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

[Feffman]

I have the CAE and it reminds me of an extremely high quality bolt-action rifle the way it shifts. I can't speak to the others but when I sat in a friend's car with the CAE, prior to installation in my car, I went home and ordered it immediately.

Feff

[r4dr]

I've only shifted the AAF and IRP shifters in person. AAF felt super solid but based on the reviews of the CAE, seems like they give you the same end result but the AAF is pricier. AAF is semi-local to me though.

IRP felt fine, but I'd say you get what you pay for.

[ra2fanatic]

Went from RTD to CAE. Worth the transition.

[Mspir3d]

I have the RTD v2 mini with the shift rod and I’m very happy with it. I’ve never observed any issues with the quality of the one in my car.

[Onefastsicilian]

i have the RTD race and I love it.. well worth the money..

Nice write up though, thanks for the comparison.

[jareds941]

I'm looking at getting a shifter for my dedicated track car and am interested in any experiences / feedback on the various options from this group. There are several "similar" options, at a variety fo price points, ranging from $400-1200+. I've listed them below, with links, pics and any info I've been able to gather from various internet searches. The point of this thread is to hopefully gather more feedback from the community and maybe have this turn into a resource for others researching the same thing. Below is NOT comprehensive with regards to details and pros/cons. I know I'm missing things...thus this thread to get info from others to help inform my decision. I'll update this post as appropriate.

From highest price point to lowest:

AAF (Advanced Auto Fab) - $1260+ shipped
Up to 20" tall (adjustable)
8lbs
+More adjustability than any other brand, in basically every direction
+Comes with adjustable shift shaft...which really makes it within $100 of a CAE with their version
+No interior trim cutting necessary
+Very solid mounting plate, custom to chassis
-Most expensive I've come across
:No reverse lockout button...but a high amount of force needed to get to R



CAE - $980+
15.7" tall
~2.3lbs
+nearly universal praise for the build quality and shifting experience
+Reverse lockout button
-have to trim interior
-while not the most expensive, it's right there
-add another $200 for adjustable shift shaft



Coolerworx Pro - $585+ shipped
~14.6" Tall
unknown weight
+ $125 direct fit kit available for easier/more solid installation, customized to chassis
+positive reviews found online re: performance and construction
+Reverse lockout button
+no / minor interior trimming necessary
-only available direct from Europe it appears




IRP v3 self-centering - $571+ shipped
12.75" tall
~2lbs
+less expensive
+first hand recommendations from a few local to me
+clean Reverse lockout button integration
-mounting bracket is a known failure point
-shorter than others



RTD v3 Race - $475+ shipped (shift shaft not included)
13.8" Tall
~3.3lbs
+least expensive
+no drilling or interior trimming
-seems to only be available directly, and service has been questionable based on some posts over the years
-overall quality has been questioned on some reviews I've come across