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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Stock shifter or rennshift? Worth the money?

Posted by: Freezin 914 Dec 28 2017, 11:14 PM

I am looking for your opinions, buy a renn shift or keep the stock shifter. Will the rennshift help the ol stick in the mud affect? Also, I do have the factory center console. Any mods needed? confused24.gif

Posted by: Rand Dec 28 2017, 11:39 PM

If you can afford it, I have no doubt the Rennshifter is money well spent. However, the rest of your shift linkage/bushings need to be in shape because it can't fix problems farther down the line.

Posted by: 11tenths Dec 28 2017, 11:49 PM

The Rennshift was the best investment I've made in addressing Porsche's weakest link on both my current 914-2.7 conv and the 911 I had before that.

Period.

- HB

Posted by: wes Dec 28 2017, 11:52 PM

Rather expensive but if you love driving your car and can shell out the $$ I personally love mine it’s night and day different although as said above replace the bushings. I also have the consul no problems but I must admit I had it installed along with all new bushings

Posted by: Mikey914 Dec 29 2017, 12:02 AM

Depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Yes it's nice. You will still have to replace the bushings. Try replacing the bushings, if you still have an inclination to drop more $$ on it, then do. The stock does well when adjusted with new bushings. It may be good enough?

Posted by: Aidan Dec 29 2017, 12:03 AM

It is a good product, I had it in one of my 911s, but as said above the rest of the shifting "circuit" needs to be healthy.

Posted by: Edward Blume Dec 29 2017, 03:43 AM

As an autocrosser, I swear by it. Had it in both of my last 2 race cars. Street. Its really your call. I'm not in that big of a hurry on the street, and the shitty inferiority of the stock shifter has its own character.

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 29 2017, 08:17 AM

I put a rennshifter in my 911sc, the old shifter needed some new springs.

I got a rennshifter with a taller stick and then put a wevo knob on the top with a threaded insert to make it work. Super tall and I love the hell out of it. I also put all the spring spacers in, maybe it needs it maybe it doesn't.




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Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 29 2017, 08:18 AM

Better pic. The shifting is way, way better. But what I really like is the shifter is closer to the steering wheel.


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Posted by: Mark Henry Dec 29 2017, 08:47 AM

I like mine, can't add to what's already been said...other than it looks more like a 915 shifter giving it a bit of a cool factor.

Travis I like the longer shift handle. idea.gif

Posted by: Edward Blume Dec 29 2017, 08:52 AM

QUOTE(Mark Henry @ Dec 29 2017, 06:47 AM) *

I like mine, can't add to what's already been said...other than it looks more like a 915 shifter giving it a bit of a cool factor.

Travis I like the longer shift handle. idea.gif

agree.gif

This is a great racing secret.

I used a longer shaft when I was racing and the hand to stick action was outstanding.

The time gap in shifts disappear which = faster. On the street its just fun and quick.

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 29 2017, 09:13 AM

The shift knob is nice as it sits on top of the long shift lever, vs the rennshifter or stock knob that slips over, so I get an extra inch or so of height..

I got the idea from someone who did this on pelicanparts.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/958168-wevo-sl-shift-knob-fits-rennshift.html

Posted by: 914Toy Dec 29 2017, 10:02 AM

Does the rennshifter work with side shift linkage?

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 29 2017, 10:04 AM

Yes.

Posted by: Edward Blume Dec 29 2017, 10:14 AM

QUOTE(914Toy @ Dec 29 2017, 08:02 AM) *

Does the rennshifter work with side shift linkage?

There used to be rennshift linkage too, but sadly it is no more.

Posted by: mepstein Dec 29 2017, 10:19 AM

QUOTE(Edward Blume @ Dec 29 2017, 11:14 AM) *

QUOTE(914Toy @ Dec 29 2017, 08:02 AM) *

Does the rennshifter work with side shift linkage?

There used to be rennshift linkage too, but sadly it is no more.

