MGW's short-throw shifter...
MGW's short-throw shifter for '05-'09 Mustangs ($295) includes many of the features that are included in the company's shifters for earlier Mustangs, but it's built with a groundbreaking new feature for short-throw 'Stang shifters: variable shift throw. It allows an enthusiast to adjust the handle's throw from slightly shorter than stock to nearly 50 percent shorter.
Pre-Drive
1) How does the shifter's pre-drive operation feel (smooth, notchy, firm, loose, short or long throws, and so on), and do you anticipate there being any changes when you actually drive the Mustang?
Jeremy: "The MGW shifter is smooth as butter."
Paul: "The throw is a little long, but it's definitely smooth. The 4-5 shift is good."
Steve: "Very nice. A bit more rubbery than the others."
2) Is there anything specific that you like or dislike about the shifter's appearance in the center console, or do you feel that they all look the same so there's nothing to note in this area?
Jeremy: "It looks good, but I really didn't like the knob that was on this MGW."
Paul: "I like the look. It has a good-looking handle."
Steve: "I don't like the feel of the knob. I'd use a stock knob over this one."
3) Is the shifter handle's installed position and height good or bad? How does the knob feel? Explain why you feel this way. Do you anticipate your thoughts about this will change when you actually drive the Mustang?
Jeremy: "Again, I didn't like the feel of the shift knob."
Paul: "The MGW had good handle height, and the knob feels more comfortable."
Steve: n/a
The shifter also has a strong...
The shifter also has a strong lateral spring load that eliminates Third-gear lockout and eases power shifting into Third gear.
Drive
1) After driving the Mustang and going through the gears, in what ways do the shifter's operations (smooth, notchy, noisy, quiet, firm, loose, short or long throws, and so on) differ from the points you noted before actually driving the car?
Jeremy: "I love it! The MGW is smooth, quiet, and has a nice throw to it."
Paul: "The throws are a little long, but this shifter is definitely smooth and quiet. It has good shift action. I'd be comfortable with this as my daily shifter."
Steve: n/a
2) What is the single most noticeable difference (good or bad) between this shifter and the shifter currently installed in your Mustang?
Jeremy: "My shifter feels good, but this one is like a hot knife cutting through butter."
Paul: "This shifter has a longer throw than the (Hurst)."
Steve: "I like the feel, but the gear engagement doesn't seem as exact as a (Pro-5.0)."
3) After driving Mustangs equipped with other shifters, are you more satisfied overall with the shifter in your 'Stang? Less satisfied? Do you have the same feelings that you had before the test?
Jeremy: "Nice and firm. Short throws. If someone combined the MGW's butter-smooth feel and added (Hurst's) firmness and preciseness, they would have the perfect shifter. I'm happy with the (B&M), but I might switch to an MGW shifter."
Paul: "I like my (Hurst) better, but the MGW is probably more comfortable for a daily driver."
Steve: n/a
4) On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest rating and 10 being the highest, and based on impressions made in the pre-drive and drive portions of this test, what rating do you give the shifter in this Mustang?