MGW Shifter Install
 

Couple things. I'm not super happy with the way my 13 GT shifts. Super hard to make the 2-3 under hard acceleration. Seems to be the consensus here and elsewhere that the stock shifter sucks.

1. Everything I read steers me to the MGW. Any cons out there besides price?

2. The install video on MGWs site is good and looks straight forward. Has anyone done this from ramps or jacks NOT a lift? Experiences?

Thanks in advance!

~Aaron

Are you trying to manhandle the 2-3 shift? I've found if you push the shifter out of 2nd, let the shifter return to center on it's own, and just push up to 3rd, it really helps with lockout.

Honestly? Yeah. I manhandle the shit out of this car! LOL! I can get it there, it's just annoying. Really want to be able to jam it. I'm not much on finesse.

Expensive accidents happen that way!

I have an mgw, but I hear a two post bracket along with the whiteline trans bushing works wonders and that combo can be had for less than $100 I believe.

Do you like it? How was the install?

Yes, I like it. I had it installed though, I didn't want to do the install on jacks. Third gear lock outs have been greatly reduced (the shortened throw takes a little getting used to). I can't remember how long it has been since I have missed third. It's a very pretty piece being fully machined and made of anodized aluminum, but it was pricey. If I did it over again I probably would have felt a Barton and MGW car side by side to determine if the MGW was worth the premium price.

Btw, I have noticed that if I'm easier on the shifter in general and slide the shifter into gear missed shifts are reduced as well. Every time I have missed a gear it was because I was death gripping the knob cramming it into gear.

I keep missing third when trying to better my 1/4 times on the Track Apps. I've tried it easy and hard. Keep missing. Maybe the MGW can make up for shitty driving? :D

Not being an ass here, speaking from experience and hoping to keep you from making the same mistake as I did. Missed, hard shifts and banging into the engagement teeth of the gears and that MT-82 is gonna go boom in a hurry. I blew up a notoriously strong t56 in a 300whp car by being rough on it, broke all the engagement teeth off of second gear. After that I learned how to shift quickly, but not harshly and kept a transmission that was much weaker than the MT-82 alive behind a car of similar power. Let the shifter do the work by guiding it through the gears, not manhandling it. I found the best way to do this was by placing my hand on the side of the shifter or back of it depending on which gear I was going for, example on the 2-3 only push forward on the shifter from behind. Push it out of 2nd gear, let the centering springs do the work to push it back to center, then forward to 3rd.

All of this being said, I know that the springs in the stock shifter are very weak so the MGW is still gonna be a great upgrade that will improve shift times and confidence in the car.

No worries on being an ass. Im not easily butthurt.

I'm gonna keep trying new things while working on faster times. What you described is exactly how I drive in normal traffic and such and it works great. It's just that high RPM shift 2-3 that is alluding me.

Ditto on the smooth is fast mantra. Precision >> than being forcefull. Let that centering spring help you find the 2-3 gate.

Barton guy here. I do like their version which keeps the gate side-side (2-3, 4-50spacing as wide as stock, but shorter front to back throws (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) I've driven MGW and honestly didn't like the front to back throw length. MGW was smoother. Either way is light years ahead of stock so its kind of like debating Canon vs Nikon cameras. They are clearly the class of the field. Just adding bracket and trans bushing is very much a valid upgrade too.

I appreciate all the responses. Very helpful.

That's why your car is slow as shit, you drive like a woman.








The MGW is a solid piece and will greatly help. Part of the problem with the MT-82 is that WOT the drivetrain geometry changes and moves around getting on and off the throttle. That's why the bushing changes seem to help so much as well.

When will you find some new material? Sounds like a broken record over here.

Funny how 2 other people have seconded my exact words about that shifting procedure.

When you're no longer so damn slow. Running 13's with a car that should be easy mid 12's, you should just be embarrassed of yourself. lol

O. M. G. That's so fucking funny.

I guess what they say is true. Once you get older, you start living in the past more and more.

LOL, no surprise that you take it from racing to a personal stab. I understand though, I'd be embarrassed too. You should just sell it anyways and stick to your bench racing. Hahaha.

Who took it as a personal stab? You know that I would've wigged out and gone ape shit if I took it that way. We both know this. :)

Also, I haven't bench raced in a couple of months. My BRA meetings have really been helping with that area.

You guys crack me up.

I'm so bored. If I study anymore I'm going to go cross eyed. lol

He's just angry about being so slow. ;)

I can tell you're bored. You actually took the time to follow me through a thread this time.

What are you studying? Your AARP benefits?

I just ordered an MGW shifter. Was told it is a 2 week wait right now. I'll let you know after i install it.

Cool. I'm interested in your install experience and performance after.

SQL, HTML, JavaScript. Boring and very tedious.

It's worth every penny. Makes the car feel more solid and will give you more confidence driving it.

Like everyone said it's worth it no more 3rd gear lockout. I did the install a few weeks ago no big deal watch the install video from MGW.

I'm going to order an MGW as well. I'm not an engineer and the most i've ever done to a car is change the oil. That being said I can follow instructions well and i'm fairly patient. Can this be done with very little technical experience and a ramp? or should I take it to a shop to have it installed?

I watched the video and it looks straightforward.

I did it with ramps and it sucked. Would have been a breeze with a lift though.

You're doing it wrong

Picking up my MGW tonight ... Might hit up beau to use his lift ... Might just do it at my place ... Next step is taking it in for some warranty work .. Then the mods go on ...

+1 lol it really did suck with ramps. Got it installed last night with the premium boot and boss shift knob. I love it. Much quicker than stock.