GT350 Trans

[mb1]

I've considered a GT350 for a while but with the ADM, its kept me at bay. I finally got to test drive one which I was very thankful for. The car regrettably didn't have Recaro seats which I think I'd have preferred but want to ask a question to the group about the trans/clutch. The car is pretty awesome and sounded wicked btw.

I like some others found the clutch way too light and vague for my liking. My understanding is that it can be fixed. Curious how much better it can get.

Secondarily, I loved my S2000 that I had years ago due to high revs and a great gearbox. I currently have a Boxster with the GT4 shift kit and its probably close to S2000 feel as I've been able to find in a new car. I found the shifter on the GT350 to lack that connected feel that either of my reference cars offer. I know that MGW was working on a kit to improve it. Not sure if its available or not.

Anyway, is there hope for a shifting snob like me to make the GT350 into shifting perfection. I like a little weight and feeling the gear shifter as it goes into the gate. Strangely, I thought the Mustang GT with the inferior gearbox felt a little better (shorter and more connected)

Thanks for any feedback.

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[TDC]

The Steeda clutch spring improves the feel marginally with the main benefit being a more linear clutch take up.

The shifter can be a bit rubbery in 1st and reverse. I don't believe you'll replicate the feeling of the S2000 but the 5.2 FPC more than makes up for it IMO.

 

[Trackaholic]

The MT-82 may not be the most reliable, but I think it has very good shift feel.

The GT350 transmission is probably more stout, but mine is pretty stiff when shifting slow, although it does shift better the higher the RPMs and the faster you shift.

I like the stock clutch feel, but many say the Steeda replacement spring is an excellent upgrade.

I do plan on getting the MGW kit when it comes out. The stock shifter has a plastic ball/socket joint and I think the friction and compliance of the plastic make the shifter feel a bit more vague than I'd like.

-T

 

[bracky72]

I am coming from a S2000. You will get used to the clutch and shifter feel. I've kept the S2000 for now but the more I drive the Shelby the more I think I might sell it (S2k).

 

[Epiphany]

I know that MGW was working on a kit to improve it. Not sure if its available or not.

Anyway, is there hope for a shifting snob like me to make the GT350 into shifting perfection. I like a little weight and feeling the gear shifter as it goes into the gate. Strangely, I thought the Mustang GT with the inferior gearbox felt a little better (shorter and more connected)

Thanks for any feedback.

The MGW GT350 shifter started shipping this week. It is a far better match for the TR3160 as well as the rest of the driveline, brakes, etc.

 

[wildcatgoal]

The GT350 shifter sucks nuts, just like the MT82 shifter. Go drive a Camaro, sorry but do it. That shifter is much better than the Mustang stock shifters from the factory. Nevermind you can't see anywhere...

Anyway, I love my MGW on the MT82. My stock shifter wasn't bad, really. Never had lockouts or anything worth whining too much about, but it is MUCH better anyway.

 

[dron_jones]

The GT350 shifter sucks nuts, just like the MT82 shifter. Go drive a Camaro, sorry but do it. That shifter is much better than the Mustang stock shifters from the factory. Nevermind you can't see anywhere...

Anyway, I love my MGW on the MT82. My stock shifter wasn't bad, really. Never had lockouts or anything worth whining too much about, but it is MUCH better anyway.

MT82 shifter sucks nuts, but at the same time wasn't bad.



Thanks for the insight.

 

[Epiphany]

He's saying that the MT82 was better because of the MGW he added.

 

[dron_jones]

The GT350 shifter sucks nuts, just like the MT82 shifter.

My stock shifter wasn't bad, really.

[MENTION=19066]Epiphany[/MENTION] not the way it seems to me...

In any case his post offers no facts as to why he says the GT350 "Sucks nuts" nor does it even appear that he owns a GT350. Sorry but i stick by my comment that this adds very little insight.

 

[firestarter2]

I think there is a a fair amount of variation from car to car.

I've driven a v160(supra) is300 manual, while they aren't Honda shifters I don't find the one in this car bad I actually like it.

