MGW shifter DIY installers

[xseler8]

Two opening questions please. #1 did you use or remove your shift stops?
#2- the pivot ball plastic cup- is it attached to your shifter ball or is it in the tranny? The installation is on an 02 GT..3650. I'm considering a DIY and will take any tips from those of you that have the experience. It is replacing a Pro50.I did buy a new lower boot. Nothing wrong with the Pro..just feel like trying something different. Thanks, Frank

 

[sgarlic]

1) Removed them .. it states the tremec already has them built in.

2) It's attached to the bottom of the shifter ball.

It's really simple dude. Just follow the directions, they're awesome.

 

[edbo]

MGW has excellent instructions and all the items needed to replace the shifter. All you'll need is a socket wrench and 8, 10 & 13mm sockets to perform the swap. I believe the instructions stated that you do not use the stops on the Tremec 3650 but I've got a T5 and had to set mine which wasn't really a big deal. The plastic cup may or may not come out when you remove the old shifter. If it does, remove it and put it on the new MGW unit. Put just a touch of grease/oil on it beforehand if it needs it. This is the first time I've ever replaced a shifter and after carefully going over the instructions, the whole job took me about an hour (I bet I could do it in 20 minutes next time!), so DIY it man. Just take your time and don't drop anything inside your tranny when you're between installs. Since you're replacing a 5.0 shifter, you will most likely have to remove the old sealant so like I stated earlier, take your time and you'll love the MGW. Just take note, it is kind of hard to shift at first but it gets 'broken in' after about a week or two and gets much sweeter. I've never missed a shift with it, especially 2nd to 3rd. Good luck!

 

[helty]

1) Removed them .. it states the tremec already has them built in.

2) It's attached to the bottom of the shifter ball.

It's really simple dude. Just follow the directions, they're awesome.

i however, used the shift stops, but as you can see in the pics, i set them about 3 or 4 threads back from where the shaft actually stops. they wont serve any function unless the internal shift stops fail.
install's pretty straight forward, just use 3/8" drive sockets instead of 1/4". we had a casualty using a 1/4" drive socket and ratchet

View attachment 501026

View attachment 501027

 

[xseler8]

Thanks guys...appreciate the quick feedback. Sat install....Tues going Jim Harringtons Drag race school at Atco....6 hours of non stop racing/instruction. Private track - about ten cars last time.

HELTY...what kind of casualty?

 

[helty]

here are those other pics.

Remove the two bolts that hold the stock handle on
View attachment 501012

Remove the four bolts that hold the frame (that hold the rubber boot in place) down
View attachment 501014

Now there's a picture missing. after the boot comes off you will see the 4 bolts that hold the stock shifter base to the tranny. these are the ones that broke the socket.

this is before i cleaned the sealant off of the tranny. i used a razor blade and was very careful not to drop any sealant into the tranny.
View attachment 501016

the rest is pretty straight forward. the instructions are very thorough. just dont forget to install the ball onto the shifter and be careful not to break it.
View attachment 501018

be careful not to rip the rubber boot or grommet.
View attachment 501020

View attachment 501022


View attachment 501023

 

[xseler8]

Great pics..thanks again. How fragile is the pivot ball/ plastic cup? Does it pop off/on with not to much effort?

 

[sgarlic]

I just pulled mine off by hand, but I believe the directions say to use a screwdriver if you have to. It's on there with these clip type things, so if you pull enough you'll get it. It's nothing to worry about.. it's no harder than applying the RTV to the trans where the shifter sits. it's simple dude.

 

[xseler8]

I just pulled mine off by hand, but I believe the directions say to use a screwdriver if you have to. It's on there with these clip type things, so if you pull enough you'll get it. It's nothing to worry about.. it's no harder than applying the RTV to the trans where the shifter sits. it's simple dude.

Can I use the grease that's in the center of the shifter to lube the cup?

 

[helty]

i dont see why not. there was a little on the end of the MGW shaft when i got mine, and the ball slipped right on. it should not be a problem getting it on there. it will make a loud pop and might sound like you cracked it, but it wont. or at least it didnt on me.

 

[xseler8]

Thank you everyone.This is good stuff. The installation looks clear. Hardest part (if any) should be breaking the seal when removing the old shifter.Otherwise things should work out ok. MGW's products are top shelf. I also bought a chrome radiator cap from them.I have their fuel door(discontinued), oil cap,dip stick handle and interior knobs---as many things as they offered-I bought. The fit/finish & packaging of their items are as good as it gets.(and the customer service). MGW,keep up the good work.

 

[sgarlic]

Hey, to get the old shifter out, don't bother with the "gentle rocking motions" like the directions say. You'll spend hours doing that. Temporarily thread the factory handle back on, and just smack the heck out of it to the left, and it'll come right off.

 

[68Stang]

Hey, to get the old shifter out, don't bother with the "gentle rocking motions" like the directions say. You'll spend hours doing that. Temporarily thread the factory handle back on, and just smack the heck out of it to the left, and it'll come right off.

SMACK YOUR BITCH UP!

 

[timeless2]

Hey, to get the old shifter out, don't bother with the "gentle rocking motions" like the directions say. You'll spend hours doing that. Temporarily thread the factory handle back on, and just smack the heck out of it to the left, and it'll come right off.

Or, you can be more civilized and simply wedge a 16oz claw hammer on the left side of the tranny and pry the old shifter off, using the tranny housing as the leverage point. No harsh impact, no worries.

 

[helty]

hmmm....mine wasnt too hard to remove at all. one good yank and it came off like butta. guess we know who eats their spinach

 

[CaliLifeStyle]

Hey, to get the old shifter out, don't bother with the "gentle rocking motions" like the directions say. You'll spend hours doing that. Temporarily thread the factory handle back on, and just smack the heck out of it to the left, and it'll come right off.

That's exactly what I did.

 

[DageonYar]

Same here. A little love tappin did the job

 

[xseler8]

Or, you can be more civilized and simply wedge a 16oz claw hammer on the left side of the tranny and pry the old shifter off, using the tranny housing as the leverage point. No harsh impact, no worries.

I'm dustin' off my Stanley. Claw side up