MGW Gen2! Yay! Synthetic ATF? Bah!

[54First]

Bottom line for those that don't want to read my whole story:
I'm running an MGW Gen2 with Dexron III and I'm way past happy!

I'm a little late to the MGW Gen2 evaluation party, but I feel you have to let the new wear off before offering opinions.

Between February, 2008 and October, 2014, I've had the stock shifter, a KR shifter (2008-2010), and an MGW Gen1 (2010-2014) shifter in my 2008. For most of that time, I've had Red Line D4 or Mobil 1 ATF in the transmission. The best combo was Mobil 1 and MGW Gen1 set at five turns. Accurate but notchy. I was pretty happy.

Then came August, 2014 and the MGW Gen2 shifter. The architecture made a lot of sense to me, so I pre-ordered. Got it and installed on Oct 6. The early ones shipped with a short shifter shaft. It felt really good, but when I saw a longer shaft (by about 1") was available, I tried it. I went back to the short one. In normal driving I didn't feel the gears meshing as I shifted. Just a totally notchless gear change. After a while I noticed a quirk. If I granny shifted (below 3000 rpm...Sometimes in traffic you just hafta) the 1-2 and 2-3 shift displayed what I can only describe as a "soft notch". AfterI thought about it for a while I decided it had to be synchro recalcitrance. Tremec's official party line is still to use Dexron III dinosaur ATF, just like the big orange sticker on our trans says.

Tremec FAQs:
Q: What type of fluid does TREMEC recommended?
A: For all TKO 5-speed models, TREMEC recommends GM Synchromesh (GM Part # 12345349). For all other aftermarket models we recommend Dexron III ATF.

Q: Why use automatic transmission fluid in a manual gearbox?
A: Automatic transmission fluids provide the necessary protection and lubrication, while still allowing the synchronizer to function at its best.

Q: Why not use a synthetic fluid?
A: Some brands of synthetic fluid contain powerful detergents and additives that can prove harmful to your transmission's synchronizers. While many synthetic fluids perform very well, in most cases, we do not recommend their use. Furthermore, they may void your warranty. For peace of mind, remember that TREMEC conducts all of its OEM validation testing using conventional fluids without issue.

So I filled up with Dexron III (Pennzoil ATF). "Soft notch" gone. Also, I can shift as fast as I can with no resistance. I can't think how George at MGW could make this shifter any better. Although its never been a problem, I haven't tried the 4-5 shift at WOT yet. That takes a little planning.

I think the extra cost on top of the Gen1 was well worth it.

Steve

 

[red gt500]

what about the 1-2 shift with the gen2 ?
i have a mgw 1 with red line d4 and still grinding and not going into 2nd gear

 

[54First]

what about the 1-2 shift with the gen2 ?
i have a mgw 1 with red line d4 and still grinding and not going into 2nd gear

1-2 shift over 3000 rpm is a non-issue with the Gen2 with Mobil 1 or Dexron III. My Gen1 with Mobil or D4 was fine. If the synchros are damaged only new synchros will fix it. But before getting serious try Mobil 1. Can't hurt. Also, try adjusting the Gen1 throw down a few turns.

Steve

 

[RedZR]

Last Spring I swapped my original trans oil in my 12k mile 2008 for fresh Mercon per the manual and noticed no difference in shift quality- second gear would still grind, especially in the upper RPM range. This winter I changed to M1 ATF and installed the Ford Motorsports shift level (still using stock shifter) and the difference was pretty dramatic. I have only drive the car a few miles, but I have yet to grind 2nd gear and I have jumped on it pretty hard. The shifter is not rifle bolt precise, but it is a ton better than stock.

Just my experiences

Dan

 

[04whitesvtlight]

Awesome I just ordered my mgw yesterday makes spending 400 on a shifter better when I keep reading stuff like this

 

[Sielmo]

Awesome I just ordered my mgw yesterday makes spending 400 on a shifter better when I keep reading stuff like this

Ditto. This will also be my next upgrade.

