sand240
08-07-2010, 02:47 PM
After about five hours of work in 106 deg heat index weather I finished up the MGW install. My biggest surprise was the two pins holding the stock shift body to the transmission. With the transmission issues I had earlier in the year, my transmission had to be dropped numerous times and it was clear the dealer had no clue on how to remove the pins. One pin clip was broken, the other was even clipped. Examining it, I found that the service guy must have popped the clip off of the pin, and then he restamped it….backwards! So it was physically impossible for it to even clip to the transmission. I had to Dremel the rivet area, drill a pilot hole and attach the clip to the pin with a screw. The other broken clip, I ended up securing with a metal zip tie. Luckily, despite the service mechanic’s failings, it ended up fine. Here are few other observations I made during the install:
1. Invest in a some nylon pry tools, they make taking off the shift panel 100x easier and safer
2. A 15mm ratching wrench is a must for easy exhaust hanger removal
3.The transmission cross member was a little tricky to remove and reinstall due to clearance between the exhaust hangers and center transmission mounting studs
4.I recently got a little flashlight that has three magnetic, bendable legs – this was probably my best friend during the install – next to my creeper
5.Transferring the bearings to the new shift arms is more challenging then depicted in the video; I ended up using a vise to assist pushing in the bearings.
Overall Impressions:
Pros:
1.Very positive shift action, no more rubbery feel
2.Pretty drastic reduction in throw distance, I included a before and after picture below of where second gear is in relation to the shift panel ring
3.Nice clicking engagement sound when going into gears
4.The MGW race knob feels great compared to the stock shifter, very well done with a subdued, raised chrome shift pattern
5.Enhanced spring return-makes going into third effortlessly easy
Cons
1.The biggest one is increased noise. With the radio on its not a big deal, but if it’s off, the new noises are apparent-mostly under WOT. For me its not really a con, I think it adds character to an already aggressive cockpit experience. If you looking to keep the cabin as quiet as possible, this is not the product for you
2.Very slight vibration through the shifter
I think this shifter definitely lives up to everything I’ve read. If you have the right tools and some patients the install isn’t too bad either. For me it was well worth the time and effort to install the MGW shifter, there’s no question it enhances the driving experience.
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/sanders240/G8001.jpg
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/sanders240/3d6e6641.jpg
Second Gear Position before MGW Shifter
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/sanders240/f029bcc3.jpg
Second Gear Position after MGW Shifter
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/sanders240/b362eb94.jpg
1. Invest in a some nylon pry tools, they make taking off the shift panel 100x easier and safer
2. A 15mm ratching wrench is a must for easy exhaust hanger removal
3.The transmission cross member was a little tricky to remove and reinstall due to clearance between the exhaust hangers and center transmission mounting studs
4.I recently got a little flashlight that has three magnetic, bendable legs – this was probably my best friend during the install – next to my creeper
5.Transferring the bearings to the new shift arms is more challenging then depicted in the video; I ended up using a vise to assist pushing in the bearings.
Overall Impressions:
Pros:
1.Very positive shift action, no more rubbery feel
2.Pretty drastic reduction in throw distance, I included a before and after picture below of where second gear is in relation to the shift panel ring
3.Nice clicking engagement sound when going into gears
4.The MGW race knob feels great compared to the stock shifter, very well done with a subdued, raised chrome shift pattern
5.Enhanced spring return-makes going into third effortlessly easy
Cons
1.The biggest one is increased noise. With the radio on its not a big deal, but if it’s off, the new noises are apparent-mostly under WOT. For me its not really a con, I think it adds character to an already aggressive cockpit experience. If you looking to keep the cabin as quiet as possible, this is not the product for you
2.Very slight vibration through the shifter
I think this shifter definitely lives up to everything I’ve read. If you have the right tools and some patients the install isn’t too bad either. For me it was well worth the time and effort to install the MGW shifter, there’s no question it enhances the driving experience.
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/sanders240/G8001.jpg
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/sanders240/3d6e6641.jpg
Second Gear Position before MGW Shifter
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/sanders240/f029bcc3.jpg
Second Gear Position after MGW Shifter
http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/sanders240/b362eb94.jpg