MGW vs pro 5.0 with steeda tri-ax handle

[scottg]

I recently picked up a 98 cobra and I don't like the current shifter, which is a pro 5.0. My main gripe is the straight handle and it feels clunky going into gears. A cobra I had years ago I put a steeda tri-ax into it an loved it, the handle shape especially. My cousin is trying to talk me into the big bucks of a mgw shifter but an old thread on here mentioned using a steeda tri ax handle on the pro 5.0 and that would save me a lot of money. That thread was old though so is the MGW that much better and above all nowadays? I've never had one, only a knob. Thanks.

 

[98 svt]

My favorite was always the Pro 5.0, until I bought an MGW.

 

[Mark99GT]

I had a tri ax on my old GT with a t45 and now have a pro 5.0 on my cobra, also with the t45. In liked/like them both, very similar. But I'm using a Hurst style 0015 shifter handle and love it. I didn't even bother trying the Pro 5.0 handle, I knew I wouldn't like it. Maybe try a handle first, save some $, and if you still don't like it then buy the MGW and sell the 5.0 with the extra handle.

Edit:. Coreshifters.com has nice quality handles in different styles and lengths at good prices. Maybe check them out.

 

[DoneItDeliberate]

I had a Pro 5.0 on my T45 in my 98 GT, my Dad had a Tri-ax in his 05 GT and I just installed an MGW in my 2012.

MGW is the nicest shifter I have touched. Best shifting too.

 

[scottg]

I had a tri ax on my old GT with a t45 and now have a pro 5.0 on my cobra, also with the t45. In liked/like them both, very similar. But I'm using a Hurst style 0015 shifter handle and love it. I didn't even bother trying the Pro 5.0 handle, I knew I wouldn't like it. Maybe try a handle first, save some $, and if you still don't like it then buy the MGW and sell the 5.0 with the extra handle.

Edit:. Coreshifters.com has nice quality handles in different styles and lengths at good prices. Maybe check them out.

Thank you for that site, I've never heard of it. And good advice as well.

 

[CobraBob]

You mentioned that your Pro 5.0 feels clunky going into gears. While that isn't necessarily an issue with the actual shifter, it would be enough for me to lean towards the MGW. As good as the Pro 5.0 and Steeda shifters are, they can't compare to the MGW. It's in a league of its own. The "standard" and "bar" of shifter performance.

 

[shurur]

I like my pro 5.0, but have a custom shifter handle to bring it back and toward me, as my seat and steering wheel are 4" back.

Supposedly the mgw is the way to go. I just don't like the look myself.

 

[98 svt]

Supposedly the mgw is the way to go. I just don't like the look myself.

The look?
What do you mean? It's hidden under the shift boot.

 

[Mark99GT]

I like my pro 5.0, but have a custom shifter handle to bring it back and toward me, as my seat and steering wheel are 4" back.

Supposedly the mgw is the way to go. I just don't like the look myself.

The lack of handle options (only 3 I believe) were the issue for me. I'd love to try an MGW but I'm almost in the back seat with the seat track extenders/new seat base so I needed a more comfortable handle with better reach too.

 

[biminiLX]

My favorite was always the Pro 5.0, until I bought an MGW.

Same here.
All my mustangs always had Pro 5.0 then the ‘93 Cobra I picked up had a STOCK shifter so I tried MGW.
It’s like a refined Pro 5.0


OP I’d probably do a fluid swap, clutch adjustment and the Triax handle before spending money on the MGW.
If you were local I’d let you try a spare Triax handle from the late 90s/early 00s I’ve kept (with ‘01 Bullit factory shift knob) all these years.
Man trans FTW
-J

 

[98 svt]

The lack of handle options (only 3 I believe) were the issue for me. I'd love to try an MGW but I'm almost in the back seat with the seat track extenders/new seat base so I needed a more comfortable handle with better reach too.

Have you tried the MGW? Swivel the "comfort" handle so it points towards the back of the car. I bet you'd be a-ok with the reach.

 

[Tillerman77]

Have you tried the MGW? Swivel the "comfort" handle so it points towards the back of the car. I bet you'd be a-ok with the reach.

+1. That is what I am running. Granted, I am not using seat extenders.

 

[shurur]

The lack of handle options (only 3 I believe) were the issue for me. I'd love to try an MGW but I'm almost in the back seat with the seat track extenders/new seat base so I needed a more comfortable handle with better reach too.

There is a reach fix in the terminator how-to section. You can get something of your own machined for $.

Steeda makes a comfort-pro shift level that might work for you but it is not in production and I sold mine.. I used that and an extender until I had a custom shift lever made.

I don't think the mgw, or any shifter, is going to get the shift knob back far enough on its own.

Upr and Hurst make longer shift handles and you might be able to curve them in a bit toward your thigh by progressive bending along its length in a vice....

I feel your pain.

 

[shurur]

I'd be willing to leave the closed wrench end as my shifter...but I am a hick who likes window louvers and such..

 

[Mark99GT]

I'd be willing to leave the closed wrench end as my shifter...but I am a hick who likes window louvers and such..

That's pretty cool; I'd keep the closed end too. I wanted those black aluminum louvers on the rear windshield of my 99 GT back when I had it, haha.

 

[scottg]

well I've talked myself into just biting the bullet and calling MGW today to order from them. Just too many good reviews on them.

 

[98 svt]

I highly doubt you'll be disappointed. Let's see some pics of the ride.

 

[shurur]

The look?
What do you mean? It's hidden under the shift boot.

Still don't like the look or the need to be locked in to their shift levers.

 

[CobraBob]

You still have explained what you mean by "the look".

 

[shurur]

You still have explained what you mean by "the look".

You can see the "shifter arm assembly" under the boot. Especially when you do the offset..you can't hide that linkage under the boot..it still shows.. There you go Bob.

I understand the MGW has a big fan base...but I am not a fan. That's all.