So far all the searches indicate the MGW is the best shifter for the TR-3650 on the 05-09 GT. I have a 07 GT and my stock shifter feels very crisp and firm. It slides into the gears without any problems. There's minimal noise and vibration. My only complaint is the long throw.

What's the easiest and best solution for this? Steeda? MGW? Hurst? I'd like to keep the stock **** if possible.

How do I torque the fasteners under the car, especially the front linkage fastener?

 

I bought a Hurst in 06 for my 05 GT and it's been reliable so far. The throw is quite short, I believe 40% but the trade off is increased force to shift. It isn't smooth like the oem anymore. The three reasons I bought it were; it looks great, the shift lever is closer to me than the oem and the short throw is nice but I would prefer near 30% reduction so less shift effort is required. That being said I don't regret buying it because I like the looks the best.

I don't remember torqueing the bolts and nuts but I did use low strength Loctite on all fasteners so I wouldn't have to fight to remove them later if necessary.

 

I added some length to the shift lever above the pivot point of my Hurst and increased throw to about 2-5/8" inch (measured center of enclosed part of "R" in Hurst on ball) and noted a reduced effort with the slightly longer throw and it got my arm up high enough that I don't hit a console lid with my elbow ,,,,, https://themustangsource.com/f669/tbears-hurst-billet-thread-523689/ ....
..... and it looks like mine with short stick and adapter is much like this https://themustangsource.com/f669/my...34418/index12/ with the 538 0015 stick.

You could change the angle, make all four holes in a straight line.

Stock Hurst throw was nearer 2" as I recall.