For those of you who installed an aftermarket shifter bracket (Barton, Steeda, etc.) or bushing (energy suspension), did you use ramps or jack stands for the install, or were you lucky enough to have access to a lift?

I'm contemplating an upgrade (Barton 2-post), but wanted to figure out the installation first. Thanks.

 

I had access to a lift and it made it super easy to install barton 2-post. Done in 15 mins.

 

I used ramps to install the Energy bushing and it was pretty easy. Plenty of room to do the job.

 

I did a Steeda bracket and shifter with the car on jack stands, no problem. I ended up dropping the two-piece driveshaft a couple inches by unbolting one side of the center mount and just loosening the other side, so it dropped down some, but not all the way. This gives you room to install the bracket over the chosen bushing (black or red). I went with the harder black one. The Steeda tri-ax shifter and bracket made shifting a breeze. No more missing third gear at the track.

 

used ramps. probably the safest way to go.

 

Disagree . I had a reputable shop do it. Safe and easy. Yes, I'm lazy.

 

What brand/model of ramps and jackstands do you reccomend?

 

I used jack stands. It is a very easy job. So easy in fact that I swapped it back and forth twice before finally just leaving it stock. The Barton 2 post did feel a bit better, but the harsh noise wasn't worth the minimal improvement. I should have just bought an MGW in the first place.

 

Related question. Those of you who just changed out the shifter bracket; how much difference did it make in your shift feel? I'm getting a little tired of the notchiness of mine as well of the inconsistency of shift feel, and I've also been thinking about the bracket as a possible easy fix. Thanks.

 

If you don't like the feel of your current shifter, this bracket will not help that. It is more for someone that likes the current shifter but has problem getting into gear sometimes. The feel really isn't any better.

 

I don't miss any shifts since installation of the 2-post. I thought it was a great upgrade for the money. As Mr. V stated it won't change the feel of the shifter much if any but you won't have a problem getting into any gear.

 

It's funny that so many people complain about the feel of the shifter. I think it is pretty smooth and very quiet. I think it's a good shifter, that's why I kept it.

 

Yea I wouldn't say its bad but its not the best. It works out good for me for now. I will probably replace it with a Barton sometime in the future. I like MGW but I'm wondering if its overkill for a DD?

 

I have no problems with the stock shifter itself, but I imagine there's plenty of room for improvement on the assembly up top.

Down below, I think the stock bracket makes TOO MANY compromises in the performance/feel department in favor of minimizing noise and vibration. I don't have the "dreaded" 2-3 problem, but I find the shifter quickly becomes mushy and the gates vague under spirited acceleration, deceleration, cornering, etc.

The bracket seems worth a try for the price of the hardware, hence my question about the ease installation.

 

I just installed the Eneregy Suspension bushing last night. Took about 15 minutes like others have been saying. The shifter feels much more refined now. In gear theres no more loose feeling. It really bites down. Have not been able to test a redline 2-3 shift however. So far, well worth the $18.

 

Nice, I need to get a lift.

 

Would love to add Barton's two post bracket and short throw shifter but I'm afraid together they will add to much NVH for my taste :-(

 

I had the Barton shifter with the 2 post bracket, it was a great shifter BUT, NVH was too much much for my taste... I just upgraded to MGW and its as quiet as stock and feels smooth and solid... It's the only way to go, I kinda miss the shifter shifts if the Barton, but MGW is built like a tank

 

Shorter shifts*

 

I wanted the Barton because it seems easier to install :-( and from the forums I thought NVH was about same for both. Did MGW improved something?