MGW Shifter
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Chicago IL
MGW Shifter
Hi All,
I just had the MGW shifter installed in my Z51 Corvette. My dealer did the install. I would have tried it myself, but I am living in the city with no access to tools or a garage.
From my brief time in the car, I can tell you that shifts are far more positive and throws are shorter. Its a worthwhile investment.
If you have hesitated on this purchase, you shouldn't. Just do it!
CB
I just had the MGW shifter installed in my Z51 Corvette. My dealer did the install. I would have tried it myself, but I am living in the city with no access to tools or a garage.
From my brief time in the car, I can tell you that shifts are far more positive and throws are shorter. Its a worthwhile investment.
If you have hesitated on this purchase, you shouldn't. Just do it!
CB
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 6
From: Middle of Redneck Hell, NC
St. Jude Donor '09
C7 MGW owners -
Can you please comment on any additional shift effort required, that is typically associated with short shifters ??
I love the idea of a more positive & precise feel, but I've already got enough issue 'forcing' the shifter into 5th or 7th gears as it is, and don't need MORE effort to get into these upper gears... especially when I'm in a rush.
In theory, MGW has fairly eliminated this issue with their current design, that includes a complete lower 'shift box' where the extra leverage is needed because lesser short shifters typically alter the shift lever geometry only, and leave the OEM lower receiver & mount areas unchanged.
THANKS for the info !!
.
Can you please comment on any additional shift effort required, that is typically associated with short shifters ??
I love the idea of a more positive & precise feel, but I've already got enough issue 'forcing' the shifter into 5th or 7th gears as it is, and don't need MORE effort to get into these upper gears... especially when I'm in a rush.
In theory, MGW has fairly eliminated this issue with their current design, that includes a complete lower 'shift box' where the extra leverage is needed because lesser short shifters typically alter the shift lever geometry only, and leave the OEM lower receiver & mount areas unchanged.
THANKS for the info !!
.
Last edited by EvilBoffin; Sep 16, 2015 at 10:03 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
C7 MGW owners -
Can you please comment on any additional shift effort required, that is typically associated with short shifters ??
I love the idea of a more positive & precise feel, but I've already got enough issue 'forcing' the shifter into 5th or 7th gears as it is, and don't need MORE effort to get into these upper gears... especially when I'm in a rush.
In theory, MGW has fairly eliminated this issue with their current design, that includes a complete lower 'shift box' where the extra leverage is needed because lesser short shifters typically alter the shift lever geometry only, and leave the OEM lower receiver & mount areas unchanged.
THANKS for the info !!
.
Can you please comment on any additional shift effort required, that is typically associated with short shifters ??
I love the idea of a more positive & precise feel, but I've already got enough issue 'forcing' the shifter into 5th or 7th gears as it is, and don't need MORE effort to get into these upper gears... especially when I'm in a rush.
In theory, MGW has fairly eliminated this issue with their current design, that includes a complete lower 'shift box' where the extra leverage is needed because lesser short shifters typically alter the shift lever geometry only, and leave the OEM lower receiver & mount areas unchanged.
THANKS for the info !!
.
The transmission shift rod force stays constant, so even with zero friction, if you shorten the throw, there will be an increase in shift force at the top of the stick.
It all comes down to geometry and physics...
Here is a quick analysis of the relationship between the pivot point and the force required to shift...
With a good compromise of at stick 6.5 inches above the pivot point, and a throw of 3 inches, if you shorten the throw to 2 inches (1/3) then the shift effort increases by 1.5 times.
If you shorten the throw by shortening the top part of the stick (by about 2-3/8") instead of raising the pivot point, then the shift effort is about 1.57 the 3 inch throw, essentially the same.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Sep 16, 2015 at 04:27 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Chicago IL
I would consider the increase in shift effort to be pretty minimal. I have no trouble getting into 5th gear. I have not had the opportunity to get into 6th or 7th gear yet. I would tell you that the decrease in stick vibration, more positive feeling shifts and shorter throws far outweigh any additional "force" required. Honesty, any additional force is really not perceivable in my opinion.
Chris
Chris
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 408
From: Greer, SC
Had an MGW on my C6 and it was one of my first mods on the C7.
The effort is slightly more in my opinion but I like the more positive, bolt-action of the shifter. I agree that hitting third and fifth are much easier to get into vs the factory shifter.
I did my own install and it was fairly simple. The hardest part was getting the factory boot tucked under the shifter boot.
The effort is slightly more in my opinion but I like the more positive, bolt-action of the shifter. I agree that hitting third and fifth are much easier to get into vs the factory shifter.
I did my own install and it was fairly simple. The hardest part was getting the factory boot tucked under the shifter boot.
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Murica
Coming from a c5z I already think the c7 shift pattern is super tight and it's caused me to miss gears plenty. Is this more of a personal preference type of thing or is it an actual improvement just curious? I just can't imagine having an even tighter shift pattern.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 6
From: Middle of Redneck Hell, NC
St. Jude Donor '09
I agree that a stock 6-speed tranny in either C5 or C6 does make the C7 7-speed pattern feel 'crowded'. Trying to get into the higher gears in my new C7 seems to take a lot of deliberate focus.
I will admit to being very sensitive to the feel of both clutch & shifter...
I've owned 2 C6 manuals myself (a Z51 & Grand Sport). Because of the vague C6 clutch feel, I installed the C5z clutch spring on both of them - it made it much easier to feel the clutch take-up point.
Never did a short shifter before though, but I did keep up with George's (MGW) progress with the development of his shifter during the C6 years. It really seems that he has it down to a science now.
Luckily for us, the C7 is nearly identical to the C5-C6 shifter mechanism, so we can still benefit from all that research...
.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 67
From: Cumming GA
My $.02. I have run the Georgia 1/2 mile a couple times now with the MGW shifter. That means having to hit 1-5 quickly without a lot of effort. The MGW shifter makes it so easy that I can focus on the clutch and accelerator. The shifting just works and feels very precise. I see other C5/C6/V owners missing 3rd or 4th and I have to contribute some of that to the stock shifter.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 6
From: Middle of Redneck Hell, NC
St. Jude Donor '09
My $.02. I have run the Georgia 1/2 mile a couple times now with the MGW shifter. That means having to hit 1-5 quickly without a lot of effort. The MGW shifter makes it so easy that I can focus on the clutch and accelerator. The shifting just works and feels very precise. I see other C5/C6/V owners missing 3rd or 4th and I have to contribute some of that to the stock shifter.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Murica
I almost never missed gears in my c5z and I learned how to drive a standard on it. But in my c7 I miss third a lot, and sometimes even a gear down on accident because it just feels crowded. And mind you i've put a few thousand miles on it! Never had that issue in my c5z. I wonder if the shifter would help me out with this or what I don't know. I just can't imagine it being any tighter but if there's benefit for someone like me I will consider it.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 250
Likes: 57
I almost never missed gears in my c5z and I learned how to drive a standard on it. But in my c7 I miss third a lot, and sometimes even a gear down on accident because it just feels crowded. And mind you i've put a few thousand miles on it! Never had that issue in my c5z. I wonder if the shifter would help me out with this or what I don't know. I just can't imagine it being any tighter but if there's benefit for someone like me I will consider it.
I'm not even sure I would say the effort is increased over the stock shifter, because the action is much smoother, and much more precise. I can't imagine anyone regretting the purchase.