Solid Mount Short Shifters: CAE / IRP / RTD / AAF / Coolerworx

[staylurking]

I have both a RTD (the one with the smaller base and no lockout) and a CAE and end result is about the same once adjusted properly. RTD fits with no modifications, but leaves the hole in the tunnel open (have not looked at solutions for this since I don't care on the car it's on). The CAE comes with a kit to close it up.

For a street car with semi frequent use I dislike both of them, the high shifting effort is just annoying. Wish there was a solution with the same precision but smoother\lower shifting effort and a shorter lever. Shortening the lever as it is doesn't work as then the effort required just gets stupid.

The RTD mini lever might help a little, It's 300mm compared the the race version which is 360mm.

[SandeepM3]

CAE guys, are you all on solid engine and tranny mounts?

Just put solids in and its a little rough lol Debating if I can be fine without them.

[Icecream]

My car is a 6MT that was done within the last few years and probably less than 10k miles. It doesn’t seem too sloppy and the self centering seems solid. I say this because it may be worth it to refresh the bushings and such in your car if it’s original.

I have SMG on the M3, . But my experience with BMW shifters and the 420 has left me less than impressed, at least with stock parts. I'm really just trying to convince myself to swap and go the solid mount route for simplicity . I just can't tolerate the tuner/hack look. You're probably right though, I suppose all new bushes and a traditional ssk will probably give it a nice feel.

[jareds941]

The coolerworx short shifter does look better (still prefer a slightly less tuner look), I don't see a UUC self centering option though. With how sloppy the OEM shifters feel I guess I'd want one of these anyway. Has anyone done a direct comparison to this and the UUC kit?

My car is a 6MT that was done within the last few years and probably less than 10k miles. It doesn’t seem too sloppy and the self centering seems solid. I say this because it may be worth it to refresh the bushings and such in your car if it’s original.

[lapoune]

I'm a bit skeptical the heavier selector rod does that much, I made one out of SS (just because that's what I had on hand) on a car of mine and I didn't notice a difference. DSSR or not doesn't seem to make much difference either, the key to removing play when I made mine was to match the pins to the holes in the transmission and lever as close as possible.

[r4dr]

The OCTANE Weighted Selector Rod (WSR)
Rogue Engineering is proud to introduce the most technologically advanced short shift kits available for BMWs. At Rogue, we realize that simply shortening the shift lever or moving the pivot point will not produce optimal shift feel. The smooth action that sets the OCTANE short shift kit apart from the others comes from our unique Weighted Selector Rod.

With the RE Weighted Selector Rod, you can enjoy the benefits of a short shifter while improving shifter smoothness and virtually eliminating the gearbox notchiness and gear whine that is associated with some manufacturers kits.

Rogue has this idea which might reduce the notchiness and increase smoothness. But I'm curious why it isn't a DSSR.

[lapoune]

I have both a RTD (the one with the smaller base and no lockout) and a CAE and end result is about the same once adjusted properly. RTD fits with no modifications, but leaves the hole in the tunnel open (have not looked at solutions for this since I don't care on the car it's on). The CAE comes with a kit to close it up.

For a street car with semi frequent use I dislike both of them, the high shifting effort is just annoying. Wish there was a solution with the same precision but smoother\lower shifting effort and a shorter lever. Shortening the lever as it is doesn't work as then the effort required just gets stupid.

[mrgizmo04]

Can someone confirm if the Coolerworx "non-pro' comes with the self centering spring? That might be the deciding factor for those looking into a manual conversion.

It does not, only the pro does.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[ejendow]

Selector rod joint is separate from the DSSR isn’t it? Ideally both would be new.

it is separate and an old selector rod joint creates a lot of the side to side flop many refer to. a new rod joint and dssr paired with an rtd creates an almost no slip shifter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gearhead55]

Does anyone with experience using a CAE also have experience with the AKG shifter? Out of curiosity.

I haven't driven anything with a CAE shifter yet but I have the AKG in my car. I'm surprised the AKG hasn't been mentioned in this thread yet. Mine was a little notchy when first installed but after using it for a while it smoothed right in. I love the added precision and positive engagement. It is confidence inspiring at the track and I don't mind daily driving with it. I would assume the CAE is smoother but I have no first-hand experience. I'll try and get a friend to let me try their's and report back.

[r4dr]

Selector rod joint is separate from the DSSR isn’t it? Ideally both would be new.

[ra2fanatic]

my RTD has none of the “flop” you’re referring to. was the selector rod joint replaced on the car you had the RTD on?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DSSR specific on RTD and CAE respectively.

[ejendow]

The RTD has a self-centering spring, it definitely has a nice "pop" into certain gears, but it also looks kinda weird in each gear. First off, at least in my vehicle, neutral was canted waaaaay over to the right, so 1st gear looked like you were in third and 5th was somewhere in the ocean. 6th gear was really hard to get in to. I had a second shop try to adjust it, and the most slightest of loosening the 4 bolts and tightening them back down made 5th and 6th slightly better, but it didn't feel great. Also, when you put it into any gear, it still has a lot of motion left and right. You pop it into first and it has the tendency to "flop".

CAE, I've had 3 prior to this one, so I knew it was a no brainer that it would be great. I was reluctant to cut my center console, but after the bit of time with the RTD, the CAE was going to be the inevitable install.

my RTD has none of the “flop” you’re referring to. was the selector rod joint replaced on the car you had the RTD on?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ra2fanatic]

also just as a datapoint. I tried purchasing a RTD shifter yesterday and the CC system on the site isn't working. Tried emailing and contacting through FB and haven't received a reply. Not sure if the pandemic has the business on pause?

Message them on IG. Seemed to work for me when I ordered it.

[Icecream]

Coolerworx “non-pro” and RTD mini are 11.8” tall from the tunnel...there are also more traditional short shifters from brands like UUC and BW that I left off of this list as they are what I’d consider a different type of short shifter. The AAF one also appears to go shorter, although I don’t know how much.

The coolerworx short shifter does look better (still prefer a slightly less tuner look), I don't see a UUC self centering option though. With how sloppy the OEM shifters feel I guess I'd want one of these anyway. Has anyone done a direct comparison to this and the UUC kit?