Tangerine racing has an excellent replacement for the linkage.

Posted by: Steve Dec 29 2017, 10:26 AM

agree.gif
I tried everything with the 914 trans
-weltmeister short shift kit
-weltmeister springs
And then the rennshift. Nothing better, but is it worth the money?
That’s up to you. It was worth it for me.
They also sent me the parts to convert it from a 914 side shift to a 911 trans.
The conversion parts were quite reasonable versus buying a whole new rennshift.

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 29 2017, 10:28 AM

Rennshifter works with the stock linkage, His shifter will work with side shifter or tail shifter.

The other linkages people are talking about is in the engine bay to the transmission.

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 29 2017, 10:33 AM

For a tailshift car, I bet a good inexpensive upgrade would be to get a 915 shifter, put wevo springs in it and be good. If you wanted to go farther you could extend the shifter with a slug and longer tube.

Posted by: Steve Dec 29 2017, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(Travis Neff @ Dec 29 2017, 08:33 AM) *

For a tailshift car, I bet a good inexpensive upgrade would be to get a 915 shifter, put wevo springs in it and be good. If you wanted to go farther you could extend the shifter with a slug and longer tube.

Been there.. done that. Wevo and 915 shifter is more expensive than a rennshift.
Nothing shifts better than a side shift 914 trans with a Rennshift.

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 29 2017, 10:45 AM

QUOTE(Steve @ Dec 29 2017, 09:43 AM) *

QUOTE(Travis Neff @ Dec 29 2017, 08:33 AM) *

For a tailshift car, I bet a good inexpensive upgrade would be to get a 915 shifter, put wevo springs in it and be good. If you wanted to go farther you could extend the shifter with a slug and longer tube.

Been there.. done that. Wevo and 915 shifter is more expensive than a rennshift.
Nothing shifts better than a side shift 914 trans with a Rennshift.


WEVO is nothing but new springs and a new stick, yes? If so, what I said might be good

Posted by: Steve Dec 29 2017, 11:00 AM

QUOTE(Travis Neff @ Dec 29 2017, 08:45 AM) *

QUOTE(Steve @ Dec 29 2017, 09:43 AM) *

QUOTE(Travis Neff @ Dec 29 2017, 08:33 AM) *

For a tailshift car, I bet a good inexpensive upgrade would be to get a 915 shifter, put wevo springs in it and be good. If you wanted to go farther you could extend the shifter with a slug and longer tube.

Been there.. done that. Wevo and 915 shifter is more expensive than a rennshift.
Nothing shifts better than a side shift 914 trans with a Rennshift.


WEVO is nothing but new springs and a new stick, yes? If so, what I said might be good

Yes, you are correct, but the issue with a tail shift, is the tail shift. That’s why Porsche moved away from it and switched to a side shift. I have owned and tried all these combinations. Wevo and 915 shifter would be a huge waste of money with a 914 tail shifter. Most people convert to a side shifter and if they have the extra money buy a rennshift.

Posted by: rgolia Dec 29 2017, 12:43 PM

I would like to confirm that this does work with he factory center console and the leather shift boot.....true? After 40plus years of driving a 914 it would be nice to have a change away from the stock shifter

Posted by: mepstein Dec 29 2017, 01:48 PM

QUOTE(rgolia @ Dec 29 2017, 01:43 PM) *

I would like to confirm that this does work with he factory center console and the leather shift boot.....true? After 40plus years of driving a 914 it would be nice to have a change away from the stock shifter

It won’t just drop in. You have to modify the opening in the console and probably the leather boot.

Posted by: SKL1 Dec 29 2017, 02:25 PM

Recommend rennshift- have it on my '71 (with converted side shift) and my '73. Looks even better with Zach's knob too...Attached Image


Really improves the 1-2 shift...

