GT Performance Mods 2005+ Mustang GT Performance and Technical Information

Newest Generation MGW Shifter Installed

Old May 11, 2010 | 12:36 PM
  #1  
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Thumbs up Newest Generation MGW Shifter Installed

Well I took out the Pro5.0 today and put in the new MGW shifter that I bought acouple of weeks ago.

This is a very high quality piece. Kudos to George and MGW.

IMPRESSIONS:

Is it better than the Pro5.0, yes. The thing I think I like the best about it that it isn't notchy and the shifts are very smooth. I turned the shifter 4 turns out and the throw is about the same as the Pro5.0. You do have to lower the transmission brace so you can lower the transmission about an inch to get the trans bolt in. I had to take the hoop off my CHE drive shaft loop so I could get to the linkage. I also had to loosen the torque limiters to get the full inch drop on the transmission.

It took about an hour on a hoist not counting the time it takes to remove the console and attach the shifter handle and boot. The shifter comes with a CD and I wrote down all the tools that I needed prior to starting the install. I would suggest that to anyone before you do it.

Rich
Attached Thumbnails Newest Generation MGW Shifter Installed-mgw-002.jpg   Newest Generation MGW Shifter Installed-mgw-003.jpg  
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Old May 11, 2010 | 12:54 PM
  #2  
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Looks great Rich as I really like the new style handle and shaft

How is the NVH as compared to the 5.0??

I might just need to add this to my future mod list!
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Old May 11, 2010 | 03:54 PM
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Just installed mine and did not have to drop the trans. I know the instructions say it but I didn't need to at all.
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Old May 11, 2010 | 05:35 PM
  #4  
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Looks GREAT ! Rich. Large diameter white shift **** looks good with the black shift pattern & stripes.
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Old May 11, 2010 | 07:50 PM
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I really didn't get a chance to drive it much today but I'm betting that the NVH will be nil with the newly designed tail section.

BTW Pro5.0 shifter with Hurst handle and ball for sale $160 shipped. Nothing wrong with it.
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Old May 11, 2010 | 08:06 PM
  #6  
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Cool! Now about that GT500 version......
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Old May 11, 2010 | 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Doogie
How is the NVH as compared to the 5.0??
I can't say compared to the 5.0 but the new MGW design uses the factory boot which seals much better than the old design. I already had Dynamat (included) on the center console opening, the front holes, etc and than the rubber seal and mat. So four different things to stop noise and heat, it works **** well!

Elaborating more on the installation. I didn't drop the transmission but I was coming from the old MGW but I can't see that being any different. I'd imagine it'd be harder with the MGW since it's more beefy than stock. The front bolt for the support bar is a pain, use a open ended wrench. No way to get a ratchet on it and ratcheting wrenches will get stuck as well on the head of the bolt and the transmission tunnel.

It was interesting maneuvering the new MGW since it's already assembled to get the support rod end in past the transmission itself to align with the hole. Once you start getting to that point you'll understand what I'm saying but it WILL fit. My guess is that's why MGW is saying to lower the transmission but it can be done without. Either way is fine.

I suggest adjusting the 'block' before it goes in the car. I don't know if it's just because it's new or if it's stiffer than the old one but it was much harder to turn to adjust than the old one. It's not an issue but I did have to pay attention because I almost thought I was messing something up. Turn it all the way in until it bottoms out and than adjust out. Arrow must point towards the driver's side just like the previous design.

Also a note, do not over-tighten the 13mm nuts on the shifter linkage. The shifter linkage's studs will break with too much. It's happened to guys and mine even broke on a hard 1-2 shift. The shifter linkage is not sold separately either. I used Blue Loctite (MGW even includes a tube) on everything as well. Hopefully this will help anyone who's installing one.
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Old May 11, 2010 | 10:25 PM
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Good addition to the thread. Thanks.
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Old May 11, 2010 | 10:33 PM
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Good work Rich! I can't wait to get mine in!
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Old May 12, 2010 | 05:06 AM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by NastyStang113
I can't say compared to the 5.0 but the new MGW design uses the factory boot which seals much better than the old design. I already had Dynamat (included) on the center console opening, the front holes, etc and than the rubber seal and mat. So four different things to stop noise and heat, it works **** well!

