With all of the new-product development for Mustangs that we're constantly learning about, to say our hobby moves quickly is a massive understatement.
When you're deep inside the scene like we are, hearing about something new happens quite frequently, and the latest pieces understandably are usually focused on current Mustangs. However, for all the paying it forward that aftermarket companies do, every once in a blue moon we'll get word about a new part that's specifically designed for 'Stangs that are a bit older--in this case, the '05-'10s.
One such part is the absolutely awesome five-speed shifter Barton Industries developed for '05-'10 Mustangs. If the Barton name sounds familiar, you're probably thinking about the company's bolt-in, six-speed gear changer for '11-up cars.
As we showed you through photos and explanation in our report on that shifter, Barton took no prisoners in developing a stout, throw-improving shifter for the Getrag MT-82 transmissions of today's Mustangs. They've done it again with this new piece for the S197s, which is available in a variety of options. We're installing Barton GT Shifter Option 1 (PN 2005BM-1; $350) in Eric Bell's '07 GT.
This kit includes the complete shifter assembly, along with both the Barton flat stick (with a black shift ball) and an OEM-type stick that accepts the stock shift knob. It bolts right in place in any manual-transmission '05-'10 'Stang.
GTR High Performance's Ricardo Topete has become our shift master over the last year or so, having installed the six-speed Barton piece and many other shifters. In these photos, Ricardo demonstrates the ease of installing the new Barton stick.
The procedure doesn't require anything too strenuous beyond making sure your Mustang is raised high enough for convenient access to the below-deck areas, and the task can be accomplished in about an hour or so.
Barton offers its '05-'10...
Barton offers its '05-'10 Mustang GT shifter in three optional configurations. This is shifter Option 1 (PN 2005BM-1; $350), which we're installing in Eric Bell's '07 GT. It is CNC'd from 6061 T6 billet-aluminum and 304 stainless steel.
Extracting the factory shifter...
Extracting the factory shifter involves some minor disassembly inside the Mustang's cabin (removing shift boot/bezel assembly, dust cover and insulation), and then going down below to dislodge the shift linkage, support arm, and rear-support bracket. Raising the car on a twin-post hoist is the most-convenient method of performing these tasks, which also includes disconnecting and moving the driveshaft--and reversing the process when installing the new shifter. However, a jack and jack stands, or even a set of Race Ramps will get a Pony high enough to get the job done.
Here's a comparative look...
Here's a comparative look at the obvious construction (and quality) differences in the Barton and stock shifters. For starters, Barton uses a 1/4-inch-thick billet, CNC'd baseplate, as opposed to Ford's flimsy 1/8-inch-thick stamped plate.
The new shifter also features...
The new shifter also features firm centering springs for confident Second-to-Third gear shifts, and harder durometer polyurethane bushings that help eliminate mushy deflection.
Ricardo installs the new shifter...
Ricardo installs the new shifter from below Eric's Mustang before going back into the cabin.
Here is a close look at Ford's...
Here is a close look at Ford's stock shifter linkage, attached to the new shifter. Interestingly, the OEM linkage arm is impressively stout and complements the shifter's sturdiness. Barton's rear-support bracket definitely is a work of billet art. The bracket must be installed with the Barton logo facing the rear of the vehicle.
In the cockpit, the new shifter's...
In the cockpit, the new shifter's handle installs by way of one simple 5/16-inch Allen-head cap screw that is positioned directly in the center of the handle. A stop is incorporated in the design and will prevent overtightening the screw, This operation takes just 5 minutes to accomplish, and once it's done, replacing the dust cover, sound-suppressing material, and shifter boot (and console if it was completely removed) are the last order of business.
One of the main features that...
One of the main features that makes this new Barton shifter arm special is the fact that it reduces the shifter throw (shortens the throw) by 36 percent. The handle has a slightly shorter stance than the stock piece, and it transmits a solid engagement in every gear during upshifts and downshifts.
For those who want the function...
For those who want the function of a better shifter while retaining a stock look, Barton Industries' Option 1 kit includes this additional handle that features a thread pattern for reusing the factory knob.