The Pro 5.0 is one of many aftermarket brands available, but each one has it's own characteristics that make it unique. The Pro 5.0 has a distinctive shorter handle for shorter throws and falls into each gear flawlessly. We had no problems with a fast 2nd to 3rd gear shift whereas other brands typically take some time getting used to this. The Pro5.0 also has absolutely no vibration noise that is sometimes associated with other shifters (such as the Steeda Tri-ax). You can visit their website at pro50.com to get more information about their shifters and other products.
We had previously installed a Steeda shifter in the car, so the pictures you will see are removing the Steeda and installing the Pro5.0 in it's place. You may notice some extra wiring in the pictures that doesn't match your car. In our center console rests a Speedometer recalibrator for the 3.73 gears and nitrous wiring for the switch.
INSTALLATION
Our installation went pretty smoothly and should be quite easy for anyone that can use a few basic tools and follow instructions. Following the Pro5.0 instructions was critical, and we chose not to and found out why very quickly. Read below to see what we did wrong and to prevent you from doing the same.
Once we removed the shifter knob and and plastic cover over the shifter area, we had to use an 8mm socket to take off the 4 bolts holding the metal plate down around the shifter base. Once you pull this out, it exposes the 4 bolts holding the shifter in place. Instead of removing the 4 bolts completely, unscrew them about halfway to 3/4 out. The reason for this is when you go to pull the shifter off the tranny, there is a black sealant that holds it together. If you try to yank the shifter off the transmission and the glue finally lets go, you're probably going to lose an eye, bust a knuckle, or slam the shifter thru the roof. With the bolts loose but still in place, you can pry up on the shifter base and when it finally does let go, you'll feel comfortable that it didn't go flying off into orbit or your neighbor's back yard.
Once the old shifter is off, be very careful not to drop any debris into the hole in the tranny. Clean off any edges where the new shifter base will fit to ensure it seals properly. You'll need to apply a small amount of RTV sealant (from any local automotive store) to the bottom of the shifter where it will contact with the edges of the tranny. This will prevent leakage after installation. Set the shifter in place and bolt it down with the 4 new bolts that Pro50 gives you. Screw the new handle to the shifter with the bolts provided.
STOP BOLTS:
Setting the stop bolts is very important. Pay careful attention to the directions provided when doing this. We thought after performing the steps that it felt like the travel in the shifter would be too much for performance driving so we didn't back out the 1 full turn like it recommended. (We went 1/2 turn.) Once the car was driven, it was apparent it was not completely going into gear so back to the Batcave we drove and moved out the stop bolts an extra 1/2 turn. These stop bolts are one of the premier advantages of an aftermarket shifter in that you don't have to worry about bending the shift forks of the tranny in hi-performance shifting. (Consider it transmission insurance.)
RUBBER BOOT:
The next step is removing the stock rubber boot from the stock shifter and using to cover the Pro50. The instructions say to trim the boot to fit down over the base of the shifter, but we chose a different method to avoid any cutting. Push it down over the new shifter and handle pulling it down over the 1st shifter handle screw only! The top of the boot should not go below the second bolt. It should rest between the bolts. We know this because that was our first mistake. After installing with the boot all the way down and test driving earlier, we discovered the boot was getting caught between the shifter and preventing from going all the way in gear. So the short story is, either follow the instructions sheet or do as we did and just pull down over the first screw to keep it from being crimped in the shifter mechanism.
Reinstall the metal plate with built-in rubber boot, then the plastic surround as well as the shifter and you're done! Don't forget to hook up any connections you took off in the process (cigarette lighter, traction cntrl, etc.)
Conclusion
Overall, we're very pleased with our new shifter and would recommend it to any manual transmission Mustang owner. You also have the option of keeping your stock shifter handle if you think this one is too short. We liked the short handle for performance driving as it shortens our throw for quicker shifts, but we could see where it may cause minor problems in reach for people with long legs. If that is the case, just keep the stock handle or purchase a different handle that has a longer reach. (We sell the Steeda Tri-ax shifter handle on this website if you are interested.) You'll still enjoy your new shifter's precise feel and extra safety. It is far superior to the sloppy model that Ford gives you.
UPDATE 9/27/04: We've since updated the shifter handle to Pro5.0's new longer option handle. If you never liked the "shorty" handle that comes with the Pro5.0, be sure to ask for the new update. The handle is shaped similar to the Steeda Tri-ax design, which is significantly lower than stock, but still reaches back to the driver for easier and more precise shifts.
Written by: Steve Shrader