[flash]

It's finally here - after months of working this out, and trying a number of different ideas, we ended up with something that is easy to install, and requires no modifications (lol - and is remarkably similar to the OEM shifter, but yes, different).

Approximately a 20% reduction in shift pattern (depending on where you adjust it)

Approximately 1/2" shorter than stock in height.

Fits exactly like OEM - Designed to accept the OEM shift knob with exactly the same fit - No changes whatsoever there (no guarantees on aftermarket or non-OEM knobs - modification may be required on those)

Comes complete with a new ball socket bushing (since you will probably destroy yours removing it)

Black powdercoated to prevent rust and contamination

Works with the rear mounted kit as well - (ridiculously tiny pattern if you adjust it all the way to maximum)

Available at RS Barn

<b>SPECIAL HERSHEY PRICING $99 - OFFER VALID THROUGH APRIL 25</b>

   

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[Fox944]

<!--quoteo(post=70202:date=Apr 10 2009, 04:35 PM:name=flash)-->QUOTE (flash @ Apr 10 2009, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->It's finally here - after months of working this out, and trying a number of different ideas, we ended up with something that is easy to install, and requires no modifications (lol - and is remarkably similar to the OEM shifter, but yes, different).

Approximately a 20% reduction in shift pattern (depending on where you adjust it)

Approximately 1/2" shorter than stock in height.

Fits exactly like OEM - Designed to accept the OEM shift knob with exactly the same fit - No changes whatsoever there (no guarantees on aftermarket or non-OEM knobs - modification may be required on those)

Comes complete with a new ball socket bushing (since you will probably destroy yours removing it)

Black powdercoated to prevent rust and contamination

Works with the rear mounted kit as well - (ridiculously tiny pattern if you adjust it all the way to maximum)

Available at RS Barn

<b>SPECIAL HERSHEY PRICING $99</b>

<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Great. Going to RS Barn on the 15th to get this installed in addition to the rear SS kit & a few other D1 Goodies. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

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[biotechee]

AWESOME!

Per my PM to Pete, I'm in for one of these bad boys!

Looks fantastic and thank you for all the work on this. I am sure the wait will be more than worth it!

WOO-freakin'-HOO!

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[flash]

thanks guys - lol - it was a long haul, but in the end it was worth it - i am very happy with the result

however, i just realized that in my hurry to get these out i didn't proofread enough and forgot something on the instructions - no worries though - i'll have pete stick an addendum into each bag

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[Lim Yong]

Looks great..You 6 speed guys are lucky........Lim

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[Cloud9...68]

Flash,

Congrats on getting this done. Looks great, as usual. I'm too lazy too look through the thread - did you end up keeping your rear mount kit along with the new short shifter, or did you find a stock one? I'm asking because while I'm pretty happy with my rear mount unit, it is a bit notchy (though I've gotten used to it), so I would imagine that the new short shifter would increase the shift effort even more, possibly more than I'd be comfortable with. Although this stuff is all a bit subjective, I realize.

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[flash]

lol - i kept it

one thing i have found is that adjustment of the rear kit, and more specifically the shifter itself, is key to minimizing the resistance - the slots on the shifter plate are the key here - the shifter should be dead vertical left to right, and tipped back 5 degrees - if that is not done, the amount of resistance can be mind boggling - left to right is done at the transmission, but the fore/aft is done at the shifter

anyway, it's surprisingly not terribly resistant at all - sure, it takes a touch more effort, but it was a lot less than i expected - i don't think i would recommend adjusting to "full short throw" though if you have the rear kit

i do have a few units that are a bit less aggressive if it turns out to be too much for you - at first i was pretty conservative about how much i wanted to shorten the throw, but i ultimately went ahead and shortened the pattern as much as i could - i made a handful of the others, just in case - i figured "why not?"

let me know

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[ds968]

if anyone at Paso will have this already in their car, please let me drive it for 2 minutes.. if it agrees with me, I'll get one as well.
nice work Bob !

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[SILVY968]

Flash,

Nice one.

Does the center console have to come out, or just enough to get the gator out?
My NAV is attached to the center console, which is why I ask.

Can you post the amended installation instructions?
Brian

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[flash]

just enough to get the gaitor out

pete will have the instructions on his site

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[flash]

these have now arrived at pete's and he is already installing them

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[94SilverCab]

Mine's already in...

Looks OEM but a bit lower....feels a bit notchy but throw is much shorter.

