The S197 is the first generation mustang they went to a shifter linkage in. Previously all shifters were directly attached to the transmission. I have a 2002 GT with a factory shifter and it feels like a wet noodle. I have driven the S197's before and the factory shifter on them feels surprisingly good for a linkage shifter, but it still feels like a wet noodle. Short throws allow you to shift quicker, beat on it harder without breaking shit, and they just feel a lot more solid. Thats one of the first mods some people do to their mustangs.

Im with 302GTS, never heard anything bad about MGW's. I had a B&M on my 86 hatch and it worked really well but that was a T5 transmission. Totally different from the tranny in your car.