Posted by: Freezin 914 Dec 29 2017, 08:18 PM

Thank you all for the input. I just bought one today. Once I get it and work on getting it installed, I will most likely see what you all have been talking about. Once winter is over of course! Thank you all again. beerchug.gif driving.gif

Posted by: Aidan Dec 29 2017, 08:36 PM

QUOTE(Steve @ Dec 29 2017, 11:43 AM) *

Nothing shifts better than a side shift 914 trans with a Rennshift.

Other than a Honda.....lol

Posted by: daytona Dec 29 2017, 08:58 PM

Hi guys,
I am putting the finishing touches on a 1974 914 3L conversion with a side shift. I have driven the car and the power is great, but... the shifting sucks. Particularly neutral to 1st.
I have been thinking about a wevo or a rennshifter. Reading this thread I am tilting towards the rennshifter.
SKL1 mentioned in the above post that it really improved the 1-2 shift. My question is; how is it from neutral into 1st ?
Thanks,
Bill.

Posted by: mepstein Dec 29 2017, 09:13 PM

QUOTE(daytona @ Dec 29 2017, 09:58 PM) *

Hi guys,
I am putting the finishing touches on a 1974 914 3L conversion with a side shift. I have driven the car and the power is great, but... the shifting sucks. Particularly neutral to 1st.
I have been thinking about a wevo or a rennshifter. Reading this thread I am tilting towards the rennshifter.
SKL1 mentioned in the above post that it really improved the 1-2 shift. My question is; how is it from neutral into 1st ?
Thanks,
Bill.

Are you sure it’s not the trans or the clutch adjustment.

Posted by: wndsrfr Dec 29 2017, 09:34 PM

QUOTE(daytona @ Dec 29 2017, 06:58 PM) *

SKL1 mentioned in the above post that it really improved the 1-2 shift. My question is; how is it from neutral into 1st ?
Thanks,
Bill.

Both of my teeners are bitchy from neutral to first....especially sitting still. Make sure the clutch adjustment is correct, lots of guidance on that here on the board. Beyond that I have developed a consistent habit of double clutching & dropping into first just before rolling to a stop & it snicks in just fine. BTW one has rennshifter, one doesn't....there is a little difference but optimizing the bushings first makes a huge difference.

Posted by: thelogo Dec 29 2017, 09:41 PM

Im a little confused
Is it the stock shifting your having trouble with
Or the 1st gear " raceing start "shift pattern .



My teener is actually pretty smooth n.to 1 and 1st to 2nd

But i think the stock setup 2 to 5th is really solid


And i would not ever recommend downshifting 3rd to 2nd in a 914

Posted by: thelogo Dec 29 2017, 09:44 PM

driving-girl.gif

1st used once during the whole race


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Posted by: 914Toy Dec 30 2017, 10:29 AM

Took the plunge and ordered a RennShift for my stock 901 side tranny. Will report back when installed later next week piratenanner.gif

Posted by: Larmo63 Dec 30 2017, 02:46 PM

I'm not sure I want to sacrifice my hand throttle mechanism.....

I've seen people jury rig them. I'd have to be convinced this is a huge step forward.

Posted by: 914Toy Dec 30 2017, 05:17 PM

Never use my hand throttle. will see if I can "modify/keep" it.

Posted by: mepstein Dec 30 2017, 06:33 PM

QUOTE(Larmo63 @ Dec 30 2017, 03:46 PM) *

I'm not sure I want to sacrifice my hand throttle mechanism.....

I've seen people jury rig them. I'd have to be convinced this is a huge step forward.

914forme modded his rennshift for the hand throttle

Posted by: ConeDodger Dec 30 2017, 07:06 PM

I’ve got the whole Rennshift package from the shifter to the transmission + the McMark modification. Overkill for the street, but nice if you do track days or autocross.
Street, I’d just do a well serviced package...

Posted by: r_towle Dec 31 2017, 02:18 PM

QUOTE(Mark Henry @ Dec 29 2017, 09:47 AM) *

I like mine, can't add to what's already been said...other than it looks more like a 915 shifter giving it a bit of a cool factor.

