I thought I'd share my impressions of the MGW shifter handle I just installed, although others may have already given their two cents.
I bought the unit because of the long reach to 5th and reverse, but I actually discovered a double benefit: shift feel and precision is also improved (read on).
I can't say my stock Cobra was as precise as I would have liked, but I didn't have sufficient complaints with it to want to spend $200 for a Tri-Ax or Pro5.0. I've been very impressed with everything Ive ordered from MGW (www.mgwltd.com), so I decided to try their $35 shifter handle, too.
The body of the unit is constructed of aluminum alloy, but it is strong and beefy. The adjustable shaft is steel. MGW supplies new, higher-strength bolts for the installation, complete with locking washers and nylon lock nuts (overkill?).
I was surprised when I removed the stock handle by the sheer volume of rubber isolating you from the actual shifter mechanism. No wonder everyone is forking out big bucks for aftermarket shifters! MGW gives you two choices: two thin rubber washers for maximum feel, or a single larger rubber bushing for those worried about vibration. I chose the former, but vibration was almost non-existent anyway. Feel is greatly improved.
I expected the MGW handle to be longer, but it's actually the same length as the stock unit if you fully extend the telescoping steel rod. Retracted, the shift knob would be about an inch lower than stock. This rod has a slight "elbow" bend to it, which allows you to adjust the angle by rotating it. Once you find the position you like, you lock it down with set screws.
Unfortunately I can't compare the feel with a Tri-Ax or Pro5.0, having never driven a car with either. But I can definitely say it's better than stock. I'm not saying those with shifters wasted their money, just that some of us who aren't too unhappy with the stock shifting action can get an improvement for only $35.
I bought the unit because of the long reach to 5th and reverse, but I actually discovered a double benefit: shift feel and precision is also improved (read on).
I can't say my stock Cobra was as precise as I would have liked, but I didn't have sufficient complaints with it to want to spend $200 for a Tri-Ax or Pro5.0. I've been very impressed with everything Ive ordered from MGW (www.mgwltd.com), so I decided to try their $35 shifter handle, too.
The body of the unit is constructed of aluminum alloy, but it is strong and beefy. The adjustable shaft is steel. MGW supplies new, higher-strength bolts for the installation, complete with locking washers and nylon lock nuts (overkill?).
I was surprised when I removed the stock handle by the sheer volume of rubber isolating you from the actual shifter mechanism. No wonder everyone is forking out big bucks for aftermarket shifters! MGW gives you two choices: two thin rubber washers for maximum feel, or a single larger rubber bushing for those worried about vibration. I chose the former, but vibration was almost non-existent anyway. Feel is greatly improved.
I expected the MGW handle to be longer, but it's actually the same length as the stock unit if you fully extend the telescoping steel rod. Retracted, the shift knob would be about an inch lower than stock. This rod has a slight "elbow" bend to it, which allows you to adjust the angle by rotating it. Once you find the position you like, you lock it down with set screws.
Unfortunately I can't compare the feel with a Tri-Ax or Pro5.0, having never driven a car with either. But I can definitely say it's better than stock. I'm not saying those with shifters wasted their money, just that some of us who aren't too unhappy with the stock shifting action can get an improvement for only $35.
