MGW - Do you like precision things?

[VictorH]

I think the stock Mach 1 shifter is really nice but thought I might want to try an upgrade. Just received MGW Gen 2 Tremec shifter and installation kit yesterday.
wow, if you like precision instruments, tools and things that are really nice, smooth and precise this is one of those items. No slop or play whatsoever. Also, the installation kit is really nice and complete, new insulation padding, drive pin punch, nice hardware and some little wrenches too. This really seems to be a company that takes pride in their work and care about quality.

Couple of other observations. The stock Mach 1 shift nob is really nice, I thought it was just a plastic ball but it has nice weight and is some sort of metal alloy.
The only other thing is when you remove your console trip, they didn't really emphasize (maybe I missed it) you really need to focus on pulling the pieces either straight up or straight off (on the side panels). The little blue retaining clips will pop off and disappear into and behind your carpet or for some reason just vaporize not to be seen or found anywhere.

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[VictorH]

So if you want to get OEM Ford clips, the blue ones. Any sources other than my local Ford dealer?

 

[dx2]

Could be what you are looking for:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224510571559
https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/part...year=2019&submodel=&extra1=&extra2=&filter=()

 

[VictorH]

Thank you. Will try those.
Got down to shifter removal which is overall very easy. The last part of removal of the shift linkage with a 10 mm bolt is a bit tough as a 10 mm box end is really small (not much leverage) and the bolt is pretty tight. Hope to wrap up the install tomorrow.

 

[VictorH]

The removal part is really easy. The installation, "the easy part" was/is a bit challenging. The shift rod bolt was a bugger to get started, had to use a little block of wood on top of the bolt head to get the head far enough into the coupler to start the threads. My thumbs were not strong enough. However, the part that seems the most difficult and by now I'm a bit tired, is putting the inner part of the boot around the rectangular flange on top of the shifter. The hole in the boot is round and small and the rectangle is probably nearly 4" x3". It's a real bear to get started despite plenty of silicone spray and rubber dressing.

 

[dx2]

have you checked the lockout pin ? try soft and hard shifting test in 1st - 2nd gear ? The shifting must happen smooth for both.

 

[VictorH]

Yes, I've done the lock-out adjustment. That part is fine, but for the life of me, I can not get the boot started on the billet shifter flange, just too darn tight.

 

[dx2]

This one ?

Or the one at the bottom ?

Tried to use the silicone spray ?

Quick search: https://bogertaviation.com/products/grommet-stretcher

 

[VictorH]

Yes, the opening at the bottom that is supposed to go around the rectangular flange of the shifter. Used silicone spray and tire dressing. Got stopped by the boot.
I've done rod bearings, subframes, complete chassis rebuilds etc. Never been stopped by a rubber boot.
Any secrets? Maybe my fingers are not strong enough.

 

[dx2]

you could try to wrap a plastic sheet around the billet piece and slip the rubber boot over the plastic wrap so you got a tapered slope which might help. Must not be a new sheet, maybe cut a plastic drinking bottle or something else that would work.

 

[VictorH]

Spoke to MGW this week and recommended that I remove the lock-out pin and the blue lower shifter component. Then put the boot in hot water (hot as you can tolerate by hand). I measured the lock-out pin depth and number of turns until the allen wrench no longer fits in the pin hole.
Boot was much easier to install. Then reinstalled the other components and would be good to go, but my shift knob does not fit my shifter shaft thread. Hopefully simple fix.
The other question, does the shifter look a little low?

 

[Rock50]

Think I saw somewhere that it is slightly shorter/lower than stock. Maybe this video of it installed in a GT350 will give you something to compare against:
I also thought that the stock ball has a different thread. MGW sells a similar one to the stock white one that fits properly.

 

[dx2]

Check position of dust boot neck. Can't quite see it on you photo, but they mention to leave one bolt head visible:

 

[Schwerin]

I miss when a shifter swap was like 30-45minutes inside of the car.

 

[Johnnydarkgt350]

It appears that the length of the the shifters shaft may be too low for a shift with out leaning forward, pulling your shoulders out of there position? Has anyone lengthen to that shaft so that is a normal height?

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