Travis I like the longer shift handle. idea.gif

why longer?
are you hitting the dashboard or seat in certain positions now?

Rich

Posted by: maf914 Dec 31 2017, 04:35 PM

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 30 2017, 04:33 PM) *

QUOTE(Larmo63 @ Dec 30 2017, 03:46 PM) *

I'm not sure I want to sacrifice my hand throttle mechanism.....

I've seen people jury rig them. I'd have to be convinced this is a huge step forward.

914forme modded his rennshift for the hand throttle


Here is a link to the thread showing 914forme's Rennshift modification for a hand throttle. See post #213. Here is the photo:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=269606&st=200


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Posted by: 914Toy Dec 31 2017, 04:50 PM

QUOTE(maf914 @ Dec 31 2017, 02:35 PM) *

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 30 2017, 04:33 PM) *

QUOTE(Larmo63 @ Dec 30 2017, 03:46 PM) *

I'm not sure I want to sacrifice my hand throttle mechanism.....

I've seen people jury rig them. I'd have to be convinced this is a huge step forward.

914forme modded his rennshift for the hand throttle


Here is a link to the thread showing 914forme's Rennshift modification for a hand throttle. See post #213. Here is the photo:


That is similar to what I was thinking. Have to look closely at how the space for the throttle handle baseplate is accommodated under the shifter base plate.
Also, possibility of mounting the hand throttle assembly say 2' in front of the shifter base plate on the tunnel by drilling holes for bolts and cutting slot for handle and shortening the rod the same amount (?)

Posted by: RickS Dec 31 2017, 06:30 PM

See tons of positive comments but can’t tell if it’s being used on a 4 or a 6. Who is using a Rennshift on a 6 converted with a side shift 901? Does it work for you? Love my teener but shifting has always been its weakest link. Fixing that make the car even better.

Posted by: ConeDodger Dec 31 2017, 06:40 PM

QUOTE(RickS @ Dec 31 2017, 09:30 PM) *

See tons of positive comments but can’t tell if it’s being used on a 4 or a 6. Who is using a Rennshift on a 6 converted with a side shift 901? Does it work for you? Love my teener but shifting has always been its weakest link. Fixing that make the car even better.


Mine has been both a 4 and a 6 with the Rennshift And shift rod And McMark mod.


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Posted by: Steve Dec 31 2017, 07:36 PM

QUOTE(RickS @ Dec 31 2017, 04:30 PM) *

See tons of positive comments but can’t tell if it’s being used on a 4 or a 6. Who is using a Rennshift on a 6 converted with a side shift 901? Does it work for you? Love my teener but shifting has always been its weakest link. Fixing that make the car even better.


Same transmission, it doesn’t matter if it’s a 4 or 6 or 8 or Mazda rotary or Subaru
The only issue with a six is the shift rod has to be straight or it will hit the motor.
I have used my rennshift on a 4 and a six with the same side shift 914 trans. I then converted to a 915 trans. JWest will sell you the parts to convert the 914 side shift rennshift to a 915 rennshift. Pretty simple conversion.

Posted by: RickS Dec 31 2017, 07:50 PM

QUOTE(Steve @ Dec 31 2017, 05:36 PM) *

QUOTE(RickS @ Dec 31 2017, 04:30 PM) *

See tons of positive comments but can’t tell if it’s being used on a 4 or a 6. Who is using a Rennshift on a 6 converted with a side shift 901? Does it work for you? Love my teener but shifting has always been its weakest link. Fixing that make the car even better.


Same transmission, it doesn’t matter if it’s a 4 or 6 or 8 or Mazda rotary or Subaru
The only issue with a six is the shift rod has to be straight or it will hit the motor.
I have used my rennshift on a 4 and a six with the same side shift 914 trans. I then converted to a 915 trans. JWest will sell you the parts to convert the 914 side shift rennshift to a 915 rennshift. Pretty simple conversion.


