MGW shifter install - is it a DIY?
 

I got an MWG short shifter and gripper handle for my birthday (so excited!), but I was just wondering if this was worth trying to do myself or if there are any complications not mentioned in the instructions? A little bit about myself, it would take me about 3 years to figure out how to build a birdhouse so I just want to know if this install is something I shouldn't even consider myself or if it's easy. Thanks!

DIY Hurst Short Throw Shifter Install - Pix and Video

It's not an MGW - but the install is the same.

Offer to pay in cash if they'll give you a discount. You'd be surprised how many shops don't mind giving you 10-15% off if you pay in cash.

Thanks for the advice I'll probably just go with that. It would be expensive enough to get the tools and jack/jack stands not to mention the possibility of screwing it up and having to go to them anyway

It really isn't that hard if you have a set of jack stands and a little patience. MGW has a very thorough two part video on YouTube.

Part 1

Part 2

I received mine last Tuesday and took it out of the box today. They have made a few revisions, and the changes in the installation process are different from the Youtube video. The changes should be in the box with the kit, so if you take it to a shop that's "done this before" call their attention to the new instructions so they don't bend things in the process.

First, you don't have to level it now that they have roll pins to set the angle with the front legs. This makes it easier to install. New bushes are installed so you don't need to take the original ones off the support legs and transfer them to the new ones. Second, DON'T tighten/install the rear mount until the trans is raised - problably due to the aforementioned roll pins/legs being in place and tightened. The DVD instructs us to leave the legs loose until after we tighten the rear mount - skip this. Finally, there is a new piece that holds the boot to the tunnel - I believe that it goes under the tunnel and pinches the MGW dust boot to keep it in place. They also recommend that we use the supplied Dynamat piece to keep the E-brake lever quiet. I'm guessing that the lever can make noise, leading the user to believe that it's the shifter when it's the brake lever. It requires you to take of an additional trim piece off the center console to get to the brake. If you can't build a birdhouse, you may be able to find a Camaro friend with skills to help with this project. I've paid many of my car club friends with food or trade favors when they help me with my other car. I hope this helps.

its very easy, I put mine in in about an hour or so

I did mine on my back using my race ramps. It wasn't ideal but its doable. The hardest part is removing the two clips that hold the factor arms in place. Outside of that its easy.

Pretty straight forward Install!
 

I installed mine about a year and a half ago and it was a pretty straight forward install. I would definatly recommend watching the video! keep the video handy during the install as well, you'll have to go back to it a couple of times. I love my MGW shifter now, at first it was a little notchy and a little hard to get used to, but after a couple hundred miles it starts to shift smoother! The only real issue I have is the gripper knob tends to buzz and rattle a little(mostly when it's cold out)?:D Hardest part of the install? Like what Isuguy said, the two clips!!!!!

Yeah it was a good DIY project. The only thing that kicked my butt was removing the two pins from the stock shifter. A few beers later they came out, but I'm not gonna lie, I started getting pissed about the second one. Honestly once those are I out the rest is a breeze.

I did it with a lift...and it isnt easy at all. Its like 2 to 3 hrs at east. I am just saying. Some people are faster then others. But I hated the install. The feel is worth it though :)

I installed mine today using a lift. It took about 3 hours. The tough part is aligning the pin/leg on the passenger side. Don't attach it to the shifter so you'll have wiggle room to line up the holes/pin. I fought with this for a while until removed it from the shifter. Everything else was easy.

Install is easy, the dvd supplied was great.