MGW Shifter Installed/Upgrades

[Jmar]

I installed my new shifter today and thought I'd share some of the changes that aren't in the installation video. Those who are deciding whether to DIY or take it to a shop may find this helpful. The parts described are in the picture below. Also it is important to watch the video for everything else.

The aluminum plate with two screws is used to secure the large, lower boot, that sits above the tunnel. The lip of the boot goes between this plate and the sheetmetal, and is pinched in place.This creates two bumps in the insulation that sits on top of the tunnel. Simply trim the corners of the insulation with a razor knife. Otherwise, the silver trim piece will not sit flush in the console. The insulation pushes up on the traction control/cigarette lighter buttons.

The revised legs had new rubber bushings installed, but were not labeled "Left/Right" as in the video. This raised some concern on my part since this was not addressed in the addendum or the video. After comparing both shifters, the legs appeared to line up the same way in both positions, so I went ahead with the install. I'll call to confirm this when they open on 1/2/13. Note the holes for the alignment pins. The bolts used to attach the legs were labeled due to a difference in depth of the mounting points. The pin that fastens the leg to the passanger side of the trans is difficult (I'm saying this nicely) to install. I had the car on a lift and had to push the tranny over and down a little to line up the pin with the leg. I found that is was much easier to align the pin with the hole in the transmission/leg by leaving it unattached to the shifter base. The driver side leg was easy to install.

Also note that you still receive the knob attachment for the stock shifter when you order the ball style knob and retrofit handle. This is nice if you want to switch shifter knobs.

Since it's snowing here, I didn't get to drive. However the throws feel much shorter and very precise! I'm looking forward to testing it out when the weather changes.

[ssmike]

Nice write up! let us know how it is when you get it out on a test drive!

[Jmar]

I called MGW today to verify that the front mounting arms ARE interchangeable. The DVD had them labeled left/right on their previous design and this is no longer required. Just make sure the longer bolt is used on the right side (passenger) as per the instructions.

[Jmar]

Originally Posted by ssmike

Nice write up! let us know how it is when you get it out on a test drive!

Hi Mike,

I took it for a short drive today and I hear no noise coming from the cueball shifter. I took it up to 5k under light throttle to check for buzzing. The throw is very short and positive.

Jeff

[freefallin2005]

i installed mine 2 days ago and also had the same issue with the legs, but the dowl pin only fit in 1 hole and same with the bolt so that answered my question. it does feel much better but now it will take some getting used to

[ssmike]

Originally Posted by Jmar

Hi Mike,

I took it for a short drive today and I hear no noise coming from the cueball shifter. I took it up to 5k under light throttle to check for buzzing. The throw is very short and positive.

Jeff

Thanks for the update!

[Jmar]

Originally Posted by freefallin2005

i installed mine 2 days ago and also had the same issue with the legs, but the dowl pin only fit in 1 hole and same with the bolt so that answered my question. it does feel much better but now it will take some getting used to

It looks like there's about 1.5 inches of travel from 1st to 2nd at the max. My left foot is going to have to catch up to my right arm!

Now if I can only get the rear end to feel as precise as the shifter. . .

[HP_atTheWheels]

Just ordered my MGW shifter..can't wait for it to get here. Went with retro handle and ordered custom knob from speed dawg. I'll definately be using this thread to help with install. Thanks for all the info.

[HP_atTheWheels]

Just got mine from UPS, going on first thing in the morning!!!

[yotaman96]

Originally Posted by HP_atTheWheels

Just ordered my MGW shifter..can't wait for it to get here. Went with retro handle and ordered custom knob from speed dawg. I'll definately be using this thread to help with install. Thanks for all the info.

My Speed Dawg ball.

[HP_atTheWheels]

Looks awesome yotaman96.. I went with the SpeedDawg, Ghost Series, Blue Pearl