Can’t find any mention on the JWest site of 915 conversion parts or a kit. I do see the 914 side shift shifter. Do not see a straight shift rod being offered. Hmmm . Still not clear on what the McMark mod is.

Posted by: Steve Dec 31 2017, 08:02 PM

QUOTE(RickS @ Dec 31 2017, 05:50 PM) *

QUOTE(Steve @ Dec 31 2017, 05:36 PM) *

QUOTE(RickS @ Dec 31 2017, 04:30 PM) *

See tons of positive comments but can’t tell if it’s being used on a 4 or a 6. Who is using a Rennshift on a 6 converted with a side shift 901? Does it work for you? Love my teener but shifting has always been its weakest link. Fixing that make the car even better.


Same transmission, it doesn’t matter if it’s a 4 or 6 or 8 or Mazda rotary or Subaru
The only issue with a six is the shift rod has to be straight or it will hit the motor.
I have used my rennshift on a 4 and a six with the same side shift 914 trans. I then converted to a 915 trans. JWest will sell you the parts to convert the 914 side shift rennshift to a 915 rennshift. Pretty simple conversion.


The shift rod has a bend so you are saying it has to be straight and that and the conversion parts are Sold by JWest. Excellent. Will go check the JWest site. Hope that is all the conversion pieces. Still not clear on what the McMark mod is.

JWest sells two Rennshift models
914-4 side shift
914-4 tail shift and 915 gear box.
I originally had my 914-4 shift rod straightened when I did my six. Later I converted to a PMS shift rod for my six.
I don’t think JWest sells six conversion shift rods anymore, but PMS and CFR (Tangerine Racing) does.
http://www.patrickmotorsports.com/part/914-6-901-rear-side-shift-rod-set-901-side-shifter-transmissions-only/

Posted by: RickS Dec 31 2017, 10:54 PM

Thanks Steve for all the help. Parts ordered. Much appreciated and Happy New Year

Posted by: maf914 Jan 1 2018, 01:26 PM

QUOTE(ConeDodger @ Dec 30 2017, 05:06 PM) *

I’ve got the whole Rennshift package from the shifter to the transmission + the McMark modification.


I think I know what the Rennshift (Jwest) package is, and also the Tangerine linkage kit, but I am not familiar with the McMark modification. Could someone describe this and maybe post a picture? Thanks.

Posted by: plays with cars Jan 1 2018, 01:45 PM

I installed a Rennshift earlier this year. It was an improvement, but wasn’t as dramatic as I hoped. But I’ve felt others and they were superb. Perhaps I need some more adjustment?

Regarding the slot for a hand throttle? It wasn’t hard at all to cut one into the baseplate and install the hand throttle per usual. Mine works great. I also used the Wevo knob, but I elected for the one that slips on with a crush sleeve.
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Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 1 2018, 08:02 PM

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Yeah, worth every penny.

Zach

Posted by: 914forme Jan 2 2018, 11:48 AM

QUOTE(914Toy @ Dec 31 2017, 05:50 PM) *

QUOTE(maf914 @ Dec 31 2017, 02:35 PM) *

QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 30 2017, 04:33 PM) *

QUOTE(Larmo63 @ Dec 30 2017, 03:46 PM) *

I'm not sure I want to sacrifice my hand throttle mechanism.....

I've seen people jury rig them. I'd have to be convinced this is a huge step forward.

914forme modded his rennshift for the hand throttle


Here is a link to the thread showing 914forme's Rennshift modification for a hand throttle. See post #213. Here is the photo:


That is similar to what I was thinking. Have to look closely at how the space for the throttle handle baseplate is accommodated under the shifter base plate.
Also, possibility of mounting the hand throttle assembly say 2' in front of the shifter base plate on the tunnel by drilling holes for bolts and cutting slot for handle and shortening the rod the same amount (?)


