The cast/stamped/generally...
The cast/stamped/generally cheesy stocker (right) completely pales in comparison to...
It's uncommon for us to ever purposely run a tech story about one part and one-month later follow that report with a review of another manufacturer's similar Mustang product. Actually, an act like that is so rare, I can't recall 5.0&SF ever being this redundant, and I've probably read every issue published since the magazine's inception.
With that said, there's no better time than right now for us to make such a back-to-back move. In this case, by reviewing another short-throw, six-speed manual shifter for '11-'12 Mustangs. MGW recently sent Editor Turner one of its gear selectors, and based on Big Steve's excitement about the new piece, it was clear installation needed to happen right away.
As we've explained many times, the primary objective for most aftermarket manual Mustang shifters is to provide short-throw gear selection. While MGW has followed suit with a handle that shortens shift throws about 25 percent, the company's real focus for this piece was placed on its resistance tension and wickedly sturdy construction, which promote "miss-free" shifts (and a killer, stock-style reverse lockout) and eliminate any semblance of the squishy/notchy/non-confident gear changes inherent with a '11-'12 'Stang's stock shifter.
...the overall brawn of MGW's...
...the overall brawn of MGW's beautifully forged, billet shifter handle for '11-'12 Mustangs.
To accomplish this, MGW went above and beyond with the engineering detail that was put into its latest offering. And, with insights from enthusiasts like you (a group of 'Stangbangers from www.svtperformance.com provided opinions on prototype shifters that were incorporated into the final product), the company has created the sexiest, stoutest MT-82 shifter we've tested thus far. If you want to completely revamp the shifting of your new 'Stang, MGW has the product for you.
The accompanying photos once again feature our friend Ricardo Topete of GTR High Performance as he installs MGW's all-new six-speed shifter in Patrick Castile's '11 Mustang GT. The bolt-on process for this piece is a tad more involved than other shifters we've tested.
MGW provides detailed instructions that most home-project enthusiasts should be able to follow. However, because the procedure involves completely replacing the lower-base assembly, we suggest you give the bolt-on nod to Ricardo or a Mustang specialist like him.
MGW's billet lower-base assembly...
MGW's billet lower-base assembly (left) totally wowed us as soon as it was removed from the box. This masterfully engineered cup (it's actually two pieces) is the knockout punch in a shifter that offers drivers the most stability and smoothness we've experienced when up or downshifting a Getrag MT-82 transmission.
The rear-support bracket (left)...
The rear-support bracket (left) is another area in which MGW makes a mockery of the factory's excuse of a
Installing the MGW two-piece...
Installing the MGW two-piece lower base assembly is one of the trickier efforts in this project and actually is best accomplished with two people. The lower portion of the new base actually supports the main shaft, and features a pair of thick polyurethane main-shaft bushings that help knock down a lot of the deflection that typically results in missed gears.
The MGW shifter's upper assembly...
The MGW shifter's upper assembly bolts-in, in similar fashion to other '11-'12 six-speed shifters. However, one big difference between this piece and others is the return spring and copious amount of grease (supplied) that you see in this photo. The spring gives the new piece its resistance tension. The resistance--stiff, but, not too stiff in this case--essentially is the key to achieving the gate-to-gate smoothness and confident feel found in all MGW shifters.
Because the new shifter's...
Because the new shifter's billet construction, which technically is a lot more mechanical than the factory piece, MGW puts quite a bit of emphasis on ensuring the 'Stang's cabin area is fully insulated from shifter, transmission, and road noise. This rubber boot/dust cover is the last level of sound deadening that includes a rubber boot on the lower base, and a foam pad and DynaMat that surround the upper assembly.
If not for the white shifter...
If not for the white shifter ball, no one would be the wiser about Patrick's 'Stang now packing MGW's smooth-as-butter, six-speed shifter below the center console.