Renshift, Springs Options

[Randal]

I totally blew my last two runs yesterday missing shifts.

I know part of this is the driver, but I also think the Rennshift springs are suspect.

When we first installed the Rennshift it took some getting used to, but it worked all the time. I've run 8 events now with the new shifter and it was fine for the first four, but not for the last four.

Saturday and Sunday at Alameda I was hitting reverse, shifting from first to second. Typically this was during cornering, but that is the way course work; you just can’t sit there on the rev. limiter waiting to the corner to complete.

Also during very heavy cornering (like in a slalom) shifting from second to third, it was going into fifth.

On down shifts from third to second it was hitting reverse. I destroyed a great run on Saturday on the second to the last corner....just couldn't find second. (Like Grind Me A POUND!) Very ugly.

So what are the ratings on the standard springs? Is there somewhere I send my existing springs to have them tested? What heaver springs are available?

At Alameda I was shifting up/down 8 times. Miss any shift and you blow the run.

BTW the 911 guys don't have to shift more than once.

[JWest]

Maybe you have a bad engine or trans mount. The shift pattern will move while cornering if the trans moves.

It sounds like you are fighting the shifter though, you have to let the shifter choose the gear plane and not force it side-to-side where you think it should go. Palm to push or three fingers to pull is the best technique for getting into 2nd and 3rd and not creating a side force.

You got heavier (white) springs with the shifter - if Brad didn't give them to you then let me know and I will send you a pair.

If it worked the first 4 runs and not the last 4, maybe a bushing broke.

[Brad Roberts]

He was sold his shifter prior to us deciding that stiffer springs should be available. He has solid tranny mounts and new front mounts. I spent 30+ minutes going over EVERYTHING. Trust me.. I didnt want it to be the shifter. Just me grabbing the stick and moving it side to side... WAY to easy. Easier than a stocker at this point.

I just gave Randal the stiffer spring kit (now I'm short one)

B

[JWest]

It's funny - people are SO different when it comes to the springs. Some people want really stiff springs, some love the normal setup, and some have a real hard time getting used to the (extra) springs at all.

FYI, the standard springs are always lighter than a stock shifter.

[Randal]

It's funny - people are SO different when it comes to the springs.

Please come take a ride with me in an autox venue; you’ll find the lateral forces somewhat more powerful/heavy than what would be considered "normal."

Secondly, the springs worked fine for the first 4 events (8 or 10 runs per event), but then started to go off.

As Brad said everything on the car is solid as it was just in the shop being checked.

It could be that my new slicks (Hoosiers) were really hooking up (they were) thereby creating more cornering force and in turn a heaver hand by the driver. However, I discount this as I’m strapped in very tight in a Kirky seat that keeps you in one place..

BTW what is the spring rating on the old/ new springs? Seems like a big difference just compressing the old one, by hand, vs. the new, which is hardly compressible.

Should I be putting the little inter spring back in with the new ones I just got from Brad?

[Randal]

Forgot to mention that I drove the car around Los Altos today just to see how the shfter worked in "normal" conditions.

It didn't miss a beat, nice and smooth and engaged perfectly.

[JWest]

Please come take a ride with me in an autox venue; you’ll find the lateral forces somewhat more powerful/heavy than what would be considered "normal."

What I think does not matter. I have customers with big-track cars that like the light springs, and grocery-getter types that prefer the heavy springs.

The side load at the knob is 7lbs for the standard springs and 12lbs for the heavy springs. Stock shifter is 10-11lbs with good components.

Do not use the inner spring with the white spring.

[Randal]

The side load at the knob is 7lbs for the standard springs and 12lbs for the heavy springs. Stock shifter is 10-11lbs with good components.

Thanks for the response.

How do you measure the 7 or 12 lb side load; from what point on the shifter.

Am I correct the shifter would be in neutral?

[JWest]

That is measured at the top of the stick where your hand would be. In neutral, just as the stick moves.

The white springs are a big increase over the standard springs in feel. I think you will be satisfied with them. If not, let me know, and we can work the issue further. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Brad Roberts]

James.. just to let you know.. I always blame the driver...LOL

Your big track guy's have nothing on a fully prepared AutoX car. They do not have very fast 1.4G corners every 30-40 feet. The G's they experience are gradual and nowhere near as violent as what Randal can experience in his car on slicks.


B

[JWest]

Your big track guy's have nothing on a fully prepared AutoX car. They do not have very fast 1.4G corners every 30-40 feet. The G's they experience are gradual and nowhere near as violent as what Randal can experience in his car on slicks.

I was not trying to belittle Randal in the least! My point was to show the range of preferences that I have received feedback about - I had two specific examples I was thinking of - not "making it up so it sounded good."

Big track guys can usually avoid shifting in a corner, too, as Randal is forced to do.

[Brad Roberts]

Not taken that way.. just letting you know that it is two different venues.

We have another event very soon.. we will know quickly.


B

[Van914]

James,
Why not use the inner springs with the white springs?

[JWest]

James,
Why not use the inner springs with the white springs?

They add no measurable resistance since the white springs are so much stiffer, and they are too tight a fit inside the white springs.

[jfort]

for what it's worth, i like the stiffer springs

[Eric_Shea]

Hi Jeff... Eric Shea, glad to meet you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

(inside joke)

P.S. I wanted to ride in your car... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[jfort]

nice meeting you, too, eric. i learned a lot watching you grade 914-6's. drive east for the sean's fall run near indy.

[Randal]

Measurement:

Went out last night and purchased a fish scale. Maybe not the most scientific of instruments, but a measurement none the less.

Measured the side to side load, which ended up being 6 lbs left to right, 7 lbs and a bit, right to left. So the springs, being the softer ones, are in specification.

I'll change to the new heaver springs tonight and try them out at the Marina in two weeks.

So the only explaination that I can come up with, pertaining to why they worked at first and then not later, is the G force experienced on the different courses.

No question the couse last weekend had higher G forces.

Guess that will have to do for now until we drive again.

[JWest]

Thanks for verifying that measurement on your shifter.

I think you will find the new springs to offer quite a change.

Keep me informed!

[machina]

why don't you try some of james' nylon or solid motor mounts?

if you are using the stock ones, could make a big difference with shifting under a corner load.

dr