[coupeguyz51]

Well, I've finally had it with the stock shifter ...don't mind so much the
1-4 lockout below 19mph since I rarely shift before then, but the constant attempt to shift into 4th at high rev when I'm in 5th and want to go to 6th has finally gotten to be too much....the 2d to 5th attempt doesn't thrill me either...love the car, but the shifter is a real pos! where did they get these things anyway? my only complaint...

From what I've seen, the "go to" replacement shifter is MGW...and a competitor "MTI" that I have recently seen...

Would appreciate any comments from those of you who junked the junk factory shifter on your experiences with the replacement from install to hard use...

btw, does anyone know if anyone is doing installs on either of these at Carlisle this year?

TIA

 

[Buzz]

Installing a 1-4 CAGS defeat switch for $20 would take care of that problem.

 

[coupeguyz51]

Installing a 1-4 CAGS defeat switch for $20 would take care of that problem.

Like I said, my right foot is my CAGS...its the notchy shifter in general and springs trying to shift you to gears
you do not want to go that I have a problem with....

 

[abshapiro]

I installed the MGW shifter. It fits me perfectly. I like the shorter throws. I'm not doing any kind of speed shifting. Just normal driving. I decided on the MGW because of their excellent install videos. I went really slowly and it took me about 3 hours. I would watch a minute or so of video and then do the steps. The shifter is well made. It is more expensive than others but comes with everything you need. Such as a centering fixture to perfectly align the neutral position during installation (i.e., no guessing or eye balling the center position). You get the center position correct and everything else (1-2-3-4-5-6-7) falls in line. The three hardest parts in installing it were releasing the shift boot from the shifter (George at MGW told me the trick - you don't need explosives or pliers), disconnecting the wiring connectors in the center console (e.g., finding the little tabs to depress and then attempting to depress them), and installing the lower shift boot. Everything is done from within car.

I believe the shift springs are inside the shifter and not back by the transmission. Anyway, my experience is that there is nice spring action that pulls you into the correct gate with much less effort than the OEM shifter.

 

[elegant]

"Abshapiro," please share the trick that MGW told you about, regarding releasing the shift boot from the shifter, for that has been a problem for more than a few folks. And the trick for removing the shift knob from its stalk please. Thanks.

 

[abshapiro]

The shift boot is not glued on. You do not need explosives or a big plier to release it. You can get it off using your hands. There is a plastic tab that fits into an indent. This is what finally worked for me to release the shift boot from the shifter. Use both hands. Place your thumb and forefinger on the stitches at the very top of the boot. Pull upward and rotate counterclockwise. When I pulled upward I did not sense any upward movement. However, this did help in releasing the boot. It did take some trial and error to get my fingers just so to release it. Then, all of sudden the boot rotated and I could not believe I had so much trouble. After release, keep rotating counterclockwise while exerting downward pressure. The boot will disengage from the shifter.

The shift knob is secured to the shifter shaft with a T25 screw. Slide the boot down and you will see the screw head on the driver side. I believe it has "Loctite" on it because it took some effort to break the screw loose. Remove the screw and then pull up on the shift knob to remove it.

 

[urrtoast]

Is this the Shifter you installed? Looks really nice.

 

[abshapiro]

That is the shifter I installed. It is well made. I have a written set of install instructions written by someone on another Forum. I wish I could give him credit but he did not include his name and I can't find the the link anymore. Send me a private message with your e-mail and I will send it to you. I don't know if I can attach a PDF file in an e-mail through this forum or include it as an attachment to a reply.

As I said previously the MGW is more expensive but comes with everything you need including tools, Loctite, grease, extra sound/heat insulation for the torque tube and tunnel area, and an excellent set of install videos. Applying the insulation was tricky. The sticky side of the insulation is very very sticky. It grabs onto anything it touches. The method I used to install it was to first cut a piece of paper to the size of the insulation sheet. I then practiced installing the piece of paper. Some pieces were easier to install form the passenger side while kneeling on the seat and others from the drivers side.

 

[abshapiro]

Here is the link for the installation instructions. The author did an excellent job. I wish he would have included his name on the document for credit.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m6wliqulholbt9q/MGW-C7-Shifter-Install.pdf

The install videos are on the MGW website.

 

[beachcomber]

Here is the link for the installation instructions. The author did an excellent job. I wish he would have included his name on the document for credit.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m6wliqulholbt9q/MGW-C7-Shifter-Install.pdf

The install videos are on the MGW website.

I'm pretty sure that was documented by Theta.

 

[Vigilance247]

Glad to see these posts. This is the shifter I plan to use. Oh, I have to buy the car first...

 

[autoxal]

Sorry to point out that 3-4 gate centering preload springs ARE in the transmission... and installing a short(er) throw shifter will only increase perceived preload (ever so slightly). I've been wishing for a way to decrease the preload in mine for going on eight years! Having said that, the preload is very nice for popping back from 7th to 6th, or 5th to 4th when highway cruising and needing a little shot of acceleration... a little flick back with fingers and you're off.
Biggest job for me was stretching the rubber boot to install... it was an epic battle!! 😬 I wondered how they did it so easily on the install video... then I found out - had reason to disassemble (lock screw loosened - torque this screw, and use thread locker)... anyway... second time is a breeze, they must have videoed a shifter that was installed for a while... that boot slips back easy peasy subsequently!