To easy to do and no other modifications needed. Also gave me a good reason to make some chips fly.

If you don't have access to a mill, it can be done with hand tools. Drill a hole out back big enough for the post to run up through, and then just cut two down the center. It is strong enough that flex should not become an issue with the minimal removal for the handle to move.

You also have to drill one hole for the nub oil the hand throttle mount to key into.

Posted by: RickS Jan 13 2018, 12:20 AM

Installed the Rennshifter and what a fantastic difference. After lots of trial and error, error meaning losing reverse and first, it is 95% dialed in. It is so precise and takes the guesswork out of Gear changes. Very solid and reassuring.

The final 5% is getting the shift into 2nd so solid, that there is no way to just Knick reverse.

Relatedly, The main issue is the reverse lockout tends to hit the shift lever dead center and locks out first too unless I move the lever a bit back to get around it and it totally locks out reverse. The solution was to remove it unless someone knows a trick.

Don’t need the Patrick Motorsport stuff since I already have a bronze bushing in the firewall, a straight rear shift rod with a ball coupler. The steering coupler seems redundant so it is all going back. If this was a new conversion to a 6 it would have been helpful.

Posted by: gothspeed Jan 13 2018, 11:31 PM

QUOTE(ConeDodger @ Dec 31 2017, 04:40 PM) *

Mine has been both a 4 and a 6 with the Rennshift And shift rod And McMark mod.

Is that a real picture or some photoshop creation? It looks AWESOME!!! smilie_pokal.gif

Posted by: Driver174 Feb 3 2019, 08:09 PM

What is this “McMark mod”?

Posted by: jdeitch Sep 21 2022, 08:00 PM

QUOTE(plays with cars @ Jan 1 2018, 01:45 PM) *

I installed a Rennshift earlier this year. It was an improvement, but wasn’t as dramatic as I hoped. But I’ve felt others and they were superb. Perhaps I need some more adjustment?

Regarding the slot for a hand throttle? It wasn’t hard at all to cut one into the baseplate and install the hand throttle per usual. Mine works great. I also used the Wevo knob, but I elected for the one that slips on with a crush sleeve.
Attached Image


Beautiful setup. What pedal are those?

Posted by: ChrisFoley Sep 22 2022, 04:03 AM

Looks like Rennline.

Posted by: Geezer914 Sep 22 2022, 04:35 AM

I have a Renn shifter installed on my 914 and never looked back. Also Installed the Tangerine Racing shift linkage and bearing. No longer hunting for gears.

Posted by: VaccaRabite Sep 22 2022, 11:27 AM

This is an ancient thread.
That said, the rennshift is worth it.
But, you HAVE to get your bearings freshened up. Or better yet get the Tangerine shift kit (which I have). It really transforms how the 914 shifts. Very very precise.

A Rennshift on a car with bad bushings will not net ANY positive effects, and could make things worse.

Zach

Posted by: Cairo94507 Sep 22 2022, 12:21 PM

I will add I had a RennShifter in my car and it shifted terribly until I had it adjusted by someone that knows what they are doing. I had taken it to a shop recommended by J West, Sport Performance in Livermore, ( I believe they may have closed) to be adjusted properly and it still shifted very tight.

When John Holleran got his hands on it, he adjusted all the linkage angles, checked bushings and adjusted the actual Rennshifter, tons better.

Despite that, I removed it and replaced it with the stock shifter with a Weltmeister short shift kit with the stock 914 arm welded on it so it looks 100% stock and also has the hand throttle. Very happy with it now. If my car was more of a GT looking car, I would have kept the RennShifter in it. beerchug.gif

Posted by: mepstein Sep 22 2022, 12:27 PM

I love my renn shifter but it will only improve shifting at the shifter. Shifting precision is only as good as the weakest link. Trans, linkage, bushings , etc. a Rennshift won’t fix a worn out trans.

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