m7
Racer
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 446
Likes: 35
From: Central Florida
I don't think I complained about the effort to shift. I pointed out that two fingers would "guide" the gearbox into the correct gear. I think - at least I hope, you are wrong about me. I see where you got that from what I wrote. But more solid and less rubbery is what I am looking for. Another word used is "notchy". Notchy is good. I mentioned in one of my responses that I felt the effort to shift was minimal and an increase wouldn't be a problem. If you can drive and shift yours flawlessly, I think the MGW will put me in a position to be able to do so as well. Every manual takes a little getting used to. I've never shifted a trans built to take repeated shifts at 460 ft.lbs, So I am game to give myself a little more getting-used-to time than usual to drive it correctly. Most of the folks who have responded to all of my posts (not just the initial) seem to think the MGW will go a long way to making it "mine". It remains to be seen if the centering you are talking about will still be a problem. I'm going to give it a shot, at any rate. I'm already to the point that going back to a Miata would feel . . . insufficient. I don't think the mods I am making will drive the value down. The miles I'm putting on it will. So I am loathe to just sell it without giving the car - and myself - a chance to make it work.
One of the things that always helps me feel better when something doesn’t behave as expected is to dig in and understand why it feels like it does. I find this quells a lot of that unsatisfied feeling.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 361
Likes: 392
I came from the Mazda world, you can fix the rubbery feel with the MGW short shifter.
Also the OEM GM shift **** is a tad big if you're used to the skinny Miata *****. What you can do is order the MGW with the special 9/16-18 C5 thread size. Then order a Miata shift **** from knobmeister and request the custom C5 thread size. Surely you've heard of knobmeister if you are familiar with the MX-5 aftermarket. He will make shift ***** for Corvettes.
Also the OEM GM shift **** is a tad big if you're used to the skinny Miata *****. What you can do is order the MGW with the special 9/16-18 C5 thread size. Then order a Miata shift **** from knobmeister and request the custom C5 thread size. Surely you've heard of knobmeister if you are familiar with the MX-5 aftermarket. He will make shift ***** for Corvettes.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 99
Likes: 17
From: Waaay Northeast Oklahoma
I have owned two S2000s (best shifter of all time) a manual Porsche Cayman (very good shifter) and I came directly into my C7 from am ND Miata. The C7 in its stock form was the worst shifting of that bunch, but I got the MGW shifter very early into my ownership and it improved things dramatically. Very positive engagement and "bolt action" feel. I'd highly recommend it.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,739
Likes: 3,668
From: The Sunshine State
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Luv my M7 Z06. I installed the MGW short throw shifter and it’s even better. Only (small) issue is that sometimes when stopped, 1st gear doesn’t fully engage due to the synchros, even though the HUD and dash show you in first gear. It’s more of a learning curve, but still occasionally happens, especially when parked on an incline.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 99
Likes: 17
From: Waaay Northeast Oklahoma
I think you bought the wrong car. You are moving large beefy gears around. It will never shift like you want. It’s a physics thing. You have to be far more deliberate and “sure” with your movements. If you try to shift it silky and slow, with really low physical effort, it will never feel good. I love the way the MGW makes it feel, but it doesn’t really reduce effort. It just makes everything feel more solid and less rubbery. The centering force that you are mistaking for the skip shift feature will be more pronounced with the MGW shifter, and will be very annoying if you aren’t using enough “umph” to shift. The shifter is shorter, and you have less leverage as a consequence.
I know this because I can drive and shifter my car flawlessly. When my wife first drove it, she had almost the exact same issues as you. She’s leaned to get around it but it is a lot more effort and stress for her to drive it than my ND Miata was, or an other low powered manual car she’s driven where the car required low effort to shift.
I know this because I can drive and shifter my car flawlessly. When my wife first drove it, she had almost the exact same issues as you. She’s leaned to get around it but it is a lot more effort and stress for her to drive it than my ND Miata was, or an other low powered manual car she’s driven where the car required low effort to shift.
BTW, the stress I have is driving a pristine car that cost almost twice that of my first house. I just know someone or something is (or I am) going to crater it. That is something I am going to just have to get used to. The shifter, including that "centering", vexes me and I don't like it. But I think the real stress is all self induced. I have to just get over it (Cue the Eagles). All the mods in the world . . . will actually make it worse by increasing the cost. Going to NPP mufflers from non-valved Flowmaster will help. The constant noise and difficulty hearing my passenger (wife) isn't a main cause of stress. But it doesn't help. The stock NPPs are on the porch right now. As is about an inch of sleet.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 446
Likes: 35
From: Central Florida
You told us how your wife reacted to the MGW at first. Although you can now drive and shift it with no issues at all, how did you fair at first? Surely it wasn't flawless right out of the box. All manuals have a learning curve, short as it may be. How did you do with the stock M7 at first and how did you start out with the short shift?
BTW, the stress I have is driving a pristine car that cost almost twice that of my first house. I just know someone or something is (or I am) going to crater it. That is something I am going to just have to get used to. The shifter, including that "centering", vexes me and I don't like it. But I think the real stress is all self induced. I have to just get over it (Cue the Eagles). All the mods in the world . . . will actually make it worse by increasing the cost. Going to NPP mufflers from non-valved Flowmaster will help. The constant noise and difficulty hearing my passenger (wife) isn't a main cause of stress. But it doesn't help. The stock NPPs are on the porch right now. As is about an inch of sleet.
