Deciding Between Two Short Shifter Kits

#1

I know I’ve created more than a few threads on here since I joined, but I do search before I ask, so bear with me.

I’m picking out a good short shifter kit. I narrowed it down to two (or more, if anyone recommends something different). This so-called DTM shifter from AKG http://www.akgmotorsport.com/e30products.html and UUC’s race shifter http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/ with the DSSR. I don’t know how much shorter the throws are for the UUC kit, I don’t see them anywhere. One thing UUC pointed out is that the bronze bushings will wear easily in the AKG/DTM shifter. I haven’t heard anything about it though, just the UUC. I don’t suppose there would be a reason to run the UUC Evo 3 shifter over the race shifter, since it’s going to be a track-only car, right?

Personal experience with either the UUC or the DTM would be helpful. Thanks

#2

I’m using the UUC race shifter and have been very happy with it so far. I only bought the shift lever (no DSSR) and haven’t had a problem. I could be wrong, but I don’t think the DSSR is available for the e30 model.

The AKG shifter looks very cool, but I don’t know if it’s worth the extra $200 you have to spend on it.

#3

I know a lot of folks (me included) use a Z3 shift lever. I like it. I also was considering the Autosolutions setup - they have a race one that is not listed on their website (which is a bit weak, IMO). I really (really) like my Jaffster shift knob from TC Design. What I would like is something like the UUC shaft with the Jaffster knob, with the UUC Dual Sheer linkage and the Autosolutions mechanicals (the console and cup). That would be a fortune, but it would be something. Anyway - that should give you some places to look.

#4

shifter11 wrote:

[quote]I’m using the UUC race shifter and have been very happy with it so far. I only bought the shift lever (no DSSR) and haven’t had a problem. I could be wrong, but I don’t think the DSSR is available for the e30 model.

The AKG shifter looks very cool, but I don’t know if it’s worth the extra $200 you have to spend on it.[/quote]

Does is say how much it reduces the shift throws by? The one from AKG is pricy, but it says the throws are reduced 65% compared to the stock shifter on the 325. I’m wondering if it takes too much effort to get in gear, though

#5

Everything I’ve seen says all of the UUCs are around 35%. I can tell you from real-world use that the throw feels very good to me. It’s much shorter than stock, but still feels natural.

As mentioned before, the only thing I did was replace the lever and it firmed everything up a lot. The stock lever I had on mine was VERY sloppy and just changing that one component made all the difference in the world. I’m sure it could get even better, but it already works fine for me.

#6

I have used both kits in different cars and I sell both kits. My personal opinion based on using them in race cars is that I prefer the AKG variety for racing applications. I have the UUC kit in my E46 which sees track use (and is upgraded but not a race car) and I like it very much for track use and mixed daily driving. The AKG shifter that I have is in my DM/GTS E30 M3. We are also installing this into our rental SpecE30 car. There are a few reasons for this.

  1. The AKG kit removes almost all of the wearable items in the entire shifter system, the only one remaining is the little spongy bushing in the shift rod joint. This should be replaced anytime you rebuild the shifter anyway, it is one of the worst bits to create slop/looseness in the system. This is the only shift kit that does this.

By removing all of these parts the shifter system is now very solid. Urethane motor/trans mounts are a MUST, otherwise you will experience gear selection problems under heavy loading (IE braking/cornering). Because the shifter is now solidly mounted to the chassis vs basically floating as in stock form there is no relative movement of the shift lever/pivot to the transmission, great if you have pretty solid mounts, bad for rubber mounts.

My race car has AKG urethane motor/trans mounts and the system is excellent.

  1. I do not really like a short throw to be honest. I’ve used many different factory levers and a few different kits in various cars and what I really find that I like best is a solid throw that is not too much shorter than factory. There are few options for this unfortunately. The AKG shifter does reduce throw a lot. However, the lever itself is quite tall and this helps to keep the throw a little more in check. I like the tall lever as it keeps it closer to my hand when I’m moving it from the steering wheel to shift.

  2. I like the AKG retro GrpA delrin shift knob. ; ) Oh, I also do not particluarly care for a heavy shift knob on a race car.

You will not go wrong with either one really, both are well made with good quality parts. Comes down really to what you prefer as far as feel, the AKG lever feels different because of its mounting scheme and lack of stock parts.

Hope this helps. Cheers.

#7

Elephant1 wrote:

[quote]I have used both kits in different cars and I sell both kits. My personal opinion based on using them in race cars is that I prefer the AKG variety for racing applications. I have the UUC kit in my E46 which sees track use (and is upgraded but not a race car) and I like it very much for track use and mixed daily driving. The AKG shifter that I have is in my DM/GTS E30 M3. We are also installing this into our rental SpecE30 car. There are a few reasons for this.

  1. The AKG kit removes almost all of the wearable items in the entire shifter system, the only one remaining is the little spongy bushing in the shift rod joint. This should be replaced anytime you rebuild the shifter anyway, it is one of the worst bits to create slop/looseness in the system. This is the only shift kit that does this.

By removing all of these parts the shifter system is now very solid. Urethane motor/trans mounts are a MUST, otherwise you will experience gear selection problems under heavy loading (IE braking/cornering). Because the shifter is now solidly mounted to the chassis vs basically floating as in stock form there is no relative movement of the shift lever/pivot to the transmission, great if you have pretty solid mounts, bad for rubber mounts.

My race car has AKG urethane motor/trans mounts and the system is excellent.

  1. I do not really like a short throw to be honest. I’ve used many different factory levers and a few different kits in various cars and what I really find that I like best is a solid throw that is not too much shorter than factory. There are few options for this unfortunately. The AKG shifter does reduce throw a lot. However, the lever itself is quite tall and this helps to keep the throw a little more in check. I like the tall lever as it keeps it closer to my hand when I’m moving it from the steering wheel to shift.

  2. I like the AKG retro GrpA delrin shift knob. ; ) Oh, I also do not particluarly care for a heavy shift knob on a race car.

You will not go wrong with either one really, both are well made with good quality parts. Comes down really to what you prefer as far as feel, the AKG lever feels different because of its mounting scheme and lack of stock parts.

Hope this helps. Cheers.[/quote]

I was leaning towards the AKG, now I’m planning on it. Is it all that much harder to shift? Some of kits really require you to slam them into gear more than the others.

#8

I do not find the effort to be that high, and I don’t like shift kits that dramatically increase effort. What’s the point? This kit increases effort but the tall lever and very positive action make it quite decent.

Hell, I might even have some confidence in attempting 2nd gear! ; )

#9

I agree with Jack…

I went ahead and bought the AKG shifter… removed all the other ‘useless’ parts; less to worry about. I will probably be done with my suspension refresh by this weekend, so I will throw in my 2 cents on how it shifts with a 200k mile trans…

Cheers,
Michael Abrahams

#10

OOOOh - I want to try that out! Any chance you’ll get that beast to Homestead at the end of the month? We’re going…