Is a UUC short shifter really worth it? Opinions

[CMG]

I purchased a UUC short shifter, but before install I wanted a few opinions. It basically looks to be just a shorter shifter, and it doesn't seem to do anything to actually shorten the throw. What I'm comparing it to is the B&M on my 240sx, which is a true short shifter, with a tighter pattern for shifts. In your opinion is the UUC shifter worth the effort? My M3 is my daily driver, so it doesn't get driven too hard.

[Jrdeamicis]

*awaits rob arrival*

yes. Yes it is.

[swwilkinson]

I've got one on my car and I love it. Very crisp and quick. :)

[lseguy]

Bit late to ask if its worth it..isnt it? :smile:

[BMWmk00]

YES, the EVO3 really is as good as we say, better yet, it is even better! You can really feel the difference once installed along with the DSSR. If you just change the shifter without the DSSR you will notice a difference, but the money is with the two combined. I have ran numerous different shifters on my cars over the years, and by far the UUC EVO3 with DSSR by miles is the best on the market!

[Veedubbvr6]

I've got one on my car and I love it. Very crisp and quick. :)
+1

[milKt]

I'd say it helps.

ANYTHING to help the E36 weak spots,
transmission/clutch/shifter areas,
is good.

[DiScoTeknix]

I purchased a UUC short shifter, but before install I wanted a few opinions. It basically looks to be just a shorter shifter, and it doesn't seem to do anything to actually shorten the throw. What I'm comparing it to is the B&M on my 240sx, which is a true short shifter, with a tighter pattern for shifts. In your opinion is the UUC shifter worth the effort? My M3 is my daily driver, so it doesn't get driven too hard.
Are you comparing the tallness of the shifter itself? The EVO3 reduces throw yet retains the stock shift knob height along with some degree of adjustment.

[lseguy]

Frankly, redoing all of the linkage bushings on an 8-12 year old car will help the most. New and stock, these cars shifted nicely.

Philip Bradley

Exactly. and without the extra shifting effort that becomes present when the leverage is reduced with any ssk.

Post #251?
;)

[IronButt II]

+1 on the shifter bushings. Dirt cheap, and easy to do while you're in there.

Can't speak to the DSSR, although I wish I could. :( For now, I'll just remain dumb and happy. :D

[epj3]

Is it worth $350?

No.

Is it worth $250? Absolutely.

If you're like most of us, it's worth paying for an overpriced shifter simply because it is pretty good.

[m398cp]

+1 on the UUC EVO3 and DSSR combo. I have it combined with the RK6A shift nob as well and it feels smooth.

[ultimachi]

I know some people go with the Rogue Engineering SSK. Can the DSSR from UUC work with the Rogue Engineering SSK? I know Rogue includes the WSR (which is where the DSSR would go), but I was just wondering if using UUC's DSSR with the Rogue SSK work.

[Black96m3]

UUC's SSK is great. Highly recommend it.

[trimegatron]

Yes, worth every penny!

[Rob Levinson]

To very specifically answer one of the OP's original questions... YES, the UUC Evo3 is a true "short shifter".

It changes the geometry completely, so you can have an OE-height shifter with shorter throws... plus, with the height adjustability feature, you can make it lower.

With our unique relocated primary pivot bearing system, we also retain absolutely correct linkage geometry so you do not get an increase in effort from having an off-axis linkage rod. For more tech data on this feature, please see this page:

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

Also, when discussing the linkage rod, nothing else is like the DSSR. It's not about "weight" - weight on the rod does practically nothing. The key to the DSSR is the conversion from an offset-pin style connection to a true cleavis rod which enhances the precision of the mechanism, particularly at the selector joint. More tech data here:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/dssr/

For the complete overview of the UUC Evo3/DSSR Ultimate Shifter, please see our website:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_product/bmw_shifters/shifter_nav.htm

Hope that helps!

[BMWmk00]

I knew Rob would chime in!

Install it, shift it & like it! :D

[bellavus]

I've got it on my car, previous owner installed it. I love it.

[Jkim]

I know some people go with the Rogue Engineering SSK. Can the DSSR from UUC work with the Rogue Engineering SSK? I know Rogue includes the WSR (which is where the DSSR would go), but I was just wondering if using UUC's DSSR with the Rogue SSK work.


