Stock Shifter vs. UUC Shifter

[Kevlar]

Ya know... I've had my stock shifter in for a couple of days now since my other shifter problem... and you know what? I think I might like my stock shifter better.

It kinda adds some sorta feeling that the UUC shifter loses. Don't get me wrong, the UUC shifter is tight and short. It does the job of shortening the through with a small increase in effort. But... with the stock shifter, while it is longer and doesn't have that racecar feel... I just seem to feel like I can drive the car faster and shifter better with the stock shifter?

I dunno... maybe it's just because I'm used to the UUC unit while I feel this way right now.

[///M3Dave]

Psycho-simatic

[Rel44 M3]

Really... it's the main reason I haven't gotten a shortshifter yet. I understand the shorter throw and all, but I like the feel of the stock shifter. It's easy for me to get it into gear and I feel like I can shift fast enough, now that I've gotten used to how the thing likes to be shifted. I'm thinking I'd do the tranny mount enforcers, but still torn about the shortshifter. I'm going to need to drive someone's with a shortshifter to make a decision.

[aus]

Say it aint so. Kevlar, you've been a huge fan of the UUC SS... up until your recent problems. I just don't like the long throws of the stock. Overall, I wish they could use the tranny out of my old Integra which was short, smooth and tight. I'm hoping to get that feel back with some UUC tranny mounts/Enforcers and Stygar SS.
Anyone try that B&M SS used in the European project car? Sounds interesting.

[Rel44 M3]

Speaking of shortshifters, has anyone heard about or tested out Rogue Engineering's new shortshifter?

[Kevlar]

Originally posted by aus
Say it aint so. Kevlar, you've been a huge fan of the UUC SS... up until your recent problems. I just don't like the long throws of the stock. Overall, I wish they could use the tranny out of my old Integra which was short, smooth and tight. I'm hoping to get that feel back with some UUC tranny mounts/Enforcers and Stygar SS.
Anyone try that B&M SS used in the European project car? Sounds interesting.

I was a big fan of the UUC SS unit until my recent problems. The biggest thing that moved me away from it was the fact that everybody I talked to said they had never seen that problem before... even the people at BMW.

The only modification on that part of the car is the UUC SS w/ ERK. Supposedly from one theory, the ERK may be the source of the problem. No confirmation yet... but again, that's the only modification to that part of the car.

Ever since I put the stock shifter back in, the throws are longer, but they require much less effort. I'm finding myself driving faster and smoother.

[Bob ///M3]

I can't imagine going back to the original OEM shifter in my M3. I drove someone elses M3 the other day and I couldn't believe the difference! It felt like I was driving a a truck when I shifted! It was easier to shift but the throw was real long and almost too easy to shift...

Give me that shorter shift anyday...even though it does need a slight amount more effort which doesn't bother me a bit.

Bob ///M3

[Rel44 M3]

Bob, are you saying I drive a truck? :

I'm just kidding. I prefer the soft buttery shifting because of all the driving I have to do. Now, here's a question. Do you think the shortshifter actually decreases your shift time? I mean, yes, that's what it's supposed to do, but here's what I'm thinking. The shortshifter's advantage over stock is that the throw is shorter, but it's disadvantage over stock is that the shift effort is increased. Reverse that (obviously) with the stock shifter.

Like Kev's said, he feels like he can shift faster now because he can get into gear more easily. What do you guys think? I still need to try someone's car with a UUC shortshifter in it to formulate a more educated decision.

[Kevlar]

I still haven't decided if I'm going to sell my UUC SS w/ ERK yet... I believe I may stay with the stock shifter... or try a different unit. I called over to UUC to ask their opinion on what happened and what might have caused that piece of drop out. I haven't got a call back yet.

Prime suspect now is the shifter or ERK unit... but I'm not point finger yet, cause I don't know for sure.

