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Ok, after the feedback from the first preproduction units we are putting the following changes in place.
A) Redesign the shaft so Vodoo knobs will fit.
B) Add a bushing to the shaft so the boot fits tight.
C) Recontour the hole in the retainer plate to clear the shaft more.
Funny thing is that the vodoo knob thing was the biggest complaint. It shall now fit all units made in production.
We shall make the production run in about two weeks. How we will market them will be decided before that and I'll let you know.
The photo doesn't show it but we make and include a new pivot basket CNC machined from Delrin.
Just say a stroke of two inch and you feel the parts moving and know when it's in gear. In fact a good driver will know when it didn't get locked up and know not to release the clutch. That is if he were to use the clutch. If not, he knows not to hammer the throttle. You rarely see missed shifts lately do you?
Most of all if you are tracking your car, you need the feel. The rubber bushing in the stalk is great for getting out the little vibrations that you would otherwise feel, but for the track it looses a needed input stimuli.
I still don't get it but each to their own. I have only ever driven manual cars and have been driving for around 18 years. I for one can say that I don't feel a need for change. Reasons?
I have never driven any car and wondered if I was in gear. In the S I have never released the clutch with the illusion that I haven't engaged a gear. The gear changes are direct and very positive. The throw is very short too. I have never struggled to engage into gear and a bolt rifle action actually for me takes away the greatest thing about the standard shifter in that it is short, positive but mechanically smooth.
On a track you claim that you need to feel. With the standard box I do feel but I don't want to get too much mechanical feel but rather more smooth yet positive engagement of gears. I haven't driven on a track yet and had problems shifting.
However, like I said, each to their own. If this makes the driving experience better for some then great. I only hope the people who have mis-shifted in the past or might in future don't get this as they are more likely to do so than with the standard shifter.
I started out anti-shortshifter and was definately on the side of the factory shifter. I decided to try one when a friend challenged me to be open minded. Well, after driving with it for a couple weeks and a few quarter mile runs I would like to share my thoughts.
It is actually quite fun to drive with. The throw is 2 inches from first to second. I set mine up with a factory titanium knob. It sits about 1.3 inches lower.
The shifting is more precise with an excellent feel. Running it in quarter mile it was very positive.
Quoting Rahula:
"However, like I said, each to their own. If this makes the driving experience better for some then great. I only hope the people who have mis-shifted in the past or might in future don't get this as they are more likely to do so than with the standard shifter."
This product is so precise it may actually decrease mis-shifts under stress or stresses. With the factory shifter the arm is involved with shifting and with this shifter only the wrist is involved. The arm is braced on the center console and no longer influencing the movement of the shifter. No more excessive arm movements (shaking or excessive pressures left and right) is taking place. No more strength of the arm causing inappropriate movement of the shifter thru the gates resulting in missed shifts. It is a whole new way of shifting.
Can you be open minded?
I think it is a major improvement in the driving experience.
I plan on being at the swap meet Sunday if anyone wants to check it out.
If this is as good as it sounds I'd be up for one. I can't imagine the feel of the gearbox getting better but it sounds like this will make it so. Let's just hope the price is right.
