MGW X-Spec stiffness adjustment

[GrabberBargeCaptain]

I was shocked at mine when I first tried it, and wondered if I made a mistake. A few days later I didn’t know how i had dealt with the factory slop for a couple years

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[Mkiiisrael]

As I said above I have a weighted shift knob from Bullitworkz.
That has no bearing on the stiffness of the mgw

When I first installed my mgw kit I used my aftermarket weighted shift knob(with the mgw stock shift knob adapter) that I was using with my stock shifter assembly and I hated it. Got their hammer series knob and it felt way better. Id try this, worst case you can return it

 

[MontiCristo]

When I first installed my mgw kit I used my aftermarket weighted shift knob(with the mgw stock shift knob adapter) that I was using with my stock shifter assembly and I hated it. Got their hammer series knob and it felt way better. Id try this, worst case you can return it

I already have a weighted Billetworkz shift knob. It isn't the knob it's the stiffness of the unit. Many have commented that at first they experienced the same. I'll give it some time.

 

[ralph7]

I believe the OP is referring to the stiff side transition, not the straight vertical shifts themselves.
Third to Fourth are the default area that takes no thought as to side pressure.
My MGW has been in there for about a year, and it is pretty well broken in. Still have times when I start to take off in third or shift from fifth to fourth because I wasn't paying attention.
Heavier Billetworks knob has helped, but this shifter demands full attention, which isn't a bad thing when driving these cars.

 

[VictorH]

Don't give up hope. When first installed it's very stiff, it's actually pretty stiff before you even put it in the car. Honestly, it takes probably a couple thousand shifts to loosen up a bit. For me I think it was maybe a year or so. Once it's broken in however, it;s super precise and not too stiff at all. The one thing that I don't care for and it's a transmission issue, not the shifter, is how strong the centering spring is for the 3-4 center. If you are shifting slowly from first to second or 5th to sixth it almost wants to pull you into 4th due to the spring action, at least that's how it is on my car..

 

[MontiCristo]

I believe the OP is referring to the stiff side transition, not the straight vertical shifts themselves.
Third to Fourth are the default area that takes no thought as to side pressure.
My MGW has been in there for about a year, and it is pretty well broken in. Still have times when I want to take off in third or shift from fifth to fourth because I wasn't paying attention.
Heavier Billetworks knob has helped, but this shifter demands full attention, which isn't a bad thing when driving these cars.

Well said and thank you. Yes it’s the lack of sideways “play” that I’m describing. The stock unit had far too much play, this has far too little. I think middle ground would be nice. All and all it’s a nice and precise shifter and perhaps it will loosen a bit. Would going through the gears when the car is off repeatedly (with clutch) in aide in the break in process? Is this bad for the car?
My main complaints about the shifting style of it are the 5-6 shift requires quite a bit of sideways pressure, too much. I also find downshifting into 2nd when slowing for a turn is very tight / tough. Also the 1-2 shift seems to want to have the spring pull the unit towards 4th gear (to the right) if that makes sense. I’d like a little more ability to have 1st gear be further left if that makes sense. I think that part of it can be adjusted.

 

[Eyesac]

I also found it to require too much force initially. I also didn't like how short the actual stick was, so I bought an 1.5" adapter and now I think it's great, the added leverage of a longer stick helped a ton and I like the knob closer to the wheel.

 

[Unas2k5]

I have the MGW race spec the shortest throw. It’s not as stiff as you’re making it sound. Is everything installed correctly and torqued to spec ? Could it be the install? My first to second needed some getting use to but other than that I love it !

 

[Unas2k5]

I also found it to require too much force initially. I also didn't like how short the actual stick was, so I bought an 1.5" adapter and now I think it's great, the added leverage of a longer stick helped a ton and I like the knob closer to the wheel.

Link to adapter? Thanks

 

[Eyesac]

Link to adapter? Thanks

This is the one I got: https://ebay.us/m/vONqqj

 

[MontiCristo]

This is the one I got: https://ebay.us/m/vONqqj

This link isn’t working? I think an adapter would be helpful I’m interested.

 

[GrabberBargeCaptain]

I agree the 5-6 shift can be annoying, but the 1-2 i never had any issue with, nor the 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 took a bit of force but nothing crazy.. always a straight shot every time. with the 5-6 i make sure to use lateral pressure so i dont shift into 4th

 

[Farkel]

What I do for 5th and 6th is turn my hand, thumb down, so my palm hits the left side of the knob. Once the muscle memory set in, those shifts were easier to hit.

 

[Unas2k5]

That link doesn’t work lol

 

[MontiCristo]

This is the one I got: https://ebay.us/m/vONqqj

This link does not work

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