When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Decreasing the height of the shift **** on the shifter shaft does indeed shorten the throw, as defined by the distance one needs to physically move it until engaging the next gear.
I installed this 600 gram (1.3 lb.) weighted shift **** on the OEM shifter, which reduced the height by 1.5" from the OEM **** height resulting in significantly shorter throws. Because it's weighted, it did not increase the shift effort, but it definitely improved the precision "feel" of the OEM shifter. Generally, a shorter throw requires more effort just like a short pry bar requires more force than a longer one to move an object, but the weighted **** compensates for that.
It feels like an enhanced version of the OEM C7 shifter, even though I liked it before as well. I think it looks good too. I don't think it makes the car faster, and neither does the MGW, but it's a question of your preference for shifter feel. I like the shorter, easy throws, which make it feel more "precise."
At one point, I was about ready to pull the trigger on the MGW, but this small, inexpensive change sealed the deal on keeping the OEM shifter.
Foosh.... I was looking at an MGW, but I appreciate the engineering fundamentals you have described. Some detail on where you obtained this product please.
Foosh.... I was looking at an MGW, but I appreciate the engineering fundamentals you have described. Some detail on where you obtained this product please.
There's a good discussion here, including a post of mine where I linked the item I purchased. There's also a good diagram by Texhawk0 on the the physics involved.
Good thread. So a question for all fellow M7 fans. I'll keep my views on precise or sloppy shifts to myself, not interested in that debate as we all have our views. My concern is the occasional 2nd gear cold grind. I'm usually a fan of OEM fluids, but would a high quality aftermarket fluid help with the occasional cold grind if I don't swap to MGW?
Funny you should mention that, and I almost said something earlier. Shorter throws, by definition, eliminate what some might call "sloppy." With less distance to travel, one's aim is more true.
I haven't felt a single 1-2 "graunch" in the 500 or so miles since I installed the weighted **** with the height lowered 1.5" on the OEM shifter in my car discussed above. Of course, it's damned hot here now, but it's not happened even first thing in the morning at 0-dark-thirty. Holding firm pressure to the left when going to 2 also limits that.
I don't think trannie fluids have anything to do with that phenomenon. It's more the the mass of the gears involved and how hard the synchros have to work going 1 to 2. Until they warm up, they're grumpy.
You can see which one I picked. I like the retro-look and did not think it was worth changing out the lower box. Uses Hurst internals and clicks when going into gear so no doubt it is full engaged. Best combination of short throw and minimal shift effort in higher gears I have found.
You actually can get too short a throw and significantly increase the shift effort.
How is this shifter holding up!? Any rattles or vibrations under high rpms?! Or while cruising? Nobody seems to be running this shifter! Looks really good!
Remember the MGW cost more but you are also getting a lower box and not just the shifter. Most other shifters just come with the shifter. To me the lower box is what really changes the feel of the car.
I have a 17 Z51. The MGW is what the car should have been built with. The stock shifter is not as precise and has a slightly rubbery feel to it, along with the slightly longer throw. The increased effort of the MGW is barely noticeable, the throws are noticeably shorter and feel much more precise. I would compare the MGW feel to an Audi manual in terms of throw and precision. The Audi has a buttery feel to it that the MGW doesn't, but the MGW makes it much more fun to drive.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