BTW, the stress I have is driving a pristine car that cost almost twice that of my first house. I just know someone or something is (or I am) going to crater it. That is something I am going to just have to get used to. The shifter, including that "centering", vexes me and I don't like it. But I think the real stress is all self induced. I have to just get over it (Cue the Eagles). All the mods in the world . . . will actually make it worse by increasing the cost. Going to NPP mufflers from non-valved Flowmaster will help. The constant noise and difficulty hearing my passenger (wife) isn't a main cause of stress. But it doesn't help. The stock NPPs are on the porch right now. As is about an inch of sleet.
The reason I’m compelled to suggest that you may have bought the wrong car is, if I hadn’t adjusted to it as fast as I did, I would have felt I had maybe made a mistake. You seem to be having a lot more issues than I did, and owning a car like this shouldn’t be a burden mentally.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,555
From: Calgary Alberta
I think there is something wrong with Araknid's transmission. I don't recall anyone having the kind of issues he's having. I'm not a former professional racer but I also had the stock shifter figured out quickly, as I think everyone else did.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,035
Likes: 931
From: Bonney Lake Washington
Great combination.......
Your feet and an MGW shift kit, have had both on every (six total) Vette I've owned.....
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 270
Likes: 209
Having driven my M7 Z yesterday for the second time on a longer drive, the things I noticed about the M7 that may make it a bit tricky to master at first (though I have absolutely no issues with this tranny or shifter. In fact, I quite like it) are these:
The engagement point is a bit high. That's been probably the trickiest for me to get. But, at the end of my drive yesterday, it became much more natural. I can only assume it will be a non-issue eventually.
2nd gear did pop out once when it was cold. I hadn't been forceful enough making sure it was all the way in gear. I don't see this being a problem in the future.
I have never driven a 7 speed. I do think it's one too many gears. Going into 5th, I did hit 7th once. But after a bit, I found the stick does want to go to 5th if you just guide it instead of place it.
For me, I found that being more direct with my downshifts and have more finesse with my up shifts seemed to be the key. Overall, I think this manual is very pleasant. It isn't as fool proof as say, a BMW M2 where you honestly feel like you're cheating. But not as raw as some older manuals. And I love the auto rev matching!! Oh that sound!
The engagement point is a bit high. That's been probably the trickiest for me to get. But, at the end of my drive yesterday, it became much more natural. I can only assume it will be a non-issue eventually.
2nd gear did pop out once when it was cold. I hadn't been forceful enough making sure it was all the way in gear. I don't see this being a problem in the future.
I have never driven a 7 speed. I do think it's one too many gears. Going into 5th, I did hit 7th once. But after a bit, I found the stick does want to go to 5th if you just guide it instead of place it.
For me, I found that being more direct with my downshifts and have more finesse with my up shifts seemed to be the key. Overall, I think this manual is very pleasant. It isn't as fool proof as say, a BMW M2 where you honestly feel like you're cheating. But not as raw as some older manuals. And I love the auto rev matching!! Oh that sound!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 277
From: Chattanooga, TN
I have owned two S2000s (best shifter of all time) a manual Porsche Cayman (very good shifter) and I came directly into my C7 from am ND Miata. The C7 in its stock form was the worst shifting of that bunch, but I got the MGW shifter very early into my ownership and it improved things dramatically. Very positive engagement and "bolt action" feel. I'd highly recommend it.
Wish I had known about the MGW shifter solution!
Also, the Soler engineering throttle body helps solve a bit of the initial throttle lag and lug. This relatively cheap mod is great for both the M7 and A8. I love mine. Makes the car feel a lot more responsive.
https://www.solerengineering.com/gen...s?category=LT1
Racer
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 446
Likes: 35
From: Central Florida
I think he is having a hard time getting his technique dialed in. Some people just naturally expect controls to act and feel a certain way, and often times have a hard time adjusting. Some people are more adaptable. it’s not good or bad, it’s just the way it is.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 99
Likes: 17
From: Waaay Northeast Oklahoma
I got my eliminator today. I am taller than 4 inches when I am lying down. Is there a way to install it without paying for a lift? The instructions are a little weak. But it sounds like I have to access the top of the transmission.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 99
Likes: 17
From: Waaay Northeast Oklahoma
"Solved" shifting issues
the only reason I say it is because when my wife drove mine for the first time she had basically all his exact same issues. That and I can feel what is causing his issues, i kinda had them too, but only once or twice until I understood how to shift it.
I think he is having a hard time getting his technique dialed in. Some people just naturally expect controls to act and feel a certain way, and often times have a hard time adjusting. Some people are more adaptable. it’s not good or bad, it’s just the way it is.
I think he is having a hard time getting his technique dialed in. Some people just naturally expect controls to act and feel a certain way, and often times have a hard time adjusting. Some people are more adaptable. it’s not good or bad, it’s just the way it is.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 446
Likes: 35
From: Central Florida
Think you are right. I pretty much solved my shifting issues. How, you may ask? I took the top off. A sunny day, the wind and Eagles on the stereo - Voila! Everything just fell into place. Well almost. Even downshifted into 6 at low RPMs, no problem. I was thinking too much about it. I almost wouldn't spend the money for an MGW. But I still would like it to feel more, uh mechanical. "Notchy and precise" someone (sorry) said. I believe I'm going to be really satisfied with it with the short shifter installed. I truly appreciate everyone's positive advice. (Including "I think you may have bought the wrong car . . . .") The MGW is on order and I'm looking forward being as enamored with this trans as much as I was with the '16 Miata.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 884
Likes: 256
From: Atlanta, GA
Actually better to leave it on because it won't exceed the REV limit since it's controlled by REV match. You will hear it REV high, and know to not put it in that gear. If you leave REV match off, you put into that wrong gear, and then you will REV to the moon, and blow the engine. I learned this from a Spring Mountain instructor. It wasn't my idea.