MGW X-Spec stiffness adjustment

[MontiCristo]

I think the answer is to raise the shift knob up a bit. That’s a good idea. I actually find it sitting a little low now that the MGW is installed. I found some on EBay and Amazon, just search for M12 x 1.25 shifter extensions. 1-1/2” should do the trick

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[thompsje]

I think the answer is to raise the shift knob up a bit. That’s a good idea. I actually find it sitting a little low now that the MGW is installed. I found some on EBay and Amazon, just search for M12 x 1.25 shifter extensions. 1-1/2” should do the trick

You might want to check out the flat stick option from MGW, depending on your taste. It's longer than the default option. I have that and it's not overly stiff. I still try to start off in 3rd occasionally, but that's just me been lazy.

Couple other things. As mentioned, hand position can help. I cup my hand towards the driver's side for 1 and 2, flat for 3 and 4, and then cupped away for 5 and 6. That seems to help me guide it better.

The side to side force will not break in. The only way that would happen is if the springs fatigue, and that shouldn't happen. I did contemplate pulling the top plate and getting in there with some calipers so I could see what else I could get (McMaster Carr, Grainger, etc), but over time I decided it wasn't worth it. If it's still a problem for you it might be something to consider. I'd start with the flat stick tho.

 

[MontiCristo]

the 1-2 transition as well as the 5-6 required pressure in the direction you are describing in the stock shifter, so nothing new there. That isn't getting at the issue, the issue is the stiffness. A taller stick should help. I'll try that and report back.

 

[BullittBoy]

I have the MGW X-short throw. It is a little stiff, but thats part of the game to have the spring tension to aide in quick, short shifts. A little bit taller helps a lot and I don't like the ball style knob.. I found (for me), going to a pistol grip is perfect and gives me more lateral leverage and makes it just about perfect, again for me. If you like a knob style, the 1.5 inch extension should get you there.

 

[MontiCristo]

I have the MGW X-short throw. It is a little stiff, but thats part of the game to have the spring tension to aide in quick, short shifts. A little bit taller helps a lot and I don't like the ball style knob.. I found (for me), going to a pistol grip is perfect and gives me more lateral leverage and makes it just about perfect, again for me. If you like a knob style, the 1.5 inch extension should get you there.

Yea that makes sense. I am finding that it is becoming a little more enjoyable as I drive it, even after a couple of days. I agree the 1.5" extension should be perfect. I've got a teardrop billitworkz weighted shifter that I really like and would like to keep it, but I can certainly see how your shifter would work well with the MGW

 

[Franky16]

I'm a little discouraged, it is far too stiff for enjoyable daily driving. I was substantially quicker in the stock shifter because it required less force. MGW should manufacture these so that adjustments can be made. Overall, I suppose I will wait until it breaks in some. While we are on the subject and in the event that it doesn't soften, is there another transmission mounted shifter that isn't a stiff as a board that can be installed?

if you want to sell it I’m interested

 

[NightmareMoon]

I think the answer is to raise the shift knob up a bit. That’s a good idea. I actually find it sitting a little low now that the MGW is installed. I found some on EBay and Amazon, just search for M12 x 1.25 shifter extensions. 1-1/2” should do the trick

Agreed, a longer lever will help quite a bit. More than extra weight.

 

[MontiCristo]

I’m pleased to say that the unit has softened up a bit and is becoming more comfortable. Probably just stiff because it’s new. I’m going to continue enjoying it and possibly add the extension.

 

[MontiCristo]

I also got a call from George at MGW today and he was super helpful. Said that the "left to right" spring is set pretty firm and it takes some getting used to, but my unit is operating perfectly normally. It is starting to feel second nature, I think it was just the initial shock coming from the stock unit. Very pleased with both MGW's shipment time, customer service and performance of the unit. Please just know that coming from a stock unit will be a bit of a shock initially, LOL, but in the end it's good!

 

[Eyesac]

Oops, sry for the bum link, but if you search around there's a million sellers selling the same extention...

It helped a lot and like I said earlier, I like a shift knob a little closer the the wheel, kinda ugly, but works.

 

[SHOdaddy68]

I also got a call from George at MGW today and he was super helpful. Said that the "left to right" spring is set pretty firm and it takes some getting used to, but my unit is operating perfectly normally. It is starting to feel second nature, I think it was just the initial shock coming from the stock unit. Very pleased with both MGW's shipment time, customer service and performance of the unit. Please just know that coming from a stock unit will be a bit of a shock initially, LOL, but in the end it's good!

I may be wrong, but I think my shifter came with an assortment of springs that could be changed out to "adjust" this? I didn't install mine. It was done when I had my transmission rebuilt a few years ago. The shop asked me about the springs and I told them to install it as shipped.

 

[MontiCristo]

I may be wrong, but I think my shifter came with an assortment of springs that could be changed out to "adjust" this? I didn't install mine. It was done when I had my transmission rebuilt a few years ago. The shop asked me about the springs and I told them to install it as shipped.

I'm not sure, I didn't install mine either. Like I say, after a week of driving now, it's really become more comfortable. George at MGW said they over engineer them so that you don't experience an extremely weak and "noodely" / stock type shifter after time. Makes sense.

 

[SHOdaddy68]

I'm not sure, I didn't install mine either. Like I say, after a week of driving now, it's really become more comfortable. George at MGW said they over engineer them so that you don't experience an extremely weak and "noodely" / stock type shifter after time. Makes sense.

Yeah, if you read up on MGW history, they started in machining precision gun parts.

 

[Cpcloud]

Mine lost the overly-stiff feel after 3- 6 months of daily driving.

I did the BG Synchro II transmission fluid swap at some point and that also made everything feel more smooth.

I use the hammer style shift knob MGW sell with the heaviest insert & knob stem.

Hope that info helps.

 

[DRKHORS]

I also got a call from George at MGW today and he was super helpful. Said that the "left to right" spring is set pretty firm and it takes some getting used to, but my unit is operating perfectly normally. It is starting to feel second nature, I think it was just the initial shock coming from the stock unit. Very pleased with both MGW's shipment time, customer service and performance of the unit. Please just know that coming from a stock unit will be a bit of a shock initially, LOL, but in the end it's good!

I'm not sure, I didn't install mine either. Like I say, after a week of driving now, it's really become more comfortable. George at MGW said they over engineer them so that you don't experience an extremely weak and "noodely" / stock type shifter after time. Makes sense.

I'm in an A10 now, but my 2015 was a manual with an MGW. I had some car-specific issues I was working through after the install and ended up being able to speak with George, as well. Good guy who spent quite a bit of time working with me. How many times do you get direct access to the owner of a company who is willing to put in the time to work one on one with a customer they don't know? Their service sold me...

I agree the springs that center the shifter are firm, and the 5-6 shift always took a bit more attention. But, I took that for no more lock outs and no missed shifts under heavy acceleration. The 2-3 shift, no matter how fast, was a simple push straight forward from 2nd gear and never had to worry about hitting the gate for 3rd. I'll recommend MGW from now on...

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