Recently, I sent my MGW shifter back to have the bushings replaced. We noticed they were pretty worn down while my transmission was out during the engine rebuild. I didn’t buy the optional heat shield when I purchased my shifter and I’m sure that was most of my problem. I struggled a little trying to get the shifter out since I had forgotten how to do it and it had been about year since I installed it, but thankfully I had access to the amazing YouTube tutorials put out by various people.
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MGW got the shifter and replaced the bushings under warranty for me and then talked me into upgrading. I decided it would be more cost effective to buy a new 2014 revision instead of each individual piece to change it out. I can’t yet say the revisions make a world of difference, but so far I am pleased. This is a track car so the new design of the lower box makes me happy. They redesigned it so that you can take a panel out of the box from underneath the car to be able to service the internal bushing. This is a pretty big deal when you’re making some aggressive high rpm shifts on the track and your bushings are likely to get worn out rather quickly. It also helps that the heat shield is now included in the price of the shifter and no longer optional.
![Mgw Mgw](https://cdn3.volusion.com/yyukr.ndymt/v/vspfiles/photos/2098-5.jpg?v-cache=1455258177)
Old shifter (top) and new shifter (bottom).
Another new feature is the copper race “bushing” that gives the benefit of even nicer and firmer shifts than the shifter provides without it.
2013 Mustang Mgw Shifters
The double-pin mounting design that I loved about the old shifter is even more improved on the new model. MGW sends both a street and a race bushing for this part of the shifter. I am, of course more partial to the race bushing. With your shifter, you also get one sheet of Dynamatting. Location is entirely up to you here. The install video for the original shifter has you put it inside the car underneath the stock baffling, whereas the new install video has you put it underneath the car in the transmission tunnel. For me this was not a tough decision because I already had the Dynamat inside the car from the previous install. That being said, in my personal opinion (noise complaints aside) you should put the Dynamat underneath the car to help the heat shield keep heat out and away from your expensive shifter components. If you don’t track your car though, and your shifter is predominantly for the purpose of a better feel in your daily-driver, than inside is the way to go. This should keep any heat that does get past the heat shield off of your hand as well as dampen the noise of your shifts.
Speaking of noise, one of the things I love about this shifter is the definitive sound every time you switch gears. It feels and sounds very secure, but it is definitely noticeable (and I have the Dynamat inside and outside of the car) so if this is a concern for you than I do not recommend going with the copper race “bushing” as this is what lends largely, if not entirely, to the shift noise.
Another thing I enjoyed about both models of this shifter is the reverse lockout. It is something I have grown accustomed to and sorely miss when ever driving my mom’s car (Hurst short throw). On that shifter reverse is so close to first gear that she had to get a reverse light put in so she could tell which gear it was in. On the MGW, the reverse lockout is firm and smooth and the new model allows you to adjust the lockout pin yourself in order to optimize it for your setup.
Lastly, the new shifter reuses the stock shifter boot. This could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending. Luckily for me, I found my old one hiding in a box somewhere but if your stock boot is torn or damaged you might have to shell out $24 for a new one.
Mgw Shifter Coupon
I used the stock shift knob on both shifters because it sits at the right height and has a good grip for me, so I can’t give an opinion on any of MGW’s knobs.
I hope this review was helpful, feel free to comment and let me know your opinions.