MGW Shifter GT350, 2nd Gen

[Voodoo Blues]

MGW Short Throw Shifter arrived today! It came a little earlier than expected. I love the blue anodizing. I'm gunna hate to cover any of it. I'm keeping the stock shift knob because it feels and looks good to me. I'm looking forward to the absence of the rattle I get from the plastic parts on the stock stick shifter at around a steady 4-5000 rpm.
Any tips on installation? I'm getting professional help for sure.

 

[TMSBOSS]

Just follow the instructions. It’s a tight fit but fairly straight forward.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Best short throw shifter on the market and it is damn near a " Work of Art!" I told George Ciamillo ( owner ) that they need to change the original name of MGW ( Maryland Gun Works ) to Mustang Gearshift Works, because this unit should be a standard upgrade for every TMO Asphalt Warrior!

 

[Voodoo Blues]

Best short throw shifter on the market and it is damn near a " Work of Art!" I told George Ciamillo ( owner ) that they need to change the original name of MGW ( Maryland Gun Works ) to Mustang Gearshift Works, because this unit should be a standard upgrade for every TMO Asphalt Warrior!

A work of art for sure. It's sitting on the coffee table until the deep freeze lifts here. I have the same 5 year old who just got his first bike grin that I got when the AP Racing calipers arrived. I sent pics of those calipers as "car porn" to unsuspecting friends at work. Maybe I'll be more discrete this time by just sharing on TMO.

 

[ChipG]

If it helps, I did a write up of my MGW Gen 1 install. The MGW videos are thorough and helpful.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/mgw-shifter-install.161382/

 

[Voodoo Blues]

If it helps, I did a write up of my MGW Gen 1 install. The MGW videos are thorough and helpful.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/mgw-shifter-install.161382/

I'll check it out, thanks! It's been a while since watching any videos of an install, but they are why I won't attempt this without use of a lift. I don't need reason to exercise my four-letter-word vocabulary.

 

[Voodoo Blues]

I'll check it out, thanks! It's been a while since watching any videos of an install, but they are why I won't attempt this without use of a lift. I don't need reason to exercise my four-letter-word vocabulary.

Just did a quick overview, very helpful and great photos. Inspires confidence. Thanks again, Chip!

 

[captdistraction]

The Gen2's look really nice! I modified my gen1 to address some complaints (the amount of centering force being a bit high) but I really love that shifter. Supposedly the gen2 improvements are even worth an upgrade for gen1 owners. Maybe in the future I'll take a look at that.

 

[trackdao]

If it helps, I did a write up of my MGW Gen 1 install. The MGW videos are thorough and helpful.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/mgw-shifter-install.161382/

Chip, question, since just starting going this route. The MGW got rid of the reverse lockout, then, when replacing the stock pull ring off the shifter? Thx

 

[ChipG]

Chip, question, since just starting going this route. The MGW got rid of the reverse lockout, then, when replacing the stock pull ring off the shifter? Thx

Reverse lockout on the MGW is accomplished by requiring you to push down on the shifter to get to reverse rather than pulling up on the plastic ring.

 

[JAJ]

Just did a quick overview, very helpful and great photos. Inspires confidence. Thanks again, Chip!

Another note on the install - watch the video section on setting up the 1-2 shift alignment. There's a screw and a lock nut inside the rubber boot and you set it so it goes straight into 1 and 2 with you pulling hard to the left on the shift lever. It's important to get it in the right place the first time through. Getting the rubber boot on the first time is a challenge, and having to take it off again to readjust is a totally fun-free event, let's just say.

 

[Twistergt350]

After I purchased this car last year, I started researching a replacement for the stock unit. It felt like the oar on a row boat! Found out that MGW was located in Augusta, GA. About 10 miles from my house! Actually went there and got to talk to George. At that time, he was in the process of re-designing the Gen I and told me it would be a few months before the Gen II was ready. Then out of the blue, he asked me "How would you like a free shifter?" I just about fell over! He didn't know me from Adam! He was needing a test mule to try it out before he released it to the masses. He had concerns about possible MVH issues because of the flat plane crank and drive train vibration. He had installed the first prototype Gen II in his Mach I. Sid, from SVT Performance.com, came to George's business, at the beginning of December 2021, and did a write up and videos on my shifter install. Look at Sid's article for December 8th, 2021.
I can only say great things about George Ciamillo. He builds a great product and stands behind it. I had found, a couple of weeks ago, that when the car was cold and just starting out through the first gear changes, it was a little notchy when going into first. George thought that the reverse lock-out was set a little too tight. I pulled it apart and backed off the adjustment pin about one quarter of a turn and fixed it right up. While I had it apart, I looked at the end of the pin bolt and the lock-out bridge slot. There was no wear on either part and it had actually gotten a little tighter than loose.
I told George that the shifter only has one problem. It is all hidden under the car and you can't see it!
And you are correct. That rubber boot install is a PIA!
Sorry about the long post, but, it was important to me to let ya'll know some info about a great vendor.
Carl

 

[TMSBOSS]

I have MGW shifters in all my manual mustangs. Great piece of art that works.

BTW. The silver Mach 1 looks familiar. Bill?? Lol

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Dang, that picture was pretty close to when George had just gotten the Signature Wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss installed and it was only a few months later that I picked up that Silver beauty. She has been a good ride for me and I should drop George a note and let him know she has finally been on the track ( he never took her to Kershaw or Roebling Road ). I have known George for 23 years and he worked with us at Woodhouse Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram making Viper short throw shifts kits. He is the most fastidious human in Georgia , with perfect not in his vocabulary, often redesigning his work to make it even more user friendly. Branching out over the years to make shifters for Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes and more, his shifters have been in my Vipers, Mustangs, and I even had a trick set-up he made briefly for my Spec Miata.

Every Mustang I have owned has had his short throw shift kit in it, every Viper has had one except the current 2013 one I own, as he did not make them for the 5th Generation models. I am not sure I know a Ford Engineer who tracks his/her car that does not have his shifter. I know Shelby American uses his shifter and as Twister note, his products can only be described as " Work of Arts."

His new line of aluminum wallets ( Scudo ) is really cool , and for those that travel it is even more handy. The lightweight wallet gives you great security as no one can read your credit card if attempting to scan in crowds and true to George's fashion he is already working on improving and now has a bunch of models. The Scudo wallet can be engraved so Clubs or businesses can give them away or buy in bulk too. I wonder if he might be able to make one for TMO members --- better have LudaChris check that out.

 

[Twistergt350]

He had told me he sold it to a guy in Nebraska. So, that must be you. He didn't have it very long. He has also sold his C8! Wife wanted to know why I didn't come home with that.

 

[whatisgrip]

I recommend putting some loctite on those 4 preassembled bolts. I had them backout on me after the first track day.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

We have been friends for 23 years and I have purchased 3 vehicles from him, but..............................he purchased 30 from me ,haha! I just wonder what he will come up with next, since his Dad started the company to do armaments ( MGW stands for Maryland Gun Works ) and George started doing shifters 23+ years ago. The Company still does some work for companies like Glock, the short throw shift kits are now the main business, and the Scudo wallets are about 20% of the Company's wares. He was working on some more stuff the last time I was there so it will be interesting to see what George comes up with? So cool you got a Prototype, got to see the company and meet George ---- he is a unique, fun individual.