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Thread: CAE vs RTD shifter

  1. #1
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    CAE vs RTD shifter

    Looking to possibly pick up one or the other.
    I'm mostly interested in the centering spring for precise shifts. Mostly for the Dragway, but you guys have the most experience. After seeing a money shift at the strip, I want to stay far away from that.
    Also, a little more confidence on the 2-3 shift would be great.

    I see Mike R uses the RTD, but that's about all the info I can find. I can't find info if the RTD has the centering spring like the CAE.

    I know its overkill for a street/strip car, but, so is all the other thousands I have tossed in this thing.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
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  2. #2
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    I can't speak to the RTD, but playing with the CAE (in a stationery car in the paddock) in an E36 was enough to convince me to get one for my E46. It's like a very refined bolt-action rifle. Love it.

    Feff

  3. #3
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    RTD is a copy, how good, no idea.... I have the CAE. It is super fantastic.
    Check out the 8legs Racing page: https://www.facebook.com/8legsRacing/


  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by ScotcH View Post
    RTD is a copy, how good, no idea.... I have the CAE. It is super fantastic.
    Main purpose of purchase is for the 2-3 shift. Is it effortless ? Basically punch the bastard into 3rd ?
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  5. #5
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    Bought CAE, Jake at HardMotorsports has been very helpful.

    Thanks guys.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  6. #6
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    What's the base footprint if the CAE?
    It's not speed that kills, it's the speed difference that does. Obviously you aren't going fast enough.

    Turning Benjamins into noise since 1997

    I read a list of the 100 things you MUST do before you die. Funny, "Yelling 'HELP'" didn't make the list!

  7. #7
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    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
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  8. #8
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    Butters I'm supper jelly right now. You don't even know

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by autowa View Post

    Butters I'm supper jelly right now. You don't even know
    Tossed this bugger in, shifts like a dream. I now see the hype. The get the whole "its in a different league".
    Nice piece.
    Took about 2hrs start to finish for install. I think I'm not understanding how the little rubber boot fits but what ever. ..
    Shifts like a boss
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by autowa View Post
    Butters I'm supper jelly right now. You don't even know
    This, plus a little bit of angry jelly. Just because.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Butters Stoch View Post
    Tossed this bugger in, shifts like a dream. I now see the hype. The get the whole "its in a different league".
    Nice piece.
    Took about 2hrs start to finish for install. I think I'm not understanding how the little rubber boot fits but what ever. ..
    Shifts like a boss
    Worth of the price of entry then?

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by BlackHawkRacing View Post

    Worth of the price of entry then?
    Yes, I think so. Shifting is a new experience. The car is totally different. I guess im getting used to the outrageous pricing. Where clutches cost $1700 and turbos $2k. So, 1/2 the price of a clutch that will eventually wear out isn't that bad ?

    Also at night I can fit a magnum xl right over it.
    Last edited by Butters Stoch; 08-16-2016 at 08:54 AM.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  13. #13
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    Or, looking at it from the other end, a high end short shift kit (with all new bushings, shift rod, etc) is what, $450? For a few hundred more, you can get the CAE. I wish I woulda. Maybe I can sell the SSK for a few hundred. Hmmm.

    I mean, the pedals and levers we push and pull in the car are what makes a huge part of the driving experience. <talking myself into it>

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by aeronaut View Post
    Or, looking at it from the other end, a high end short shift kit (with all new bushings, shift rod, etc) is what, $450? For a few hundred more, you can get the CAE. I wish I woulda. Maybe I can sell the SSK for a few hundred. Hmmm.

    I mean, the pedals and levers we push and pull in the car are what makes a huge part of the driving experience. <talking myself into it>
    It kinda all fell together honestly. I was looking into options for the 2-3 shift to be a little less nerve racking and quicker. Then was watching some videos of MikeR at the track, seeing he was just punching the car from 2nd to 3rd. This is the shift that wasts a lot of time for me at the track. So I contacted mike, he sells the RTD. But was out if stock and didn't know when the next shipment was coming. Then contacted HardMororsports, talked with Jake, he also was our of stock. The next morning he emails me telling me they came in. So I sold off some parts real quick and grabbed one. I'm no rich man, I don't/can't afford to take a penny from my paychex to put into the car, so I need to sling parts and stuff to have car money. Over time you get good at slinging parts, and over time you have an access amounts of parts collected to barter/sell off.

    I think everyone that wants one, should find a way to have one. Sell some BS that's in your closet that isn't used anymore.
    Total different experience driving.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  15. #15
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    Anyone have any experience of moving from AKG Stage 2 shifter to the CAE?
    Moving from big name SSK to AKG was an unreal transformation in shift feel and precision.

    Wonder if it's worth it to move up to CAE?
    99 M3

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by m3leistung View Post
    Anyone have any experience of moving from AKG Stage 2 shifter to the CAE?
    Moving from big name SSK to AKG was an unreal transformation in shift feel and precision.

