RTD Final Thoughts Before Ordering

**jdehaan** · 11-25-2019, 09:28 AM

I'm about to order an RTD non-locking shifter for my E36 race car. I've only found positive reviews, which is great but also makes me a little nervous. Before I hit the check out button, does anyone have any last second tips, advice or warnings for me?

**golgo13** · 11-25-2019, 12:05 PM

Do it, you won't regret it.

The only negative reviews you'll see are people that overpaid for a CAE and are trying to justify their purchase.

As far as a shifter for a dedicated track car, it's perfect.

**ScotcH** · 11-25-2019, 01:50 PM

- no adjustable gate stops. Deal breaker for me (I'm one of those "bitter" ones who had the CAE

)

**jdehaan** · 11-25-2019, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by ScotcH

- no adjustable gate stops. Deal breaker for me (I'm one of those "bitter" ones who had the CAE

)

Please forgive the ignorance here, but what does an adjustable gate stop mean? Are you adjusting how far into a gear the throw goes until you hit the stop?

**golgo13** · 11-25-2019, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by ScotcH

- no adjustable gate stops. Deal breaker for me (I'm one of those "bitter" ones who had the CAE

)

Don't be bitter, man! Enjoy it!

Yeah, you only get the gate stops with the reverse lockout shifter.

**jdehaan** · 11-25-2019, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by golgo13

Don't be bitter, man! Enjoy it!

Yeah, you only get the gate stops with the reverse lockout shifter.

Do those allow you to lock out certain gears or something?

**golgo13** · 11-25-2019, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by jdehaan

Do those allow you to lock out certain gears or something?

Yes, apologies for unintentionally ignoring your question. You can use them to lock out gears, including reverse.

**aeronaut** · 11-25-2019, 07:13 PM

I'm happy with mine, and would do it again. If you use 2nd gear on any track you're on, consider the reverse lockout version. Although, then, the price point starts nudging closer to the CAE.
But, compared to all the other shifter kits out there for $300-$500, yes to RTD.

I just replaced all 6 shifter dentent pins/bushings/springs, and now even better with the RTD.

**ScotcH** · 11-25-2019, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by jdehaan

Please forgive the ignorance here, but what does an adjustable gate stop mean? Are you adjusting how far into a gear the throw goes until you hit the stop?

You can precisely adjust when the side to side movement stops on the shifter so that it's exactly lined up with the 1/2 or 5/6 gates, no matter haw much force is used. Makes the shift more precise and direct when set perfectly … it just about falls into the gears.

**joenationwide** · 11-26-2019, 04:00 PM

I've driven the CAE, Samsonas, and the RTD. Money aside, I prefer the RTD and that's the one I went with. Simple, easy to install. Strong centering spring so if the transmission detent springs are weak it will compensate for that vague feeling. I've been racing with my RTD for about a year now and I absolutely love it.

**M3kiwi** · 11-26-2019, 07:43 PM

Once you turn to the .......... there's no coming back.

Love mine

**BlackHawkRacing** · 12-02-2019, 09:08 AM

Not to thread hijack but, what is the difference between V0, V2, and V3?

**aeronaut** · 12-02-2019, 09:29 AM

It's all about the knob.
Different knob attachments methods.

**Wastatepride** · 12-06-2019, 03:03 AM

One of my best purchases

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**jdehaan** · 12-06-2019, 10:07 AM

Alright, you've convinced me! I ordered 2 and have already gotten shipment notification less than a week later. I guess the days of 4-6 week lead times are gone?

**Wastatepride** · 12-07-2019, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by jdehaan

Alright, you've convinced me! I ordered 2 and have already gotten shipment notification less than a week later. I guess the days of 4-6 week lead times are gone?

Damn your lucky! I think they are building an inventory now. I waited 12 weeks last winter. It was brutal

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**jdehaan** · 12-11-2019, 09:38 PM

Shifter arrived yesterday, very excited to get it in! Has anyone felt the need to upgrade the mounting hardware?

**E36forever** · 12-12-2019, 08:42 AM

^Yes, took one look at the hardware and threw it in the trash. Then made my way to Ace Hardware and went up one size.

Some people use it without issues and others break it. There is also the issue of the mounting area that will flex a lot. I also used fender washers below to help out.

I never will understand why a great product doesn't have the right fasteners.

If I knew about this shifter before I might have gone this way. IMO it is the best shifter to date for our cars.

https://advancedautofab.com/p/aaf-bmw-race-shifter/

**ScotcH** · 12-12-2019, 09:00 AM

Looks nice ... pricier than the CAE, and still no adjustable gate stops

**golgo13** · 12-18-2019, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by jdehaan

Shifter arrived yesterday, very excited to get it in! Has anyone felt the need to upgrade the mounting hardware?

I went with my own hardware. I'm sure the stuff Maher includes can work but I wanted better piece of mind with higher quality fasteners.

**Beavis** · 01-27-2020, 09:15 PM

What is everyone’s thoughts on hight? What one did you get, the short 300mm or long 360mm?

**aeronaut** · 01-27-2020, 09:27 PM

For track? 360mm.

**E36forever** · 01-27-2020, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by Beavis

What is everyone’s thoughts on hight? What one did you get, the short 300mm or long 360mm?

I got both

**Beavis** · 05-31-2020, 11:10 AM

Just got around to installing mine 360mm, so far I’m loving it

**ebg1223** · 02-20-2022, 04:07 PM

[mention]aeronaut [/mention] sorry to bump an old thread, but I am about to pull the trigger on the RTD shifter but do run a lot of tracks with multiple 2-3 3-2 shifts but never going down to 1. How does the lockout benefit this situation? Is it easier to get to 2nd from 3rd?
Thank you!

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