 

[Robert M]

Bottom line for those that don't want to read my whole story:
I'm running an MGW Gen2 with Dexron III and I'm way past happy!

I'm a little late to the MGW Gen2 evaluation party, but I feel you have to let the new wear off before offering opinions.

Between February, 2008 and October, 2014, I've had the stock shifter, a KR shifter (2008-2010), and an MGW Gen1 (2010-2014) shifter in my 2008. For most of that time, I've had Red Line D4 or Mobil 1 ATF in the transmission. The best combo was Mobil 1 and MGW Gen1 set at five turns. Accurate but notchy. I was pretty happy.

Then came August, 2014 and the MGW Gen2 shifter. The architecture made a lot of sense to me, so I pre-ordered. Got it and installed on Oct 6. The early ones shipped with a short shifter shaft. It felt really good, but when I saw a longer shaft (by about 1") was available, I tried it. I went back to the short one. In normal driving I didn't feel the gears meshing as I shifted. Just a totally notchless gear change. After a while I noticed a quirk. If I granny shifted (below 3000 rpm...Sometimes in traffic you just hafta) the 1-2 and 2-3 shift displayed what I can only describe as a "soft notch". AfterI thought about it for a while I decided it had to be synchro recalcitrance. Tremec's official party line is still to use Dexron III dinosaur ATF, just like the big orange sticker on our trans says.

Tremec FAQs:
Q: What type of fluid does TREMEC recommended?
A: For all TKO 5-speed models, TREMEC recommends GM Synchromesh (GM Part # 12345349). For all other aftermarket models we recommend Dexron III ATF.

Q: Why use automatic transmission fluid in a manual gearbox?
A: Automatic transmission fluids provide the necessary protection and lubrication, while still allowing the synchronizer to function at its best.

Q: Why not use a synthetic fluid?
A: Some brands of synthetic fluid contain powerful detergents and additives that can prove harmful to your transmission's synchronizers. While many synthetic fluids perform very well, in most cases, we do not recommend their use. Furthermore, they may void your warranty. For peace of mind, remember that TREMEC conducts all of its OEM validation testing using conventional fluids without issue.

So I filled up with Dexron III (Pennzoil ATF). "Soft notch" gone. Also, I can shift as fast as I can with no resistance. I can't think how George at MGW could make this shifter any better. Although its never been a problem, I haven't tried the 4-5 shift at WOT yet. That takes a little planning.

I think the extra cost on top of the Gen1 was well worth it.

Steve

Thanks for the evaluation, I have the Gen 2 on my short list of purchases.

I thought the 2nd question above was rather funny...............The first time I ran into automatic trans. fluid spec'ed from the factory for a manual transmission was in 1976 or so when the Chevrolet Vega was first offered with a 5 speed. The 3 and 4 speeds for that car were Saginaw and used the normal 90W gear lube...........and then here was a manual transmission that required automatic transmission fluid?????? HUH?!?!? Many, Many moons ago..........like almost 40 years ago........




R

 

[54First]

Yup. The Vega was a leading edge car alright.

Actually the engine construction was pretty advanced. But it only worked in theory.

Steve

 

[Tob]

I had a 1975 Cosworth Vega. GM had issues with the fuel injection/emission system. Upon high speed decel, the AIR tubes would disperse raw fuel into the factory full length header and the car would blow flames 6' or more and backfire loud enough to scare the living shit/piss out of anyone nearby (removing the GM pellet converter was the first mod done to the car). I swapped on a Hutton Motor Engineering manifold with Weber carburetors and that little POS absolutely screamed.

 

[DaFreak]

After all this good feedback I'm going for the gen 2. Might switch the lub too. Thanks!

 

[TheGovernment]

I just switched to the Gen 2 in my 08 500. Man it feels soooooo much better. Car feels totally different. This should be on the top of everyones lists for mods. I personally would do this before anything else on my car as it's made the most difference to driveability.

A awesome product. My only issue is i got a RXT installed at the same time, have to baby it to 500 miles before I rip it up and see how the 1-2 shifts feel.