This is everything you get...
This is everything you get when you order the shifter kit from MGW. The T-handle Allen wrench is a nice touch.
While the stock C6 shifter is functional, it's not what you could call stellar when it comes to being a real performance shifter. The best aftermarket shifter I've come across for manual-transmission C6s is the one made by MGW Ltd., and it's a real precision piece of equipment (the company's excellent C5 performance shifter is similar in design and function, too). Installation isn't difficult and, even if you've never done this type of work before, you should be able to complete the whole project in less than two hours.
| DIFFICULTY INDEX ::: NN |
ANYONE'S PROJECT | no tools required | N | | BEGINNER | basic tools | NN |
| EXPERIENCED | special tools | NNN |
| ACCOMPLISHED | special tools and outside help | NNNN |
| PROFESSIONALS ONLY | send this work out | NNNNN |
Tools Required
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
No. 15 Torx driver
Razor Blade
7mm and 10mm nut drivers or sockets/ratchet
Shop Rag
Solvent
Loc Tite Red thread locker (optional)
Time required: 1 1/2-2 hours
Park the vehicle on a flat...
Park the vehicle on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and chock the wheels. Open the center console cover and remove the four No. 15 Torx screws that secure the console lid. Remove the lid.
Gently pry the rear of the...
Gently pry the rear of the F-55 console cover up from the bottom and lift it off. Note: '08-up models without selective ride control do not have this cover; on these cars, you must remove the two securing bolts that are hidden beneath the black plastic plugs.
Unplug the selective ride...
Unplug the selective ride control connector from the cover, if so equipped, and put the cover aside.
Remove the two 7mm hex-head...
Remove the two 7mm hex-head screws at the rear of the shifting console.
The parking-brake boot is...
The parking-brake boot is held in place with clips; unclip it, and raise it to expose the two screws holding the forward side trim plate in place.
Using a socket or nut driver,...
Using a socket or nut driver, remove the two 7mm hex-head screws.
The forward console bezel...
The forward console bezel is held in place with clips. Remove it by pulling back on it, starting at the top and working both sides to release the clips.
The side trim plate is held...
The side trim plate is held in place with clips at the front. Remove it by pulling it out and back.
Unsnap the traction-control...
Unsnap the traction-control switch connector and the auxiliary 12V socket connectors. These connectors can be stubborn and difficult to remove, so you may elect to leave them in place (see Step 13).
Unsnap the cigarette-lighter...
Unsnap the cigarette-lighter connector.
Disconnect the hazard-flasher...
Disconnect the hazard-flasher switch connector, and remove the forward console completely.
If you choose not to disconnect...
If you choose not to disconnect the 12V auxiliary and traction control switch connectors, then lay the console on its side on the passenger-side floor. (Note: The blue tape seen in these photos was applied to the console control only as a precaution against scratching the face plates while positioning the various components for optimal photography.)
Remove the four 10mm nuts...
Remove the four 10mm nuts holding the shifter isolation plate in place.
Pull up and remove the shifter...
Pull up and remove the shifter isolation plate.
Remove the four 10mm bolts...
Remove the four 10mm bolts holding the stock shifter in place.
Lift up and remove the stock...
Lift up and remove the stock shifter unit.
Here's the MGW shifter (left)...
Here's the MGW shifter (left) versus the stock unit (right).
Peel off the factory rubber...
Peel off the factory rubber gasket and use a razor blade to scrape off any stubborn remnants of it.
Use a shop rag dipped in solvent...
Use a shop rag dipped in solvent to thoroughly clean the mounting surface previously covered by the gasket.
Apply a uniform bead of the...
Apply a uniform bead of the supplied gasketing material to the mechanism receiver housing. Any extra lubricant remaining in the protective plastic bag covering the shifter ball in shipment can be applied to the inner workings of the receiver housing if desired (optional).
Insert the MGW shifter mechanism...
Insert the MGW shifter mechanism in the receiver housing and align the four bolt holes. Secure the shifter using this sequence for all four corners with the supplied hardware: a flat washer on the base of the MGW base, then a lock washer, followed by the bolt.
Use the supplied T-handle...
Use the supplied T-handle Allen wrench to tighten all four bolts firmly, but do not overtighten since the receiver housing is made of aluminum.
Use shears or a razor blade...
Use shears or a razor blade to trim the stock boot as shown for the best fit.
Insert the isolation boot...
Insert the isolation boot plate over the MGW boot, stretching as required, and press it down over the four studs. Secure it with the four 10mm nuts removed earlier.
Slide the MGW knob bracket...
Slide the MGW knob bracket onto the shifter base until it bottoms out or, if desired, insert the stock handle bracket onto the center shaft. The flat on either shaft must be facing the front of the dash so the shift knob will orient correctly.
Secure the bracket to the...
Secure the bracket to the center shaft using the supplied T-handle Allen wrench.
Reattach the hazard-warning...
Reattach the hazard-warning switch connector and the cigarette-lighter connector.
Reattach the traction control...
Reattach the traction control and 12V auxiliary-power socket connectors at this time if you disconnected them earlier, and put the forward console back in position, snapping it in place.
Reorient the parking-brake...
Reorient the parking-brake boot, and snap it back into place.
Put the leather boot on the...
Put the leather boot on the shifter shaft; then insert the shifter knob and secure it to the shaft with the set screw.
Insert and tighten the two...
Insert and tighten the two 7mm hex-head screws removed earlier to secure the rear of the console.
Snap the connector back onto...
Snap the connector back onto the switch on the selective ride control plate.
Reinstall the F-55 console...
Reinstall the F-55 console covers, reversing the procedures used for removal.
Reattach the center console...
Reattach the center console lid with the four No. 15 Torx screws removed earlier.
The owner of the install car,...
The owner of the install car, Carl Bessey, elected to retain the "stock look" by using the stock shifter knob rather than one of MGW's accessory knobs. With the boot in place and the stock knob installed, there's no way of telling the shifter has been changed-until you drive the car, that is. Then the upgrade is very apparent. Job done!