The '11 Mustang GT with its 5.0L Coyote powerplant and Getrag six-speed manual transmission is unquestionably the greatest Mustang GT ever built. With 412 hp and a 7,000-rpm redline, it's as quick as a stock Terminator. Like the Termies, it also has a six-speed gearbox. But unlike its SVT-produced predecessor, the '11 GT only has one overdrive gear, making Fifth Gear 1:1 (direct drive). This allows the engine to stay in its power band (rpm range where it makes the most power) for quicker acceleration.
The Barton Industries shifter...
The Barton Industries shifter for the '11 Mustang GT retails for $299. Shown is the shifter with optional shift knob and adapter ($349).
But if there's one complaint people have made of the new '11 Mustang GT, it's the shifter. I've heard some say that it's spongy, and others complain that it's hard to find Third. Personally, I like the way the stock shifter feels, but I'm part of a small minority.
Thankfully for the goliath majority, aftermarket companies like Barton Industries fills the need of a short-throw shifter-for less than $300. Barton Industries is new to the Mustang aftermarket and was the first company to send us a sample of its product for the '11 GT. Like we always do, your MM&FF staff couldn't wait to install it.
Shifter in hand, we headed to Lamotta Performance in Longwood, Florida. Being one of the aforementioned majority, Jake Lamotta was more than happy to install it on his '11 GT. Follow along with Lamotta as he installs the shifter.
The shifter is machined from...
The shifter is machined from 6061 T6 billet aluminum and 304 stainless steel.
The dual-pivot trunnion provides...
The dual-pivot trunnion provides a 40-percent reduction in throw, while minimizing left-to-right neutral throw.
It also maintains the factory...
It also maintains the factory reverse lockout and backup-camera operation.
Jake Lamotta of Lamotta Performance...
Jake Lamotta of Lamotta Performance begins by removing the factory shift knob by unscrewing it.
The next step is to remove...
The next step is to remove the console trim panel and boot. Use care when disconnecting the wiring harness from the switches.
Lamotta then removes the bolts...
Lamotta then removes the bolts holding the shifter in place.
One mounting point must be...
One mounting point must be accessed from the underside of the car.
The shifter is then removed...
The shifter is then removed easily from above.
Check to make sure you didn't...
Check to make sure you didn't damage the shifter-mounting gasket upon removal. Be sure you don't damage it during installation as well.
Here is a comparison of the...
Here is a comparison of the Barton Industries shifter (left) to the stock shifter. The Barton Industries knob and adapter only work on cars equipped with factory leather-wrapped shift knobs. Lamotta's car is equipped with an aluminum ball-style knob, so we were unable to use the provided knob and adapter.
Lamotta bolts the new shifter...
Lamotta bolts the new shifter in place with the existing hardware.
The Barton Industries shifter...
The Barton Industries shifter maintains the factory knob height. When asked what he thinks of the new shifter, Lamotta replied, "It's awesome. The stock shifter feels loose and flimsy, and the Barton shifter is nice and firm. It makes you feel like you're actually driving a rear-wheel-drive car."