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I finally received and installed an MGW short throw shifter this past week and I cannot tell you how great it is compared to the stock shifter. Very precise feel; especially up into 3rd and 5th - - best $260 upgrade out there in my opinion.
This is the first time I had ever done this so it took me about 2-1/2 hours. Now that I've done it once, probably could complete it in about half the time. Would highly recommend to anyone who is on the fence about a new shifter - don't hesitate - you will love it.
One caution for the taller guys, the MGW only fits in one direction and the shift lever sits about an inch to an inch and a half farther back in the box than stock. I'm 6'1" and it is still fine for me, but some might prefer it positioned slightly farther forward. If you look at the photos you can see how the lever is offset toward the back of the box.
Last edited by C7Premiere; Oct 17, 2015 at 09:52 PM.
Nice, thanks for the review! I have one I just haven't gotten around to installing it yet. I guess I know what my Sunday morning is gonna be spent doing now! Any install tips? Their video is really good, and it looks pretty straightforward.
About the position being too far back for tall people :
George at MGW has confirmed that you can safely reposition the shifter to the FRONT, instead of the back as in your picture, if that works better for you. He redesigned the shifter to insure it can operate in either the 6 o'clock or 12 o'clock positions without interfering with the C7's console.
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Last edited by EvilBoffin; Oct 18, 2015 at 12:58 AM.
I highly recommend that you study both the youtube install videos and Theta's pictorial DIY thread before starting, and refer to them regularly while installing. There are some missing steps along the way, and those pics really help to fill in the gaps. You can find the installation thread in the 'Master List of How-To Guides' sticky at the top of in the C7 General forum, and also in its own sticky in the C7 Tech/Performance forum.
BE SURE to get the sound & heat mats attached far enough down on the sides of the trans tunnel. Theta provides a great pic of the finished position and a good way to ensure that sticky thing gets all the way down there. If you don't, the rubber bellows may interfere with the top edge of the mats and be very hard to stuff down properly, as George demonstrates in his video.
He also makes it very clear that you need to really tighten the hell out of some of the big torx screws - especially the one that clamps around the shift linkage. He said that the majority of his troubleshooting calls about not being able to get into reverse, etc. come from a slipping linkage clamp.
Hope that helps.
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Last edited by EvilBoffin; Oct 18, 2015 at 01:12 AM.
I used the videos and photos from the forum (they were great) and a couple of other threads on YouTube/Google Search and everything went along very well. I could not figure out how to position the shifter in the 12 o'clock position, but if MGW says it can be done, I believe them.
From a noise perspective, the sound mats are important; but nothing is more important than getting the cover situated properly and securely - - it is critical or there will be unwanted noise.
For those who are not sure if they want to tackle the job, I would guess your local Corvette shop would charge about an hour or so of shop labor to complete the work - - about a $100. I'm just enough of a wrench to want to have tried it myself. I'd put it at a 3 on a 1 to 5 difficulty scale; don't try it if you are not handy.
Good advice on torquing things down. You will be able to get things nice and snug so you can check operation and position. Once everything feels right, snug it down at least another quarter turn to really lock it in. I used a 1/2 " socket wrench for the right amount of leverage. Whatever you do, don't snap anything off. Good luck and enjoy - I'm heading out on a drive to enjoy the new shifter right now.
Thanks for all the tips! I was short a few things so I'll dig into this tomorrow afternoon. I hate starting crap and realizing you don't have what you need in the middle of it.
I finally received and installed an MGW short throw shifter this past week and I cannot tell you how great it is compared to the stock shifter. Very precise feel; especially up into 3rd and 5th - - best $260 upgrade out there in my opinion.
This is the first time I had ever done this so it took me about 2-1/2 hours. Now that I've done it once, probably could complete it in about half the time. Would highly recommend to anyone who is on the fence about a new shifter - don't hesitate - you will love it.
One caution for the taller guys, the MGW only fits in one direction and the shift lever sits about an inch to an inch and a half farther back in the box than stock. I'm 6'1" and it is still fine for me, but some might prefer it positioned slightly farther forward. If you look at the photos you can see how the lever is offset toward the back of the box.
Iwas going to buy one today but I like your price. Where did you buy it for $260?????
Thank you
Yeah, I got mine for $300 from the for sale section from a guy who had to sell his ride. There was one there the other day, but those get snapped up pretty quick.
Modified Hurst shifter from Core Shifters is another option if you like retro styling, and has about same throw as MGW. You can also get a stick that will use stock ****...
MGW Shifter
