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Thread: CAE vs RTD shifter

  1. #101
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    591
    My Cars
    1995 M3 Coupe
    Got to use an RTD the other weekend on track and its amazing! Dont know if I'd like it daily, but on track its one of the best things I've ever used in a car on track
    1995 M3...Screwed

  2. #102
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Oahu / Los Angeles
    Posts
    1,011
    My Cars
    S54 E36
    My RTD is still going strong after 4500 miles and 15 track days.

    I run mine with solid motor and trans mounts though, since yes the OEM mounts can create mis-shifts with shifters that use a cage design.

  3. #103
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Posts
    101
    My Cars
    BMW 97 M3 3.2 Euro
    I installed a RTD in my 97 e36 m3.
    I have Stiff poly engine and gearbox mounts

    Firstly I brought mine second hand, and it maybe an earlier model as I had to modify it.
    On the first install it was required to set the unit as far forward on the tunnel, as adjustment would allow or I couldn't change into 2nd,4th or 6th. (gears edited getting old sorry)
    The Unit, worked as DD but was every/to precise.

    Unit didn't work on the track as once the car was pushed hard and got real hot, I guess something went out of spec. I couldn't change into 2nd,4th or 6th again.

    Once removed I had the front slots extended to the plate face. I also extended the rear plate and slot.
    Up sized the bolts from 6mm to 8mm
    By luck not good managerment I could just still squeeze the unit in, without having to removing any extra trim.
    Now as DD
    while cruising it precise, you do have to concentrate when changing from 6th to 5th as it moves to the gate between 3rd and 4th so 3rd easy to engage.
    Hard acceleration from a standing start isn't that nice. Whether its the poly mounts or the spring set for 3rd and 4th gate I'm not sure.
    With spirted driving I've had no problems with using all the gears.

    As for at the track I'm hoping to be able to update you after the 29th Dec.
    Last edited by M3kiwi; 12-05-2017 at 03:26 PM. Reason: Memory failure

  4. #104
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Orlando, FL, USA
    Posts
    212
    My Cars
    1993 BMW 325i
    Have the prices settled down on these at all yet? I'll be picking one up with reverse lockout soon, still on the fence with brand

  5. #105
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    704
    My Cars
    Spec3 & MCoupe
    Quote Originally Posted by M3kiwi View Post
    I installed a RTD in my 97 e36 m3.
    I have Stiff poly engine and gearbox mounts

    Firstly I brought mine second hand, and it maybe an earlier model as I had to modify it.
    On the first install it was required to set the unit as far forward on the tunnel, as adjustment would allow or I couldn't change into 2nd,4th or 6th. (gears edited getting old sorry)
    The Unit, worked as DD but was every/to precise.

    Unit didn't work on the track as once the car was pushed hard and got real hot, I guess something went out of spec. I couldn't change into 2nd,4th or 6th again.

    Once removed I had the front slots extended to the plate face. I also extended the rear plate and slot.
    Up sized the bolts from 6mm to 8mm
    By luck not good managerment I could just still squeeze the unit in, without having to removing any extra trim.
    Now as DD
    while cruising it precise, you do have to concentrate when changing from 6th to 5th as it moves to the gate between 3rd and 4th so 3rd easy to engage.
    Hard acceleration from a standing start isn't that nice. Whether its the poly mounts or the spring set for 3rd and 4th gate I'm not sure.
    With spirted driving I've had no problems with using all the gears.

    As for at the track I'm hoping to be able to update you after the 29th Dec.

    Are you sure you have the correct shifter rod for your transmission? Your symptoms sound like you may have the wrong length selector rod for your transmission. I had similar issues installing in my 325i. See post #22 of my build thread here.

  6. #106
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Posts
    101
    My Cars
    BMW 97 M3 3.2 Euro
    Quote Originally Posted by OCRentAPopo View Post
    Are you sure you have the correct shifter rod for your transmission? Your symptoms sound like you may have the wrong length selector rod for your transmission. I had similar issues installing in my 325i. See post #22 of my build thread here.
    After several attempts at trying to contact RTD manufacturer about getting a DSSR off them, I gave up and got a UUC. Check measurement of my shifter rod against UUC DSSR matched.
    So who knows

    Just an extra piece of advice to make the install easier replace all the lower washers with plates with the nuts welded to them.
    You'll then be able to install from inside the car, no need to get under the car at all.

