DrumReaper
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 17, 2015
- Threads
- 114
- Messages
- 4,978
- Reaction score
- 3,700
- Location
- South East
- Vehicle(s)
- 1971 429CJ Mach 1, 2012 Boss 302
- Thread starter
- #1
So, I decided to make a shifter change. The stock shifter has better action than the Boss 302 I had, but there was still some notchiness and sponginess. I had been informed of the MGW alternative and was even more intrigued when everyone I talked to about MGW shifters had nothing but excellent reviews to relay.
After locking down a date to go over and get a shifter, I traveled to MGW to meet the owner, George, and the whole drive over I tried to record in my mind all the feels and throws of the stock unit so that after the install, I could compare thoughts.
I have to commend George here, cause it's not every day that the owner of a very busy company sets aside time to meet, talk and personally look at my car and help me with my shifter concerns.
Now to the bread and butter... As you can see from the pic above, there isn't much difference in the outward appearances between the stock shifter and the MGW unit. But, man... If you could just Superman peak under that boot you would see and appreciate the precision, hardcore efforts of a man that thought out and machined a unit that is of astounding quality and finish. You could also see the mechanics which make this shifter a more solid performer. The swap was done quickly and I was amazed at the ease of which it was installed which goes lengths to confirm the quality that George has put into his product.
The reverse action is more deliberate and akin to my 13 Boss 302 by pushing down and pulling left and then pushing forward. The throw is nearly identical in travel length to the stock unit. First to second is mechanical, second to third was as easy as placing the ball in the palm of my right hand and giving a slight push forward and then the shifter finds third like it was its purpose in life to do so. Third to fourth as first to second... Smooth and mechanical. Fourth to fifth required just a little encouragement to the right and slight push forward, but I was most impressed with the 5/6 transistion. Prior, with the stock unit, there was an awkward notch and I needed to have a stronger effort to push right and pull down which was not a natural feeling action, but the MGW shifter alleviated that needed hefty push and traded it for a pull down with only slight rightward encouragement.
I'm told I can put this unit through some very rigorous use with some serious hefty throws during gear changes should I wish and it will perform without problem. I did get a little savage on the way home on the dry pavement after the car had warmed up, but there was wet pavement ahead so I took it easy for the rest of the drive.
My initial impressions?... Damn good American engineered and produced product that is days ahead of the techno in the stock unit. There is no additional noise, yet there is much more positive feel and engagement. If you want a hellagood shifter, this is the shifter for you!
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