Best choice for Shifter?

[Mike in SC]

I just picked up a '09 GT Coupe w/ a 5 speed. The first thing I want to do is change the shifter. OEM 2nd to 3rd leaves much to be desired. Being a Boomer that came of car-age in the late 60's I tend toward a retro style stick. My driving style is daily cruising w/ occasional gear banging- no competition. I've looked on-line at various reviews (AM has been a great resource) and here is what I've collected.

Hurst Comp Plus- Seems to be the best value. Has the right kind of stick w/ ball included. The reviews mention occasional noise/vibration issues but overall a good choice.

Hurst Comp Billet- Again complete package, slightly more expensive but many noise/ vibration issues. That is surprising.

Roush Performance 5-Speed Short Shifter- Basic shifter is priced low but to get the look I want I have to add $100.00 of accesories (ROUSH billet arm and ball). However the reviews are excellent.

Steeda Tri-Ax- Good reviews but notchy w/ a short stick. Again, I have to add $100.00 of accesories (Billet Pro Street Shifter Handle with White Shift Knob).

Barton 5-Speed Short Shifter- Pricey w/ rave reviews but it includes an OEM and flat stick. At it's price they should be included. Looks real clean w/ the stock boot.

MGW Flat Stick Shifter- A little pricey but users rave about this one, best thing since sliced Bread. Complete without reusing any OEM parts. It has adjustable throw but I'm not really sure of that value for daily driving. Options are color of stick and either OEM or Hurst ball thread.

That about does it on my research. It would be welcome if anyone can add to this or give me some direction/feedback.

TIA,
Mike

 

[BLACK-MACHINE]

i have the barton, been on the car for about 18 months and i've yet to miss a shift even at wot at the track. like you said pricy, but you get what you pay for.

OH and i love it.

 

[Johnf78]

I love my MGW! Direct and precise. Adjustable throw is nice to dial in the feel and throw that works for you.

 

[429244]

...

MGW Flat Stick Shifter- A little pricey but users rave about this one, best thing since sliced Bread. Complete without reusing any OEM parts. It has adjustable throw but I'm not really sure of that value for daily driving. Options are color of stick and either OEM or Hurst ball thread.

That about does it on my research. It would be welcome if anyone can add to this or give me some direction/feedback.

TIA,
Mike

MGW. I opted for OEM thread and put the OEM ball back on. It is perfect for your 2-3 shift complaint.

 

[tjm73]

You will find a large base of MGW supporters here. There product is second to none. I had an MGW for my '05 back when I had it, but sold the car before getting it installed. it was impressive in the box. When I buy my next Mustang it will get an MGW.

 

[chandlern]

In most cases you get what you pay for, love my mgw. Adjustable throw let's you fine tune it to what you want, I'd say that's a perk if you're driving it daily....

 

[Mike in SC]

How involved is the stop adjustment procedure?

 

[Johnf78]

How involved is the stop adjustment procedure?

There is no stop adjustment. To adjust the throws you just jack the car up, remove one bolt and rotate the throw adjuster from 1 to 10 revolutions depending on how short you want the throw to be.

 

[06redgt]

MGW. I opted for OEM thread and put the OEM ball back on. It is perfect for your 2-3 shift complaint.

I did the same. Awesome shifter! The adjustable throw is a nice feature.

 

[golkhl]

MGW.....end thread.

 

[Boss281]

I have the Barton in both my 2005 and 2007, both went in the last couple of months. Both units shift SUPERBLY but make contact with my aftermarket drive shafts on uneven road or very heavy acceleration from stop (one driveshaft is a Spydershaft, the other a Steeda). Barton was unaware of fitment issues with aftermarket driveshafts but to remedy machined down the rear bracket by 1/8, which so far seems more than sufficient to provide the clearance needed under suspension load on the 2007. I'm still waiting on the machined down bracket for the 2005. Just in case anyone is interested, I also doublechecked the pinion angles in both cars and they are still spot on. Both cars have complete aftermarket suspensions with 1.5" drops, performance shocks, uppers and lowers, etc.

Again, with that said, they are the nicest shifters I've had in the car, including the first gen MGW...wish I had them installed back when these cars were getting drag raced...

 

[Mike in SC]

Thanks for all replies!

 

[Saleen520]

I have the Barton on my 07 Saleen with a 3.5" one piece drive shaft. No clearance issues. Love the flat stick.

 

[Boss281]

I have the Barton on my 07 Saleen with a 3.5" one piece drive shaft. No clearance issues. Love the flat stick.

Hmmm. I wonder what is unique then about both my cars. The 2007 uses this:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SDA-012MAMT412ST

Same model?

 

[weather man]

My Hurst had zero vibration issues. The 3650 can be a piece of crap shifting into 3rd.

 

[skwerl]

I was so impressed with the MGW in my '09 that when I bought my '14 I picked up the MGW shifter the same day I picked up the car. You will not find a better company to deal with or a better product than the MGW. There are other good shifters out there but I am one of those 'raving fans' mentioned earlier in the thread. If I have an application where an MGW product can be used then I'm buying it.

Price is really irrelevant as you're talking about a few hundred dollars spent on a $20K-40K car, and the shifter is your most critical connection with the vehicle other than the steering wheel. This is not a place to price shop and buy another product because it's $75 cheaper.

 

[429244]

How involved is the stop adjustment procedure?

As stated earlier, the stop is not adjustable but the throw is. The longest throw on the MGW is 30 % shorter than stock. I find that to be just right. The shorter the throw, the more nothchy the shift feel. YMMV.

 

[Bill220]

I love my MGW shifter and they are excellent to deal with. I'm not very good at working on cars but was able to install the shifter in a few hours.

 

[claudermilk]

MGW.....end thread.

This. Is there any other answer?

 

[POCOPOWER]

Mgw and lets just say im fixen to call them and place another order in the next day or so. Put one in the car at 5000 miles, well car has few miles short of 125000 on it now. Past few months i noticed a little slack in the shifter. Still shifted fine but was getting harder to shift at 6500 rpm. So finally got time to check it out and lets just say im impressed at the shifter and how long it lasted. It is a first gen shifter for the 3650. Now i had to run a temp wide band set up so i used the main support just to hold the wire as i was having wide band issues going crazy on a old setup. So that is the wire you see. This led me to find my issue. But back to the shifter. When i grabbed the support rod it was loose and slack in it and the shifter you could move it side to side and up and down. Even with this much slack and such it still shifted. It actually has enough movement it was rubbing the sides of the body where the shifter pokes through the tunnel. 100,000 Miles and it just now had a issue. Wish other stuff lasted that long. Basically i have wore the bushings out of the support rod,and such. Figure 100,000 miles and no telling how many shifts during that time. Mgw has my vote and will be the only shifter i run in any car if they make a shifter for it. Figure i will add the video just to show the slack in it. Hat's off to MGW for making a good item.
JUST TO MAKE CLEAR, THIS IS NOT A BASHING VIDEO OR POST. Just showing even wore out from abuse,MGW still shifted fine. It was just harder to shift at 6500 rpm,No missed shifts neither even like this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKMt8D8luNo&feature=youtu.be