    Wonder if it's worth it to move up to CAE?
    I can't see how the AKG could be compared to the CAE. Even tho, I haven't had the AKG. I'm kinda shift Nazi. I've had stock, modified stock, Z3M, (2) different UUC's , B&M and now CAE. I know the AKG is hard mounted, but does the joint at the bottom that meets the selector rod pivot ? I think that's huge, also the best feature is the return spring. The shifter is always pointing to 3rd/4th. That's huge to me. The reverse lockout is nice, but I don't think I would ever accidentally toss it in (R)ace.
    I think this CAE can't be compared to regular shifters. Kinda apples to oranges scenario. The machine work and how smooth it is, just crazy.

    As a bonus, its the only shifter that can fill a Magnum XL.
    Last edited by Butters Stoch; 08-16-2016 at 05:18 PM.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by m3leistung View Post
    Anyone have any experience of moving from AKG Stage 2 shifter to the CAE?
    Moving from big name SSK to AKG was an unreal transformation in shift feel and precision.

    Wonder if it's worth it to move up to CAE?
    Yes. Absolutely worth it. Went from UUC to AKG and then to Samsonas (Identical to mechanism to CAE, but better grip and reverse lockout IMHO). Will never, ever go back to either of the first two. Where it realy shines is when you upgrade to a dog-engagement racing gearbox.

    Last edited by JS154; 08-24-2016 at 12:19 PM.
    2010 BMW Club Racing E30 M3 Touring Car Champion, 2011 and 2013 SCCA National Championship Runoffs 3rd Place, STU, 2011 SCCA Jim Fitzgerald Rookie of the Year, 2012 SCCA Northeast Division STU Champion, 2015 SCCA Runoffs Pole Position Daytona/STU

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by JS154 View Post

    Yes. Absolutely worth it. Went from UUC to AKG and then to Samsonas (Identical to mechanism to CAE, but better grip and reverse lockout IMHO). Will never, ever go back to either of the first two. Where it realy shines is when you upgrade to a dog-engagement racing gearbox.
    I gotta be honest, the CAE is taking a little to get use to.
    As when your in the track (road racing ) you always have 2 hands on the wheel. This is the way you need to drive with the CAE to let it do its thing.
    Street driven, and street driving habits of years and years are hard to change. But I think I have gotten it down. Just need to not hold on to that big thing like I want to.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  19. #19
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    I don't have one of these shifters as I don't use a trans its applicable on, but if you want the best advertisement for getting one to use in a road racing car,,, Eric's hot lap video of Pitt Race last year on Vimeo is about the best video I have ever seen (its great for numerous reasons), it could be used as a sales tool by Samsonas / CAE / RTD for this style of shifter.
    jimmy p.


    88 E30 M3 Zinnoberot - street
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  20. #20
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    So, small update .
    Hit the track yesterday. It was hot out, I made 4 passes.
    This CAE shifter worked exactly how I hoped it would. What's interesting about it, this thing seems to be more precise , and even more accurate when under full load. This is where a stock style mounted shifter hurts. Usually (at least my car) with 650whp under full load finding 3rd can be a bitch.
    With the CAE, I was nervous the first pass, but then shifting was the last thing I worried about.
    Completely accurate, couldn't be better.
    I ran a personal best last night, but more importantly Im getting more consistent.
    Due to the heat, I didn't want to crank up the boosts too much. But I'm super happy with how this performed.
    Drag racing a stick is all driver. Gears 1-3 takes a ton of practice. Hell, getting anything under a 2.0 (60') usually is a great thing with an IRS setup.
    Out of 4 passes, all 4 were under 11.50 with a personal best of 11.10@134.
    Can't wait for cooler weather, and better air !
    As for a great night at the track, I'm going to say I'm personally getting better at piloting, but I can't take all the credit.
    1996 332IS
    Built 3.2
    CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
    Technique Tuning 80# tune.
    1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
    Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
    WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by jimmypet View Post
    I don't have one of these shifters as I don't use a trans its applicable on, but if you want the best advertisement for getting one to use in a road racing car,,, Eric's hot lap video of Pitt Race last year on Vimeo is about the best video I have ever seen (its great for numerous reasons), it could be used as a sales tool by Samsonas / CAE / RTD for this style of shifter.
    Link? I tried searching, but no luck.

  22. #22
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    This one?


  23. #23
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    Thats the one.
    That track is 17 or 18 turns, lots of shifting, Eric makes it look easy.
    jimmy p.


    88 E30 M3 Zinnoberot - street
    88 E30 M3 Lachsilber - SCCA SPU
    87 E30 M3 Prodrive British Touring Car 2.0 Litre
    04 Ford F350 - V10
    06 Audi A3 Brilliant Red / 2.0 / DSG

  24. #24
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    Did you delete the video? Link/player isn't showing for me.

    Edit - ignore, found the link if i reply with quote
    Last edited by BlackHawkRacing; 08-26-2016 at 03:46 PM.

  25. #25
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    Odd. So here's the direct link:

    https://vimeo.com/137412664

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