I just installed an MGW last week.....it definitely makes a big difference. I had Steeda shifters on my last two mustangs and they were great. What sold me on the MGW though was the fact it replaced the bottom part of the shifter and the internal bushings.

I thought about a Steeda or a Barton/FR shifter, but I knew I'd always be regretting not getting an MGW.

 

Yeah the MGW might not be gold for everyone but you would be hard pressed to find anyone say anything bad about. It just doesn't fit for some but that doesn't make it a bad shifter. I got offered a gently used Steeda shifter for $150 recently which is a heck of deal but I think I will pass after I drove a Boss with an MGW a few days ago. Smooth as Butta!!

 

Thanks for all the insight guys!

 

Looking at the 2014 version of the MGW from a retired engineer's perspective, two things I don't like. One is the fact that the rear bushing is exposed to the elements allowing for potential entry of dirt and moisture into the shift box; and two is the adjustment needed to assure proper reverse and 1-2 engagement. These type of adjustments can get out of adjustment. Something that may happen at the most inconvenient time.

Other than that, I think the MGW is a fine piece of engineering. I'm currently in the decision process myself. Stock with energy suspension bushing, or the MGW, Barton, or Steeda.

 

Aren't all the bushings exposed the same way? I'd have to see a pic of what you mean. The adjustments however are one of my issues as well. Any of the shifters can have alignment issues, for example the steeda needs to be pushed all the way left then bolted tight because the tolerances in the base holes could allow it to go into reverse without a lockout if not this way. Granted we are talking about a mm here. But the MGW adjusts differently and it could potentially slip out.

 

The above post is what I would have posted.

Thank you for your insight and sharing my exact thoughts.

Literally.

MGW and borla s type catback. Period.

 

The rear bushing in the factory housing is enclosed and the front bushing is protected by a rubber boot. From what I have seen watching the MGW install video, the front bushing is also protected by the factory rubber boot, but the back of the rear bushing in the MGW housing is exposed to the elements. It just looks like a place where moisture and dirt can enter the mechanism as the shift rod moves back and forth.

 

A COUPLE OF THINGS...


the adjustment of the 1-2 lock out pin is actually an ADVANTAGE as the oem units are even prone to get out of set after wear. and there is NO way to adjust it if it does.


there is no way the pin can slip out of adjustment with my design. the pin is on a thread with a large 5/16-18 lock nut . after several years I can foresee the pin needed fine tuned adjustments but not frequently.


as far as the seal of the unit we have run 2 project cars with over 20k track miles on them and have had no issues. one thing you have to remember with the MGW unit that differs from the oem design is that we have a large stainless heat shield and pad basically covering the ENTIRE shifter area. so it is very well protected from the elements.


we have a new bushing option coming out for hardcore track junkies that has self lubricating bronze material. I can imagine these would also be a good choice for someone living in very dusty or dirty road conditions as they are designed to run in dirty environments AND to run DRY!!


George

 

George, nice to see you chime in provide insight. Any need for me to upgrade my 2 yr old MGW shifter for the new one?

Please continue the hard work and improvements and the great customer service! Any plans for the 2015 stang yet?

Did you see my thread in the main 10-14 forum? I figured out that for the last two years, I didn't have the boot seated in correctly causing the lower 2nd 4th and 6th gears not to engage fully since the boot was getting pinched. I fixed it last night. It's even more perfect now.

 

Thanks for everyones info!
Wow I got a lot of info so far,
sure seems like MGW has a huge following!
I haven't heard much from the Barton /FR shifter owners,
I would love to get a more rounded view!
Right now I'm leaning towards MGW!

 

Awesome! That's the kind of product support I like. Confident and to the point with no shameless plugs.

 

You're hearing a lot of good publicity from a lot of MGW owners for a reason. And here's a hint: we are not paid by MGW through gifts or employment . We are paid through personal satisfaction by using their product...

Isn't that fantastic though? That's how you KNOW you've made a really good product. George doesn't have to scour these forums and talk or blab much, like these other big name vendors on this forum and others. What does he do instead? He makes a TERRIFIC product and backs it up with fantastic customer service... He then lets everything work itself out. Product and customer service speaks for itself, then WE do the advertising for him, of our own accord.

Now that, my friends, is how you do business.

"Big name vendors" out there, you listening?

 

I'm one of the very few people that have had a problem with a MGW product. My shifter came in with the wrong main shaft installed in it. I discovered it only after I already installed it. Needless to say I wasn't very happy about it. One call to MGW and it completely changed my attitude. These guys are class acts and I talked directly to one of their assemblers who told me how to replace the main shaft instead of going through the trouble of sending the shifter back. They overnighted me the part and it was an easy fix. Their customer service just can't be beat and it's truly the best shifter made. I have a perfectly fine Steeda shifter sitting in the box my MGW came in. Give these guys your business and never look back.

 

^ That's great to hear, Al. You had an even better experience first hand with them then. Very nice.

 

At one point I might give MGW a go but for now I really like my Barton. Some day when I upgrade to the Tremec I don't know if I will still need an aftermarket shifter.