Active vs. UUC, which kit to get and install tips?

[barnutz]

I am trying to decide which short shift kit to go with for my 1998 328i with 115k miles, and I have some questions, especially about the AA kit, which I haven't been able to find any testimonials on...
I don't know how long I will have the car, and it is my full time DD and occasional autoX car.

AA:
$265; includes carrier and shift knob, but not sure how much hardware it includes. The price is right for this kit, but why does it include the carrier when the UUC does not?
activeautowerke.com/viewproduct.aspx?id=Product44


UUC:
$355 ($425 if I factor in getting a ZHP knob off of ebay to go with the kit); comes with lots of hardware, and, this was recommended by Mike Miller (who recommended the kit because of the replacement for many of the older bits in the car - compared to a B&M which doesn't come with all the same pieces).
They call this kit the "competition" version, but also say they have vibration damping built in - would it be good for a street car? I am not planning on spending $150 for the DSSR, as the new bushings look like they will get rid of a lot of the slop in the selector rod by themselves...
turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=USCE


Both claim ~30-35% shorter throws compared to stock. Anyone have experience installing either one? It doesn't look that bad in the install instructions (Pelican parts also has an awesome DIY), but in some of the pics it looks like they removed the tranny from the car and did the install on the bench? If you are doing it yourself, did you have to take anything other than the drive shaft off, or could you?

I'd like to hear from anyone who actually has the AA kit installed, how well does it shift? Is the chrome knob an eyesore in the cabin?


Thanks for all the help guys, great forum.

[Phillips0417]

I got the budget short shift kit from understeer.com and love it! Installed VERY easily, shifts smoothly and throw is drastically reduced. Cheap alternative and works as well. I didn't feel the need for the adjustable throw on the UUC and the price.

[barnutz]

Thanks for the comment, is that basically a z3 shifter they bend up for you? I might have to consider that...

How long have you had it on?

[bjh102]

i would honestly go with the uuc. its proven and comes with all the parts that you will need to replace. yeah it might be $100 more but you get what you pay for. im sure AA makes a good kit but you dont know what it comes with and you might spend that extra $100 on parts that might not be with the kit and may go without a car for a day or two. my $0.02

[Phillips0417]

I think so, but I'm not sure. It was brand new, didn't look like it was bent any other way than it was manufactured. I've had it on for about 2 months now and my car is my daily driver too, my truck hates me b/c it's been in the garage for a few months, but gas is too expensive to drive a big ass 4x4 f-150! lol I drive 43 miles one-way to work everyday, probably half of that is highway driving, the rest is side roads so it gets a lot of use. But holding up great and showing no signs of wear or breaking.

[thedude60126]

for the money you just can't bet UUC

[Rob Levinson]

.


Do you know what the differences are in the various BMW shifter offerings?

Read this, and you will:

http://www.shortshifter.com/comparo.htm

[barnutz]

I have seen that link, but what is not clear to me is whether the wear on a plastic ball is even noticeable during normal driving. Just because it looks scratched in the pictures doesn't mean it is not working properly anymore.

Maybe you have experience actually driving the cars these shifters came out of, and can set me straight, but to me it seems like "massive overkill" designs for a short shifter are just that...

As for install, do you have to remove the drive shaft or can you work around it?

Thanks

[Phillips0417]

Massive overkill is a fair statement. Like I said the adjustable throw has no meaning for me, I mean you're buying a "short shift kit" and yet it's adjustable to not be? That just makes no sense to spend that kinda money for it. I just went out in the garage about an hour ago to do something on my car, while I was there, I checked the ball. Still plenty of grease, no scratches and still working as well. The only reason I replaced mine was because my original actually broke. I took off from a light and went from first to second to nothing, the whole shifter just slopped around and when I let go of it, it fell over. I was like oh Damn. I took off the boot, foam and rubber body boot and it had broken right at the ball. So I had to replace it, and heard nothing but good things about the budget kit from understeer and decided to give it a try and I'll tell ya, it's great! Just my .02 cents, if you're gonna buy a short shifter, get one, it's worth it!

[Rob Levinson]

I have seen that link, but what is not clear to me is whether the wear on a plastic ball is even noticeable during normal driving. Just because it looks scratched in the pictures doesn't mean it is not working properly anymore.

Maybe you have experience actually driving the cars these shifters came out of, and can set me straight, but to me it seems like "massive overkill" designs for a short shifter are just that...

As for install, do you have to remove the drive shaft or can you work around it?

Thanks

Huge difference that you can feel.

Easy way to realize that... take out your original BMW shifter, lubricate it thoroughly, and re-install. Suddenly it's smoother. You've proved it to yourself right there! :D

- Rob