.
I made sure I had the proper gap between the bushings and the shifter socket.
I trimmed the rubber shift boot just as the video shows, and it fit perfect.
It does shift into gears, as in I'm not missing gears while shifting, but it is really stiff and not "effortless" to hit each gear.
Maybe I was assuming something different. I thought the shifts would be smooth and effortless. Instead they are tiresome and difficult.

so my questions are these:
1. it is really tight side to side movement. Should it be?
2. it has some play in each gear, like side to side play. Should this be?
3. it goes into each gear, but does take some effort. Is this normal?

Foosh

I've seen many here describe it as more "bolt action," which doesn't sound "smooth and effortless" to me. I find the OEM shifter smooth and effortless, and actually even precise once you've learned it well.

Patches

I have ~20k miles on my MGW in my C7 and, while it has "softened" a bit since I installed it making shifting very smooth and positive, it still retains that "bolt-action" feel many here describe. It has no slop, in gear or out of, and the spring force in neutral is just right. I also have the first gen MGW in my C5 and will soon replace it with the flat-stick version I ordered to upgrade it with.

I ran the Hurst and C6 shifter in my C5 before switching to the MGW - the Hurst was a bit too stiff while the C6 was too sloppy for my taste. IMO, the MGW is the best-engineered, best-feeling shifter offered for late-gen Corvettes. The feel is perfect and the action smooth and precise.

Contact MGW and describe your issues and they should be able to help you improve the feel of your shifter.

dork

The MGW does feel a little like a bolt action. Mine seems to be getting smoother as I drive it, too, or maybe I'm getting used to it.

One thing that definitely helped was the anti-venom mod. I added two washers to the detent plug and that seemed to 'round' the bolt action off a little bit. It helped in both my c5 z06 and the c7's MGW installation.

http://www.toquez06.com/avm.html

SnowyATX

It is not effortless by any means. Short throw takes more force. Stock is about as effortless as you'll get.

I had mine on for 10K or so. Just bout a new Z06 and I was floored by the difference between my Stingray with MGW and stock Z06 without.

Z06NJ

Rick, floored in a good way or in a surprising bad way? I'm trying to interpret your statement accurately

Dfwz06

Thanks guys. Guess it just takes some getting used to

Stp94

Let us know our thoughts as the days/weeks play out. I have an MGW flat on order and they are saying a month out. This is a disconcerting problem that I'd assume not encounter.

cheapthrills

If you didn't tighten the screw on the cable to the tranny enough it slips and makes for sloppy difficult shifts. Put the stick in neutral and push left and right. If the stick doesn't return to center you need to tighten that screw. Ask me how I know

stephen1254

Something is off, and I'd contact MGW. Mine has been in for several years now, so it's hard to remember back to the stock shifter, but I recall thinking that the effort was only marginally increased, with the effort offset by the ease that the car went into gear.

Although I don't know how this could happen, your symptoms sound like the shifter is binding in the bushings. Mine came pre-greased - did yours as well? Did a bushing come un-seated?

Lastly, the anti-venom mod - a brass washer or two on the shift detent bolt - was quite an improvement in the ease of effort in shifting. I wouldn't look at that, however, until you determine the underlying problem. I found the MGW to be a dramatic improvement, with no downside at all.

SnowyATX

Floored as in how sloppy the stock shifter is. ; )

This being said I'm trying my hardest to not make any mods to the new Z. The MGW can get old in traffic.

Anyone want to convince me to sell mine for a good price?

thill444

I feel the same. The first couple of days I missed some shifts... The more I drive the car the better the shifting has become and I don't miss shifts any more. I have owned lots of manuals and I find the stock gearbox in this car to be quite good. Short throws, precise, easy to shift. I have noticed 2nd gear to be tough to shift into sometimes when it is cold outside, but once the car warms up it shifts fine.

Dfwz06

Bingo! That's what happened

Dfwz06

Is the anti-venom mod applicable to the M7 as well?

Mick14

So, what is your opinion now?

stephen1254

Yes. I used a single washer, like most have, but I've read of some using 2 washers.

Dfwz06

I'll fix the bolt tonight and try the washer later

CCA Corvette Parts

^^^^^
This

Regards
Chip

The_Gretz

So do most folks think the MGW requires more effort to shift than the stock shifter?

Patches

I think it's perfect. It's slightly more firm than stock but it's the positive, precise feel I really like. I'm passionate about this because the shifter is one of those controls the drivers is most involved with. It's a significant part of the manual driving experience and, if it doesn't have a solid, positive action, it's a big letdown as part of the whole experience. That's why I ordered an MGW after buying my C7 - I initially tried the stock shifter a couple of months hoping GM had finally gotten it right but was disappointed to find that same vagueness my C5 has with the stocker. The MGW fixed that for me. Everyone's different, though, so try one for yourself.