Just my first impression from a 4 mile drive home last night.

Jay

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[biotechee]

Installed mine on Saturday.

I did not have to remove the center console. I just removed the cubby, ash tray, and switch bezel around the shifter. Was able to install the new short shift as such without any difficulty.

Before I installed the new one, I compared the "height" of the D1R version to the OEM. It looked about 1/2-3/4" shorter. One of my biggest complaints with the OEM was the overall height of the knob. So- I cut off the very top portion of the D1R lever before installing it. Since I do not have the OEM knob, I do not need that notch on the top to hold the rubber mount. So now mine is actually a little lower (another 1/2" lower) than what it normally would be if you didn't modify the D1R lever. Last but not least, I did not install any washers between the lever and the ball pin doohickey.

The result: I am a happy boy! Installation was very easy- took me about 45 minutes all tolled. The shift throw is definitely shorter. And the height of my knob is significantly lower than stock. The driving characteristics? Slightly notchy, esp. into 3rd and 6th. But no different (feeling-wise) when compared to the newness of the RSBarn/Stuttgart shift block I had installed in my previous coupe. Definitely not an issue and once I get used to the shift pattern, I expect nothing but butter smooth shiftin'!

IF you have another shift knob besides the OEM, I would highly recommend lopping off the top 1/2"- it really puts the knob at an excellent height. If you are using or will use the OEM, you can't cut off the end.

The price of this modification and the ease of installation make this an incredible bang for the buck! Serious kudos to Bob (and Duckman for the use of his original as the basis)!

[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

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[flash]

glad it worked out - i had no idea how non standard knobs were going to work, as the shaft area is shorter and it might not have had enough left to work

you are correct that the console does not have to be removed - it only needs to be wiggled around enough to get to the screws

as for the notchiness, make sure you have the shifter adjusted correctly - the angle is critical - it should be just as it says in the workshop manual, and tipped 5 degrees backward - this will minimize resistance in the forward/aft movement

anyway, i knew it would be a straight forward install and work much like stock, since it is based on that design, and not the rear mounted kit like 944 racing made (and i borrowed from duckman to begin this journey) but i love it when a plan comes together - enjoy

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[biotechee]

I think if I had cut off more than I did, the 996 knob would have bottomed out on the lever. Can't speak to aftermarket knobs and how they fit.

I'm relatively confident that I returned the mounting plate to its original (or damn near close to it) position. Is my lever at 5 degrees from vertical? Dunno- you didn't list a protractor as necessary in the instructions!!! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif[/img] The "notchiness" is certainly subjective and, in my opinion, extremely minimal. My stock 2004 Jetta VR6 with a 6 speed is much more "notchy".

I am very happy with the way it turned out and I doubt I will go back in to make adjustments- the product is just that good to begin with...

Thanks again for doing this!

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[flash]

no problem- happy to have done it

frankly i didn't consider that anyone had been in removing the shifter before, so directing them to take note of the plate position seemed adequate, rather than directing them to the workshop manual's comments regarding the angle, but maybe i need to do that as well - i blasted those instructions out to make it in time for hershey, and should really have taken a closer look - i'll make some edits for the future - i want to address all foreseeable scenarios

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[dporschey]

I just wanted to verify something before i installed i'm not sure if im reading the instructions correctly. Do less or more washers give you shorter pattern? Also if it is less for a shorter pattern can I go with 0 washers?

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[Fox944]

More washers give the shorter pattern. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img]

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[flash]

correct - more washers changes the mechanical advantage ratio of the lever, shortening the shift pattern, albeit at the expense of raising the knob a touch

side note - it is EXTREMELY important that you follow ALL of the instructions - failure to do so has already resulted in cracked bushings

DO NOT SKIP THE GREASE when installing the shifter - it is NOT for operational lubrication - it is strictly to act as a shock absorber for the impact from the rubber mallet - this bushing is very prone to impact cracking - using a metal hammer, failing to use a block of wood, or hitting it too sharply will result in a cracked bushing

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[ds968]

I just installed it this afternoon and took the car out for a spin. I can say this: there should be no one driving their 968 without this mod ! The difference is night and day and it feels like a completely different car - a sports car ! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img] Tight but not notchy at all ( which is one thing I had
concerns about before getting it ), significantly shorter throw, goes perfectly into each gear seamlessly and feels so right it's tough to articulate
how much more enjoyable it is to drive the car with it. Wow. Remarkable !
[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

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