Drove a rennshift today, and wow... Options

[MattR]

I took aaron's 914 for a spin around the block today with his rennshifter and wow, what a difference. I know the reviews have been good for this thing, but the improvement is BEYOND good. James should be given a 914er of the year award for this thing. Its a totally different car.

I just thought I'd share my 2 cents for anyone thats not sure about its hefty price tag. This morning I would have NEVER considered a 500 dollar shifter, but now its really got me thinking... of course I cant afford it, but Im still thinking.

[lapuwali]

Everyone seems to like these things, but I was unimpressed. I drove someone else's car, and they got the car with it already fitted. He's not impressed, either.

Perhaps it's just an adjustment thing, but the way it was set up was it was way overly sprung for the 2/3 gate. Perfect for AX use, but trying to get 4th or 5th was quite difficult, and I never managed to make a single 4->5 upshift without a struggle. I made one 4->3 "upshift" and was fortunate that I was only using light throttle and not many revs.

I don't know which throw-shortening option was set, but I found it too much. Finding any gear other than 2nd or 3rd was difficult.

If the spring rate is adjustable for side-to-side pressure, then this was just a case of a badly adjusted unit. If it's not, then it needs to be made adjustable. Not to sound overly harsh, but my well-set up tailshifter worked better. Granted, I'm rather used to vague, long-throw shifters (perhaps 10 of the last 12 cars I've had), so it could just be my personal taste getting in the way. I actually LIKE a nicely set up tailshifter with the stock throws. I hated the one Weltmeister short-shift kit I've tried, too.

Nicely made product, but it may not be for everyone...