  7. #107
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    0000000000
    Posts
    32
    My Cars
    4x4
    Cae ftw

  8. #108
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    1,102
    My Cars
    My E36 supercar
    Quote Originally Posted by M3kiwi View Post
    After several attempts at trying to contact RTD manufacturer about getting a DSSR off them, I gave up and got a UUC. Check measurement of my shifter rod against UUC DSSR matched.
    So who knows

    Just an extra piece of advice to make the install easier replace all the lower washers with plates with the nuts welded to them.
    You'll then be able to install from inside the car, no need to get under the car at all.
    I use the UUC DSSR with no issues so there is something unique about your setup.

    The bolts will still spin if you can't hold them from underneath, but I was able to hold them solo while tightening the nuts inside the cabin.

    If I haven't mentioned it before don't use the M6 bolts if that's what you got. I went straight to M8 with fender washers using split washers and nylon locking nuts.

  9. #109
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Orlando, FL, USA
    Posts
    212
    My Cars
    1993 BMW 325i
    I just came across the NP Parts shifter which has the lockout feature. Could only find older reviews which were not favorable, although it's priced way lower than others. Maybe someone has more recent experience with these? https://www.enjukuracing.com/product...r-bmw-e36.html

  10. #110
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Ottawa, ON, Canada
    Posts
    4,937
    My Cars
    e90 M3,X5,e46 racer
    Quote Originally Posted by Zxc4 View Post
    I just came across the NP Parts shifter which has the lockout feature. Could only find older reviews which were not favorable, although it's priced way lower than others. Maybe someone has more recent experience with these? https://www.enjukuracing.com/product...r-bmw-e36.html
    Totally different. It's basically just a fancy version of the BW and other bearing type shifters. It has no gate stops or anything. Might be good, but definitely not a CAE competitor.
    Check out the 8legs Racing page: https://www.facebook.com/8legsRacing/


  11. #111
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Northeast PA
    Posts
    1,235
    My Cars
    3 - E30 M3s, '04 Ford F350, '06 Audi A3
    Quote Originally Posted by ScotcH View Post
    Totally different. It's basically just a fancy version of the BW and other bearing type shifters. It has no gate stops or anything. Might be good, but definitely not a CAE competitor.
    Yep, that thing is missing the most important part of the CAE and its clones,,,, the tower.
    The way its built it does have a slightly elevated pivot ratio over a true body mounted one like BW or AKG.

    The real key to that CAE style shifter being what it is the the elevated tower that changes the pivot ratio of the shifter lever vs. the selector joint dramatically.
    On any body or carrier mounted shifters your are somewhat stuck with the stock-ish ratio of handle vs. selector joint (the bottom part below the pivot that attached to the selector rod).
    The CAE design allows that ratio to change how much the handle moves the selector rod without running it into the guibo or driveshaft.
    This one is nowhere near that ratio change the the CAE / Samsonas shifters have.
    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

  12. #112
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    1,102
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    My E36 supercar
    Quote Originally Posted by ScotcH View Post
    Totally different. It's basically just a fancy version of the BW and other bearing type shifters. It has no gate stops or anything. Might be good, but definitely not a CAE competitor.
    It actually does via the button on top of the shift knob, but that would take some getting used to and to get quick doing it without issues.

  13. #113
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Ottawa, ON, Canada
    Posts
    4,937
    My Cars
    e90 M3,X5,e46 racer
    Quote Originally Posted by E36forever View Post
    It actually does via the button on top of the shift knob, but that would take some getting used to and to get quick doing it without issues.
    I'm not talking about the reverse lockout ... I'm talking about the individual 1-2 and 5-6 gate stops that can be adjusted on the CAE. This one seems to have a single stop, and not very useful for a track car with the button mechanism, but who knows.
    Last edited by ScotcH; 12-28-2017 at 10:23 PM.
    Check out the 8legs Racing page: https://www.facebook.com/8legsRacing/


  14. #114
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    NoVa
    Posts
    59
    My Cars
    E36 M3 GTS2
    Quote Originally Posted by E36forever View Post
    It actually does via the button on top of the shift knob, but that would take some getting used to and to get quick doing it without issues.
    The button is only for reverse lock out, it's not needed for normal up/down shifts.

  15. #115
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Posts
    101
    My Cars
    BMW 97 M3 3.2 Euro
    Hi all,
    happy new year.
    Finally got to the track, the RTD worked great.