Well...thats tricky. From my experience...

Some RE SSK's come with their own modified carrier. That won't work with the EVO3.

DSSR can replace the WSR (but your shifting gates will move to the right about half an inch)

The EVO3 might be compatible with the WSR.

With that being said... DONT MIX AND MATCH PARTS. I learned the hard way. I had the RE SSK' and it sucked. It was good for a while until i noticed that there was alot of side to side slop. the UUC EVO3 fixed it...and now it shifts like butter. Is it worth the 400 some odd bucks that i spent? YES.

[jayzx7]

get the dssr and install it you will love it

[simon325e]

I just put an Evo3 in my 95 M3 this week with the DSSR. I replaced the previous Z3 SSK.

I had two issues that lead me toward replacing the shifter:
1. Side to side play in gear
2. Trouble shifting into 1st gear on occasion.

I figured the new SSK would get rid of the side to side play of the shifter while in gear but it did not. I guess the culprit is in the transmission. However, it did seem to help the trouble I was having getting into first gear. It has only been a couple of days but so far it seems like an improvement. The Z3 shifter is also a good option depending upon your budget. They each seem to be about the same height and throw. The UUC will probably last longer and may improve with break-in.

[epj3]

I just put an Evo3 in my 95 M3 this week with the DSSR. I replaced the previous Z3 SSK.

I had two issues that lead me toward replacing the shifter:
1. Side to side play in gear
2. Trouble shifting into 1st gear on occasion.

I figured the new SSK would get rid of the side to side play of the shifter while in gear but it did not. I guess the culprit is in the transmission. However, it did seem to help the trouble I was having getting into first gear. It has only been a couple of days but so far it seems like an improvement. The Z3 shifter is also a good option depending upon your budget. They each seem to be about the same height and throw. The UUC will probably last longer and may improve with break-in.

The UUC is hard to shift for the first week or so of use... but definitely improves over time.

[scuba9dude]

I have the evo3 without the dssr and still love it. It makes the ride that much better. it definately impoves over time.

[Iguana8334]

get the one from understeer.com and save urself money, just be sure to get the extra bushings they suggest and get ready to drop the driveshaft to install. weighted selector rod is also a plus

UUC setup w/o weighted selector rod = 320
understeer setup w/weighted selector rod = 225

[epj3]

What makes a bigger difference than ANYTHING is replacing the REST of the shift linkage, the clutch and/or hydraulics, and trans fluid. Most of the shift 'feel' comes from the transmission, it just happens to be amplified by the shifter.

[CMG]

Yeah it is a bit late to ask if it's worth it, it was an impulse buy.

[CMG]

OK cool, sounds like a good upgrade then, just gotta get the dssr now. I got a really good price on the ssk, that's why I was asking about it, to see if I should use it or sell it. Thanks Rob for answering to the technical aspects. I'm trying to include a pic of the shifter.http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb113/Cgeigert/?action=view&current=zzzzz001.jpg

[M3roar]

Is it worth $350?

No.

Is it worth $250? Absolutely.

If you're like most of us, it's worth paying for an overpriced shifter simply because it is pretty good.


I feel a bit offended at this comment. As a CNC machinist I know how much to quote for parts and jobs. I recently was looking into maybe making a UUC evo 3 myself. I have all the suppliers and the machines I need. But if you look at what a normal CNC machine shop charges per hour your right up there with just buying your own. SO quit the complaints about the prices, they"re very well priced for the cost of labor and material. Business is to make money not to give things away with marginal profit.

[Slapshot1]

I would really like to get a short shifter for my 99 M3. The UUC EVO3 clearly appears to be the best option out there. But with DSSR thats about a $500.00 expense, not to mention whatever my independent BMW mechanic will charge me to install it.

Is it truly worth that kind of expenditure? Does the return justify it? I would appreciate your thoughts.


JC

[Rob Levinson]

I would really like to get a short shifter for my 99 M3. The UUC EVO3 clearly appears to be the best option out there. But with DSSR thats about a $500.00 expense, not to mention whatever my independent BMW mechanic will charge me to install it.

Is it truly worth that kind of expenditure? Does the return justify it? I would appreciate your thoughts.