[Bob ///M3]

When I changed to Red Line's D4 ATF transmission fluid (under the advice of my BMW Master Mechanic) the synchronizers have spun up perfectly to match each gear...and the ease of shifting was reduced. I definitely feel I can shift quicker with the short shifter than with the OEM shifter.

One way to offset the increased force required of any short shifter is to use a heavier shift knob.

Bob ///M3

Originally posted by Rel44 M3
Bob, are you saying I drive a truck? :

I'm just kidding. I prefer the soft buttery shifting because of all the driving I have to do. Now, here's a question. Do you think the shortshifter actually decreases your shift time? I mean, yes, that's what it's supposed to do, but here's what I'm thinking. The shortshifter's advantage over stock is that the throw is shorter, but it's disadvantage over stock is that the shift effort is increased. Reverse that (obviously) with the stock shifter.

Like Kev's said, he feels like he can shift faster now because he can get into gear more easily. What do you guys think? I still need to try someone's car with a UUC shortshifter in it to formulate a more educated decision.

[Kevlar]

Originally posted by Bob ///M3

One way to offset the increased force required of any short shifter is to use a heavier shift knob.

Shameless plug...

<a href="http://www.activeautowerke.com/AASignatureLine/Shift-Knob.asp"><img src="http://www.activeautowerke.com/AASignatureLine/grfx/Shiftknob.jpg">
http://www.activeautowerke.com/AASig...Shift-Knob.asp</a>

Weighs in at 8.25 ozs compared to the stock shifter at 3.25 ozs

[Bob ///M3]

That would work!

Bob ///M3

[Rel44 M3]

I like my lighted shift knob so maybe I'll just hang some dumbbells off the side of it.

[Bob ///M3]

I also like the OEM lighted shift knob on my '99 M3 but just for an example of how a heavier shift knob helps, add something that weights 7 or 8 oz. to the back of your hand and see what difference it makes. A lot!

Bob ///M3

[Rel44 M3]

On the topic of lighted shift knobs, does anyone make an aftermarket lighted shift knob? I'd like a little more variety of choices.

[CKim]

Originally posted by aus
Say it aint so. Kevlar, you've been a huge fan of the UUC SS... up until your recent problems. I just don't like the long throws of the stock. Overall, I wish they could use the tranny out of my old Integra which was short, smooth and tight. I'm hoping to get that feel back with some UUC tranny mounts/Enforcers and Stygar SS.
Anyone try that B&M SS used in the European project car? Sounds interesting.

This post is old... but I definitely feel you Aus. The stock shifter on my '00 GS-R was definitely a lot nicer than the one on my '99 M3. UUC SS goes in this weekend. I guess I'll post how I feel here.

[Bugatti]

I'll believe it when Kevlar gets the SS back in and then says he likes the stock throw better.

I can see it now "WHat was I thinking the UUC is so much better...."

[///M-COZMIC]

As far as SS's go, the only ///M I've driven w/ one installed was one w/ a ACS. I must admit it did feel good. Does anyone have any remarks as to how an ACS unit holds up to UUC, RE, etc, etc..? As far as now going back to stock, that seems as if you might be experiencing an isometrical effect...

[yardboy]

i really agree with kevlar. the stock is not perfect: too easy to shift, slightly vague, but i can shift faster. i would prefer a slightly shorter throw than stock, but the uuc was to notchy for my tastes.

[kapolani]

I've had the UUC SSK in my car for almost a month now and I absolutely dig it... I also got the brushed alum knob and it makes a hell of a difference. I can't imagine going back to stock. My roommate has a 95 M3 that I drive when he's too drunk too!! hehe... So, I get to get on it and I must say that I don't like his stock shifter. Althouhg easier to get into gear it doesn't feel as stable... Don't know if I'm making sense but hey that's my opinion...

[Justin(OKC)]

I really think adding weight will solve a bunch of the dislikes of the UUC shifter. I am going to get the UUC shifter and add the RE WSR and also put as many of those weighted rings on there as possible. I would get a heavier shift knob but I want to retain my luxo knob.