Shifter for '08

Stealth

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 3, 2008
Posts
536
Reaction score
0
Location
SoCal
My '08 Coupe arrives next week and I would like to add a somewhat shorter shifter.

I specifically do NOT want a shifter that will add noise and vibration. I just think the stock shifter is a bit tall.

I see many use a MGW or something but it looks like an entire assembly.

Any suggestions and ideas where to purchase are appreciated!
 

wallbanger

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 26, 2006
Posts
1,961
Reaction score
0
there is no better quality than mgw.... assembly is easy as it is just a matter of screw on and locking nut... look at the picture i posted in your carbon dash section....mgw also has a great insert that turns the smoke hole into a cup holder....
 

Smog Dog

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 4, 2003
Posts
1,156
Reaction score
0
Location
Massillon, Ohio
My '08 Coupe arrives next week and I would like to add a somewhat shorter shifter.

I specifically do NOT want a shifter that will add noise and vibration. I just think the stock shifter is a bit tall.

I see many use a MGW or something but it looks like an entire assembly.

Any suggestions and ideas where to purchase are appreciated!

What appears to be the stock shifter ball is actually the ball and shaft extension, for lack of a better word. The MGW knob will screw on and lower the height a couple of inches. It gives a much better feel. And the actual shift mechanism on the 2008 is way better than the 03-06. A fast , easy install that anyone can do---try it--you'll like it!

Bill
 

Socrates

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 12, 2005
Posts
476
Reaction score
1
Location
Orlando, FL
What appears to be the stock shifter ball is actually the ball and shaft extension, for lack of a better word. The MGW knob will screw on and lower the height a couple of inches. It gives a much better feel. And the actual shift mechanism on the 2008 is way better than the 03-06. A fast , easy install that anyone can do---try it--you'll like it!

Bill

I was going to say the same thing, try the stock shifter first and see how you like it, as it's exceedingly better than the last generation. The throws are a lot shorter and it's smoother. I added the MGW knob as well and I'm quite happy with it overall.
 

Vipermann

Viper Owner
Joined
Oct 30, 2004
Posts
1,222
Reaction score
2
Location
Texas
I've seen somewhere that there are stock shifters that have been cut down (shortened), so you can keep the stock leather look vs. the MGW rubber-covered ball ... I can't remember who sells them though.
 
Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Posts
4,969
Reaction score
0
Location
Omaha NE.
I've seen somewhere that there are stock shifters that have been cut down (shortened), so you can keep the stock leather look vs. the MGW rubber-covered ball ... I can't remember who sells them though.

We do these all the time, you don't have to cut it you actually just heat and remove the rubber isolator in the lever and cut threads in the stalk for the knob and rod. This will lower the stock setup about 2". We never charge for this if we are doing a shifter swap.
 
OP
OP
S

Stealth

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 3, 2008
Posts
536
Reaction score
0
Location
SoCal
What appears to be the stock shifter ball is actually the ball and shaft extension, for lack of a better word. The MGW knob will screw on and lower the height a couple of inches. It gives a much better feel. And the actual shift mechanism on the 2008 is way better than the 03-06. A fast , easy install that anyone can do---try it--you'll like it!

Bill

This sounds like where I would like to start: replace upper part of shaft and shifter ball to just lower the shifter ball height a little, but retain the stock shifter mechanism, dampening, etc.

1. Are we saying the same thing?

2. Where can I order the MGW and the add-on that converts the ash tray?

Thanks very much--your efforts are appreciated!
 

Viper Specialty

Legacy/Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Feb 14, 2002
Posts
5,761
Reaction score
78
Location
Cape Coral, FL
I've seen somewhere that there are stock shifters that have been cut down (shortened), so you can keep the stock leather look vs. the MGW rubber-covered ball ... I can't remember who sells them though.


That would be us :2tu:

https://www.viperspecialtyperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=49_50&products_id=33


We offer this option as many people like the look of OEM over aftermarket, but its just too tall! This also allows you to keep the OEM isolator in place that dampens vibrations & heat transmission from the trans that can "Rattle & Cook" your hand after a while in the solid shaft configurations.
 
Last edited:

Viper Specialty

Legacy/Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Feb 14, 2002
Posts
5,761
Reaction score
78
Location
Cape Coral, FL
This sounds like where I would like to start: replace upper part of shaft and shifter ball to just lower the shifter ball height a little, but retain the stock shifter mechanism, dampening, etc.

Thanks very much--your efforts are appreciated!

Correct. The OE Shift Knob is a knob and shaft assembly, it does not come apart. There is also a secondary extension, the "isolator", which accounts for another 2.5" of shaft length. MGW shorties replace the OE knob/shaft and retain the isolator, the same as our shortened OE's do... just a looks/feel preference.

The other aftermarket option is the replacement "solid short shaft" [isolator replacement], though we feel this lets too much vibration through in some cases, and also tends to heat the knob over time on hot days to the point of annoyance on some knob types.
 

Smog Dog

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 4, 2003
Posts
1,156
Reaction score
0
Location
Massillon, Ohio
This sounds like where I would like to start: replace upper part of shaft and shifter ball to just lower the shifter ball height a little, but retain the stock shifter mechanism, dampening, etc.

1. Are we saying the same thing?

2. Where can I order the MGW and the add-on that converts the ash tray?

Thanks very much--your efforts are appreciated!

We are saying the same thing. You can check it out at mgwltd.com. Enjoy your 08!

Bill
 

caseyse

Viper Owner
Joined
Jun 17, 2007
Posts
98
Reaction score
0
Location
Oak Park, CA
After reading this thread, I purchased the MGW Shorty First Strike Knob and their lowered shifter bezel. Installed it today and I found it to be a significant improvement. The lowered knob is now a good height for me, and the 08's stock shift action is very smooth and the throw is now much shorter (and can be adjusted a little with knob height.) While I would like a little more bias spring load, for a stock shifter and easy mod, I think I can live with this.
 

ulllose

Viper Owner
Joined
Aug 16, 2005
Posts
1,139
Reaction score
0
Location
Brunswick, Ohio
I did the mgw shift and love it. Its probably 2 inches shorter and the knob has a nice cut out for your finger in the front of the shifter. Takes about 10-15 minutes to switch out.
You must be registered for see images attach


You must be registered for see images attach
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
153,645
Posts
1,685,214
Members
18,221
Latest member
tractor1996
Top