    My RTD review.
    For a DD I love the crisp and short action.
    The above goes double on the track, where you need every 10th.

  16. #116
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Oahu / Los Angeles
    Posts
    1,011
    My Cars
    S54 E36
    My replacement RTD shifter arrived yesterday with the reverse lockout.


    I've been having some problems at my favorite track with hitting the reverse gate when shifting from 3-2 with my current RTD shifter, so this should address that.



  17. #117
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    7,523
    My Cars
    98 Turbo M3, 04 E53 X5
    Anyone find that the spring is really stiff?

  18. #118
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Vancouver, BC Ca
    Posts
    3,255
    My Cars
    1993 325is
    Quote Originally Posted by NY98M3 View Post
    Anyone find that the spring is really stiff?
    Which spring? The centering spring or the lockout spring?

  19. #119
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    7,523
    My Cars
    98 Turbo M3, 04 E53 X5
    Quote Originally Posted by jakermac View Post
    Which spring? The centering spring or the lockout spring?
    Centering spring

  20. #120
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Oahu / Los Angeles
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    1,011
    My Cars
    S54 E36
    It’s adjustable.

  21. #121
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    NoVa
    Posts
    59
    My Cars
    E36 M3 GTS2
    Just too spendy for me right now. Maybe next race season. Let's first see what blows up (or not)...

  22. #122
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Orlando, FL, USA
    Posts
    212
    My Cars
    1993 BMW 325i
    Just received the RTD, has anyone documented their install, or are the CAE instructions practically the same?

  23. #123
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    7,523
    My Cars
    98 Turbo M3, 04 E53 X5
    Quote Originally Posted by golgo13 View Post
    It’s adjustable.
    How does the centering spring get adjusted? Mine is way too stiff

    98 Fern Green M3/2 - Precision 6870/AR Designs Twin Scroll/RK/E85
    2017 Toyota Tundra Crewmaxx - Family Whip
    2011 Pierce 75' Quint - Fire Apparatus West Islip FD

  24. #124
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Oahu / Los Angeles
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    S54 E36
    Quote Originally Posted by NY98M3 View Post
    How does the centering spring get adjusted? Mine is way too stiff
    I replied to your PM already, but for anyone else:

    You can loosen the 19mm nylock nut at the end of the cage:


  25. #125
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Posts
    101
    My Cars
    BMW 97 M3 3.2 Euro
    Quote Originally Posted by M3kiwi View Post
    I installed a RTD in my 97 e36 m3.
    I have Stiff poly engine and gearbox mounts

    Firstly I brought mine second hand, and it maybe an earlier model as I had to modify it.
    On the first install it was required to set the unit as far forward on the tunnel, as adjustment would allow or I couldn't change into 2nd,4th or 6th. (gears edited getting old sorry)
    The Unit, worked as DD but was every/to precise.

    Unit didn't work on the track as once the car was pushed hard and got real hot, I guess something went out of spec. I couldn't change into 2nd,4th or 6th again.

    Once removed I had the front slots extended to the plate face. I also extended the rear plate and slot.
    Up sized the bolts from 6mm to 8mm
    By luck not good managerment I could just still squeeze the unit in, without having to removing any extra trim.
    Now as DD
    while cruising it precise, you do have to concentrate when changing from 6th to 5th as it moves to the gate between 3rd and 4th so 3rd easy to engage.
    Hard acceleration from a standing start isn't that nice. Whether its the poly mounts or the spring set for 3rd and 4th gate I'm not sure.
    With spirted driving I've had no problems with using all the gears.

    As for at the track I'm hoping to be able to update you after the 29th Dec.
    Just to set the record straight on my RTD shifter install problems.

    At my last track meeting I only lasted 2 sessions before my fan made contact with the radiator. Damaging the radiator and destroying my fan shroud etc.

    Once on the heist with the radiator removed, engine supported and the engine mounts removed.
    My install problems and the reason became clear,
    The drivers side engine mount had fail completely (my car is right hand drive). The heat shield protecting the poly engine mount from the exhaust heat was totally inadequate. And as I now know heat on poly changes it molecular structure, my mount was like firm tar to touch.
    So with a new radiator, oil cooler lines, shroud and engines mounts protected with over the top heat shield �� alls good.
    And I'm loving my RTD shifter.

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