S2k short shifter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 239
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Izz30, good thinking but I have that covered. The Rx8 had the same size fat part on it. Look at the 8 unit begining of thread, it has a white band on it for that purpose.
The vibration doesn't seem to come through very much, but there does seem to be some noise rigt now. I'm trying to tune that out with shape changes. Harmonics are effected by everything. On the Mazda there is a increase in sound on some cars and not others. Yet the ones that do get it have no objection to it. Seems they like it, adds flavor to the cockpit.
The rotary has a complete different set of problems then the four banger. The inline four just wants to take itself apart because there is no overlap. Thats why it has a rough idle, sometimes requiring a balance shaft. I don't know it the S has one of those or not. The rotary would seem so ideal but you forget it is not totally rotary. The riotor has to traval in a figure eight pattern.
I have no idea how the Honda knows the difference when I change the geometry of the shift arm. The C's does the same thing as mine does. The difference is that I will figure it out before I market it. I wouldn't sell it to you that way.
I just point those things out because there was so much doubt about the ability to improve the stock unit. And there is merit to that as no one has. I'm actually being humble here by saying if I can't get it right I will admit it to you and not market it.
On the other hand it is already better except for that little bit of harmonic that I think I can tune out.
The vibration doesn't seem to come through very much, but there does seem to be some noise rigt now. I'm trying to tune that out with shape changes. Harmonics are effected by everything. On the Mazda there is a increase in sound on some cars and not others. Yet the ones that do get it have no objection to it. Seems they like it, adds flavor to the cockpit.
The rotary has a complete different set of problems then the four banger. The inline four just wants to take itself apart because there is no overlap. Thats why it has a rough idle, sometimes requiring a balance shaft. I don't know it the S has one of those or not. The rotary would seem so ideal but you forget it is not totally rotary. The riotor has to traval in a figure eight pattern.
I have no idea how the Honda knows the difference when I change the geometry of the shift arm. The C's does the same thing as mine does. The difference is that I will figure it out before I market it. I wouldn't sell it to you that way.
I just point those things out because there was so much doubt about the ability to improve the stock unit. And there is merit to that as no one has. I'm actually being humble here by saying if I can't get it right I will admit it to you and not market it.
On the other hand it is already better except for that little bit of harmonic that I think I can tune out.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Dry Branch
Originally Posted by xviper,Feb 8 2005, 01:05 PM
Don't turn a good first impression into a crappy second impression. Inflammatory statements like:
"My only question is who declared the S2k the standard to go by?"
Will not serve you well here. This is a dedicated S2K site. The owners who are here are just as dedicated to their cars and take great pride in them. And as owners of this car, it is the right of said owners to declare anything they want about their cars. It's called pride of ownership. Until there is a GOD OF CAR OWNERSHIP to make LAW what car owners can or cannot express as THEIR considered "standard", there is NO standard except the one that each owner imposes.
For example, if I so choose to state that I consider my shifter to be "perfect", who is anyone to come along and tell me I'm wrong. A suggestion that something else "might" be worth looking into is OK, but don't insult my pride and joy or my opinion. This is doubly true for someone who hopes to sell something to those same people that the imflammatory statement is directed at.
As already mentioned, you asked for comments. You didn't indicate you only wanted favourable ones.
I find it hard to believe that I'm the only one here who's owned a purpose built race car, but then I'm not sure that a Formula V really qualifies. The FV shift linkage is complex because it has to go around several turns to get to the transmission. However, they entire linkage and shift mechanism is based on good solid heim joints, and the result is quite remarkable.
MGA's, MGB's, and Miata's have wonderful shifters, but they could all use a shorter throw. The S2000 shifter is even better, because it has a shorter throw. However, compared to the FV shifter they all feel (for lack of a better word) "rubbery." In fact, they almost feel "numb" in comparison. In the FV it's almost like you can feel the gears sliding on the shaft; you feel everything that's going on inside the gearbox, and I believe that makes fast and accurate shifting a little easier.
I haven't measured the throw on the S2000 shifter, but the FV had a 1" throw from third to fourth and a slightly longer throw from first to second. With all the feedback that's more than enough to get the car in the correct gear every time.
I'd like to try a shifter with better feedback (if that's possible). I'd also like to try a *slightly* shorter throw. A countersunk shift-knob might be the ticket but I can't see how that would improve the fell of the shifter any. Not to say that the feedback is bad *for a street car with the stock shifter*, but it really is a far cry from the best shifters I've used.
Problem is (or might be) noise and/or vibration. A more solid the connection to the shift forks means more vibration at the stick.
If a shift kit does become available, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, I'll be one of the first to give it a try. If it improves the feel, I'm sure I'll like it.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,463
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Originally Posted by turbo_pwr,Mar 23 2005, 09:04 PM
Isn't that going to vibrate like crazy?
I am not using the boot, I went all out and made a Ferrari style gate shifter and plate