JC

50% off DSSR Labor Day Special expires end of 9/4/07:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=819472

[Bimmer325]

I like mine alot. Make SURE they install the spacers though because mine forgot I think, and its really sloppy in gear play and I think thats the culprit. of course now im out of state for school and have no way of addressing the issue anytime soon....:(

heres a video of the issue.

http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa48/bimmer325nc/?action=view&current=CIMG0482.flv

[Bimmer325]

^^^ anyone have any input on that btw?

[Rob Levinson]

I like mine alot. Make SURE they install the spacers though because mine forgot I think, and its really sloppy in gear play and I think thats the culprit. of course now im out of state for school and have no way of addressing the issue anytime soon....:(

heres a video of the issue.

http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa48/bimmer325nc/?action=view&current=CIMG0482.flv

I really can't tell anything from that video (suddenly I'm reminded of Blair Witch :D), but excessive in-gear play would definitely be something related to installation. It's very important to have a shop that you can trust to actually read the installation guide.

Cause could be:

1) Missing bearing liners.

2) improperly seated primary pivot bearing retaining clip.

3) Missing yellow washers at shifter lower pivot or selector joint pivot.

Keep in mind that there will always be some amount of in-gear play, even with the complete Evo3/DSSR... that's movement within the transmission itself and cannot be eliminated. How much you may have will vary from car to car.

- Rob

[Bimmer325]

great. im at a loss of where to go from here now.

[Rob Levinson]

great. im at a loss of where to go from here now.

Why are you at a loss? Clearly it needs a simple review of the installation. You have to get under the car and make sure everything was put in properly.

- Rob

[Busta Rib]

Do eet. This is a great mod that you will enjoy every day.

[liilpa09]

Here's is my opinion:

I have AA's stage IV ssk on my car with UUC's DSSR and on my dad's 95 M3, he has the UUC Evo 3 ssk and DSSR.

In all honesty, I was very excited that my dad's car had the kit on the car when he bought since i thought i was going to steal it from him and swap mine with his :devillook

After driving his car and my car back to back to back numerous times since he's had it, i can honestly say i feel NO difference between the two...now is the UUC ssk made of better products? probably, but honestly, neither me dad nor me can tell a difference between the two in terms of actual driving experience, meaning shift throw, shift smoothness, etc...

So i'm not going to steal his ssk after all since its not worth the time IMO to do so. Just thought i'd chime in since i've driven with both SSK's.

As i implied, i'm not saying either is better (not trying to bash UUC's product whatsoever here, i own lots of UUC parts), and the UUC one is probably made of better products since it has "balls of steel", just throwing out what 2 people have felt that have driven with the UUC ssk and another.

[liilpa09]

Also wanted to mention that both cars have UUC's stage 2 flywheel and clutch, neither car has the CDV, BUT my car does have the following which my dads does not:
UUC TME Kit
UUC SS Clutch Lines
UUC Clutch Arm Bushings
UUC Delvin Carrier Bushings
UUC V3.0 Clutch Stop

HOWEVER, my car has redline trans fluid and his car has royal purple trans fluid (from what i've gathered, the royal purple is supposed to be better for our cars...)

[fcvapor05]

The UUC shifter is definately worth it. I would suggest also changing the selector joint at the same time.

Also, I did my swap on jackstands in about an hour, without dropping the driveshaft or exhaust. Some hand yoga is involved, but the installation is not that bad.

[Rob Levinson]

After driving his car and my car back to back to back numerous times since he's had it, i can honestly say i feel NO difference between the two...now is the UUC ssk made of better products? probably, but honestly, neither me dad nor me can tell a difference between the two in terms of actual driving experience, meaning shift throw, shift smoothness, etc...

Quite frankly, something we've discussed many times over the years, is that no two cars feel the same... different transmission build tolerances, wear characteristics, fluid condition, etc. Two otherwise identical cars with identical shifters usually feel different. I strongly suspect that if you did swap the shifters between your two cars, you would feel a difference.

This phenomenon is something we've proven many times at various tech events with our free-standing M3 transmission rig. Real M3 transmission, set up for "quick change" shifter swaps. That rig is nicknamed "The Convincer" for how readily apparent it makes the differences in the various shifters.

- Rob