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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Just installed the Rennshift
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 18 2008, 01:59 AM
So I have installed a few different short shifters and I really must say this was the easiest to line up I have encountered. My car shifts awsome now 
. The only thing I don't get is why everything is in standard. I don't have any standard sized tools. I have a big box full of metric and was rather sad to find I needed standard sized tools for my European auto.
Posted by: messix May 18 2008, 02:36 AM
because it's 'merican and it works better that way.
Posted by: biosurfer1 May 18 2008, 11:32 AM
Jon,
how did it shift before the Rennshift? Were you able to find all gears? What about it shifts "better" now?
Posted by: JRust May 18 2008, 11:56 AM
Yes more info on the change. I am interested in buying it myself if it that much better.
Posted by: Gint May 18 2008, 03:52 PM
I'd really like to hear more details about why you like it better.
My 914 has already shifted pretty well. I've driven a Rennshift equipped 914. It was admittedly a short drive, but I must say, I didn't really like the feel. Now James makes a quality product and I'm not saying about negative about the shifter itself. It's extremely nice and appears to be very well built and probably bulletproof. But my personal preference would be a decent shifting stock unit. Maybe I should get some more time with a Rennshifter. In lieu of that however (since they aren't installed everywhere around here), I'd really like to hear ore about your experience.
Posted by: SirAndy May 18 2008, 05:12 PM
it's springloaded. the shifter actually bounces back to the 2-3 plane if you put it in neutrual. it takes some time getting used to, but now i can't even imagine not having one ...
it turned the stock 
into 
Andy
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 18 2008, 06:26 PM
Well, first off, the shifts are much more smooth. The short shifters had too stiff of springs and the lock out was a pain. I didn't mind before but now I am thinking I was crazy. The shifter rests in neutral between the 2nd and 3rd plain. it moves over to the Reverse and 1st or 4th and 5th plains with ease. In fact you can push the shifter with one fingure. The regular shifter is okay but you sometimes get lost in the gears and the short shift can be hard on the syncros. This is very precise and has the throw adjustment so you won't damage your gears or syncros. Also has a manual reverse lockout that I am loving. Anything else you would like to know? 
Posted by: biosurfer1 May 18 2008, 06:33 PM
ya, when are you going to do a US tour so everyone posting can try it out?
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 18 2008, 07:20 PM
Come to the WCR and you can try it and my new 2.4l out. Just got the interior all back together, Rhino lined, Sparco seats, and now the Rennshift. I took it out for a nice long drive today. It was very nice
Posted by: JRust May 18 2008, 08:34 PM
I will try it out at WCR for sure. I am doing the swap to a side shift as we speak. I'm replacing all the bushings so my shifting will be much improved anyway. Still will be interested in how well it feels. That may be my next purchase this summer. 
Posted by: Gint May 18 2008, 09:59 PM
it turned the stock
into AndyMine does that now. At least it will bounce from 1st or reverse and when pushed with no real pressure in nuetral and to the left, it rests right on the 2-3 plane.
I really would like to get another try at a rennshifter. I do think I want one (at least I have since I first saw one), but this current car just doesn't justify it.
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 18 2008, 10:38 PM
I will try it out at WCR for sure. I am doing the swap to a side shift as we speak. I'm replacing all the bushings so my shifting will be much improved anyway. Still will be interested in how well it feels. That may be my next purchase this summer.
You are more than welcome Jamie. Take it for a spin and let me know what you think
I have also done all the other bushings before I did this. The bushings helped, but the Rennshift really made the difference. Gint,
Get a 914 that is worth putting it in
Posted by: JRust May 18 2008, 10:58 PM
If it is that impressive maybe I'll get one to bring with me. We can have a smal work party install it in my car. For the benefit of everyone else there for sure. Just so they can see & feel a before & after 
.Okay maybe a little self serving 
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 18 2008, 11:01 PM
Well, they are very simple to install. 
Posted by: SirAndy May 19 2008, 12:10 AM
Mine does that now. At least it will bounce from 1st or reverse and when pushed with no real pressure in nuetral and to the left, it rests right on the 2-3 plane.
yeah, but trust me, it ain't the same ... my shifter now feels like the shifter in a modern car. zero slop, tight and precise shifting ...