Elaborating more on the installation. I didn't drop the transmission but I was coming from the old MGW but I can't see that being any different. I'd imagine it'd be harder with the MGW since it's more beefy than stock. The front bolt for the support bar is a pain, use a open ended wrench. No way to get a ratchet on it and ratcheting wrenches will get stuck as well on the head of the bolt and the transmission tunnel.

It was interesting maneuvering the new MGW since it's already assembled to get the support rod end in past the transmission itself to align with the hole. Once you start getting to that point you'll understand what I'm saying but it WILL fit. My guess is that's why MGW is saying to lower the transmission but it can be done without. Either way is fine.

I suggest adjusting the 'block' before it goes in the car. I don't know if it's just because it's new or if it's stiffer than the old one but it was much harder to turn to adjust than the old one. It's not an issue but I did have to pay attention because I almost thought I was messing something up. Turn it all the way in until it bottoms out and than adjust out. Arrow must point towards the driver's side just like the previous design.

Also a note, do not over-tighten the 13mm nuts on the shifter linkage. The shifter linkage's studs will break with too much. It's happened to guys and mine even broke on a hard 1-2 shift. The shifter linkage is not sold separately either. I used Blue Loctite (MGW even includes a tube) on everything as well. Hopefully this will help anyone who's installing one.
How's the performance? Any difference between the new and old? I cannot imagine any improvement being noticeable since the original design set such a high standard.
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Old May 12, 2010 | 05:30 AM
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Rich, where did you get your shift ball and adapter? Looks great.
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Old May 12, 2010 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Len
How's the performance? Any difference between the new and old? I cannot imagine any improvement being noticeable since the original design set such a high standard.
It's better but not like leaps and bounds better. I notice it but I'm pretty **** (LOL) and can notice the smallest things. I just like the rear mounting point so much, it's a great design.

Originally Posted by ryan1112
Rich, where did you get your shift ball and adapter? Looks great.
It's a MGW shifter handle, they just aren't on the website. They have all different colors too.
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Old May 12, 2010 | 02:25 PM
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Thanks, I think I need to be giving them a call.
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Old May 12, 2010 | 05:23 PM
  #14  
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I recently swapped my pro 5.0 for the new MGW. Love the shifter much smoother. George did a great job on it.
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Old May 12, 2010 | 08:46 PM
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[quote=NastyStang113;5867662]It's better but not like leaps and bounds better. I notice it but I'm pretty **** (LOL) and can notice the smallest things. I just like the rear mounting point so much, it's a great design.

It is a nice design and at the new pricing it's a best buy imo.
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Old May 14, 2010 | 10:22 AM
  #16  
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Question

Originally Posted by NastyStang113
It's better but not like leaps and bounds better. I notice it but I'm pretty **** (LOL) and can notice the smallest things. I just like the rear mounting point so much, it's a great design.



It's a MGW shifter handle, they just aren't on the website. They have all different colors too.
Question ???

You had the older MGW as I do now.

Do you think it is worth the Money to switch to the newest MGW now that you have it ???

The one I have now works just fine so that is why I am asking.

Thanks,
Terry aka "tigerhonaker"
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Old May 14, 2010 | 11:50 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by tigerhonaker
Question ???

You had the older MGW as I do now.

Do you think it is worth the Money to switch to the newest MGW now that you have it ???

The one I have now works just fine so that is why I am asking.

Thanks,
Terry aka "tigerhonaker"
If it's working just fine than I'd just save the money.
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Old May 15, 2010 | 08:36 AM
  #18  
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Thumbs up

Originally Posted by NastyStang113
If it's working just fine than I'd just save the money.
Appreciate your take on this.

I figured you would be Direct with your Reply.

If I am not mistaken I think we both are on another INTERNET Site that strta with an S.

I am going to change up on the Bullitt but keep the existing MGW.

Later,
tigerhonaker
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Old May 26, 2010 | 05:58 PM
  #19  
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I think I might give up the Hurst for this. Looks nice!
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Old May 26, 2010 | 07:21 PM
  #20  
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Now that I have had it in for a couple of weeks I like it even more. Zero NVH and it shifts smoother than the Pro 5.0. The only thing I don't like is that the ball is alittle too big for my liking. I ordered the OEM handle and will run my OEM **** for awhile. IMO this is the BEST shifter on the market! Better picture than the cell phone earlier ones.





OK George, you know where to send my royality.
Attached Thumbnails Newest Generation MGW Shifter Installed-interior-002.jpg  

Last edited by GRAYPNY; May 26, 2010 at 07:27 PM.
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