Clutch sucks though imho

Edit I think as the tranny has to handle more tq some smoothness is lost

 

[krt22]

The GT350 shifter sucks nuts, just like the MT82 shifter. Go drive a Camaro, sorry but do it. That shifter is much better than the Mustang stock shifters from the factory. Nevermind you can't see anywhere...

Anyway, I love my MGW on the MT82. My stock shifter wasn't bad, really. Never had lockouts or anything worth whining too much about, but it is MUCH better anyway.

I disagree on the GT350 shifter sucking. It may not be the best you can buy, but its certainly does not suck

 

[mb1]

Thanks for some of the replies. Yeah, I'd agree its not terrible by any stretch. Also pretty hard in a short test drive. I'm curious about the MGW for sure and the clutch spring.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Welp, the armchair computer screen cowboys are out tonight. Shame I mention Camaro, sets off the attitudes. Anyway, sure... a bit harsh I was. The feel of the stock MT82 shifter isn't altogether bad. Job gets done well enough. The MGW is worlds better and when you have one, you realize the MT82 shifter... sucks nuts. When you drive a M/T Camaro, at least to me, you realize it could be better, too. I've driven a Steeda Tri-ax equipped GT recently; also better - surprisingly different than the MGW. Do I need to post a picture of the MT82 shifter for you to understand why it sucks nuts? 3 pivot points on the linkage mounted to the body with rubber. Eliminated entirely by the MGW shifter, plus a nicely reduced throw with significantly more overt return to N/center action. One literally does not have to "push towards 3rd" - a totally unconscious effort. And no NVH, vibration at high RPM... nothing. My stock shifter was noisier than my MGW and it had rubber all over the place.

Nope, don't own a GT350. I chose not to pony up and buy one. One reason was that I was not happy with the shifter in the two GT350s I drove when shopping for my next car (also in the mix was the M3/M4 and the S4), given the price of the car (with markup or not) and the pedigree of the equipped transmission, which I wish I could just swap into my GT without a fuss. I would be happier with the shifter in a VW if it could be transferred over and feel/act the same. You can feel differently; I don't mind. I chose to get a GT and improve it vs. get a GT350 and not be able to afford to do anything lest I eat ramen noodles for a year.

Now, sure, I didn't have time to get used to it like you GT350 owners have. I'll hand you that on a silver platter. And it's not like it's the worst shifter ever made. But, there is a reason MGW is making a shifter for the GT350, despite there not being all that much of a quantifiable market for one. George at MGW's happens to track a GT350; it needs one according to him otherwise he wouldn't make one. Does the GT350R have a different shifter than the GT350? I would hope so for the price those are going for.

Whatever you like... go for it man.

You can read this about the GT350 shifter: http://www.*******************/forums/showthread.php?1095456-GT350-OEM-Shifter. For what you're paying for a GT350... common. Up to you.

EDIT: Can't link to another forum. Search Thread: GT350 OEM Shifter on the Google. On the SVT........ forum. I'm talking about quality for the price.

 

[jwhite]

As far as clutch spring,,,,, just take it out. Clutch actually feels more what you're looking for with no spring at all. The shift will improve with mileage, mine felt very " rubbery" new but after 3,000 miles it's getting much better, it also feels better under a good load and some high RPM's!

Before I get the hate on the NO spring, my 15 GT/PP that has over 600rwhp has been out for 11 k miles and my GT 350 over 3k miles now. Yes the clutch pedal returns fully, no there isn't any play at the top. Yes the pedal returns just as fast, if not faster. No it doesn't affect your cruise control and it won't wear your clutch out faster!

 

[Grimace427]

Before I get the hate on the NO spring, my 15 GT/PP that has over 600rwhp has been out for 11 k miles and my GT 350 over 3k miles now. Yes the clutch pedal returns fully, no there isn't any play at the top. Yes the pedal returns just as fast, if not faster. No it doesn't affect your cruise control and it won't wear your clutch out faster!

I've been driving with no assist spring in my '11 for at least 5 years and probably 40,000 miles with zero issues as well.

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