Andy
Posted by: Grngoat May 19 2008, 02:03 AM
Andy, you also have the full JWest linkage, not just the Rennshifter, so that should be even more improvement. I have the same setup, but since I installed it all concurrent with the -6 conversion, I really can't compare it to the old setup. Too much time elapsed to make a good comparison. All of it was easy to install though. I wouldn't go back, it shifts very well - almost like a new car.
Posted by: SirAndy May 19 2008, 01:11 PM
Andy, you also have the full JWest linkage, not just the Rennshifter, so that should be even more improvement.
yes, correct. but i drove my car with just the rennshift for years (i have the 1st generation version) before i added the linkage ...
Andy
Posted by: kconway May 19 2008, 02:13 PM
Andy, you also have the full JWest linkage, not just the Rennshifter, so that should be even more improvement.
yes, correct. but i drove my car with just the rennshift for years (i have the 1st generation version) before i added the linkage ...
AndyAndy,
I have the 1st gen shifter and have yet to put it in. Have you driven a car with the 2nd gen shifter, is there any difference between them or just cosmetic?
Kev
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 19 2008, 02:59 PM
1st and second generation? What the difference between the two?
Posted by: HAM Inc May 19 2008, 05:52 PM
For my F-Prod car I installed a Rennshifter and linkage in a tranny built with new parts by Blake Meredith, and wow! It shifted damn near as good as my E30 BMW, which is the finest shifting streetcar I've ever driven.
3 days of testing, qualifiying and racing and I never misssed a shift. I love it. James makes a well engineered bunch of products. I will say this, though. I'm convinced that if you install just the shifter it probably won't make as much difference as just installing the linkage. Do the linkage first and then add the shifter. And one more thing. If the tranny internals are shot then I don't think anything will help much.
Posted by: James Adams May 19 2008, 09:30 PM
I just added some more options to the RennShift. You can now get the upper stick in polished, satin (brushed), or black finishes.
The knobs are available in polished or brushed and I have a new light weight plastic knob.
Linkage kits with new options should be available by the end of this week.
Posted by: ChrisNPDrider May 20 2008, 12:53 AM
+1 on the Rennshifter.
After headers, the best 914 bolt-on upgrade.
I may need to change that statement when I complete the needle bearing suspension bushings.
You won't like the feel of the Rennshift. It takes some getting used to. Before, I could wiggle that stick into it's shift zone. After, you need to push it there. It feels like you have to muscle the shift. After about 3 days, it is effortless again and you never want to go back.
Ask yourself this question - Can I confidently downshift to 3rd?
With the Rennshift I can
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 20 2008, 02:01 AM
I just added some more options to the RennShift. You can now get the upper stick in polished, satin (brushed), or black finishes.
The knobs are available in polished or brushed and I have a new light weight plastic knob.
Linkage kits with new options should be available by the end of this week.
any chance you will be using metric sized nuts and bolts and such?
Posted by: messix May 20 2008, 02:10 AM
I just added some more options to the RennShift. You can now get the upper stick in polished, satin (brushed), or black finishes.
The knobs are available in polished or brushed and I have a new light weight plastic knob.
Linkage kits with new options should be available by the end of this week.
any chance you will be using metric sized nuts and bolts and such?
Jon, i'm gonna stop H/F and get you a stardard set of wrenchs to go in your snapon box full of metrix so you'll quit whinning about it!
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 20 2008, 02:27 AM
Yeah... I had to put a couple of Craftsman tools in there and I had a little tear in my eye...
Posted by: rdauenhauer May 20 2008, 10:03 AM
I just added some more options to the RennShift. You can now get the upper stick in polished, satin (brushed), or black finishes.
The knobs are available in polished or brushed and I have a new light weight plastic knob.
Linkage kits with new options should be available by the end of this week.
any chance you will be using metric sized nuts and bolts and such?
Jon, i'm gonna stop H/F and get you a stardard set of wrenchs to go in your snapon box full of metrix so you'll quit whinning about it!
Tell you what, you can come over and take away every SAE tool I have
I as well have a first gen. sitting in box ..since I updated from a stocker to an welt setup, and THAT made a big diff in shifting. I cant imagine what a RENNshifter and linkage would be like.
Jon next time tooling around stop by the house & let me try that puppy out.
Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT May 20 2008, 11:50 AM
Yeah. I will. I'll drop by sometime soon. Racing all weekend this weekend but if it is nice out on Thursday I just may take it out.
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