Short Shift: JHM vs Nuespeed

[DRAKLORE]

I wanted to clear up the debate (small I know) on what Short shift kit is better and why.
I have owned a B7 with both the JHM SSK and my new B7 came with the Nuespeed Variant.

You can buy the Nuespeed SSK for roughly 169-230 depending on what site you use:
http://www.uspmotorsports.com/NEUSPEEDShortShiftKit-B6/B7A4/S4-.html?gclid=CMfy7vLLzLkCFS1p7AodwHUAqw
www.uspmotorsports.com/images/D/14-06.jpg

The JHM shifter can be had for around 275$
http://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catalog/jhm-solid-short-throw-shifter-b6-b7-s4-rs4-all-p-4.html
jhmotorsports.com/shop/catalog/images/b6_6speed_shifter_shaft.jpg


Now to be quite honest I was hoping the Nuespeed would perform well after Jake@JHM Self Advertised (But he was right) the Nuespeed shifter is just missing something...

The differences that I noticed along with my spouse:
THROWThe Nuespeed Beats the JHM in throw by a very large margin.... I repeat, the Nuespeed shifter has a much shorter throw than the JHM...
But I think the engineers missed something, because the throw is so short, that neither of us were sure if we were in 1st or second, 5th or 6th... It's rediculous and the time saved going between gears would be made up with shifts from 2nd to 5th and likewise..

PLAY The dealbreaker is the play, the firmness... This is where that extra 40$ really counts, because throw means nothing, if you can move the shifter an inch or more side to side while in gear. JHM means it when they put "Solid" in the title, because they replace the plastic center bearing with a heim like joint, you literally can be sure what gear you are in.
While I was swearing about adjusting the JHM, it is certainly worth it.

PRICE Originally driving the nuespeed I thought to myself, well it's a good alternative for those wanting to spend less... But after doing some research I find that the price difference isn't all that much different.
I would spend all of the 275$ for the JHM SSK again, and honestly it's a good price for what you get..
But Honestly I wouldn't spend more than 100$ for a nuespeed shifter, it doesn't come with bushings, a new center bearing... so how and why should I call it a "Kit"?
It comes with less than half the hardware and honestly it seems to be halfway designed.. So I should pay less than half the price of the JHM..


CONCLUSION Don't be cheap, spend the extra 40$ on a shifter that has the complete package.
And keep an eye out in the classifieds for a cheap Nuespeed shifter.

[Khaotic]

Good to know, with the replacement of my clutch & flywheel I figure its finally time to pull the trigger on the JHM shortshift and get the trio package with linkage while I drop the gearbox!

[A4TQS]

Thanks for the info [up]

[MNB5Tuner]

Good review [up] thank you

[4rings5stars]

I was kinda hoping that the findings were going to be different. this way I could have tried to get that JHM from you[:D]

Nice review, BTW!

[publicenemy]

So I am curious about a couple things and I hope you can clear them up since you have experience with both. I just purchased a 08 S-Line Avant Titanium 6sp and am coming from a 06 GTI. I went between two SSK's in my GTI. The first being the Diesel Geek and the second being the Neuspeed. This Diesel Geek kit is hyped similar to the JHM kit amongst the B7 crowd. The only problem with the Diesel Geek was the fact that it replaced ALL the rubber bushings and had a VERY notchy and loud shift. This kit was suited for a driver looking for a very aggressive feel who didn't care about the added notchyness or loud thunk when shifting between gears. I then ditched the Diesel Geek and installed the Neuspeed. This shifter had a much shorter throw but still maintained a stock like feel with a heavier feel due to the new pivot point. Definitely my cup of tea.

So my questions are:

Is the JHM a loud shift?
Is the JHM a rough/notchy shift?
Is the Neuspeed a stock like feel with a shorter throw?

[DRAKLORE]

If by notchy you mean crisp? Than yes, the JHM replaces a lot of bushings and stuff which takes away the play... This also means the shifts tend to need to be more "accurate" because there is so little play, and adjusting it to get that "notchiness" away is definently required.
As far as noise, it does give you a very reassuring "chunk" you are in gear, which I wish the nuespeed did. Because often times I find
Myself wondering if its "All the way" in gear. Reverse/6th especially feels like it's half engaged.

While the nuespeed feels like stock, it's also a lot like this:
http://i.imgur.com/juAKmq5.gif

And I guess if that's the kind of feel you're after :/ well than yeah
But because it's so short, and has so much play, literally the play in gears overlap each other...
Which caused a lot of confusion, especially if
You'd been in gear for a little while.

Anyways, I hope that clears up your questions.

[aluthman]

That GIF is fucking awesome Shane, I added it to my collection.

[steven_1104235]

Dammit, guess the deal on the JHM is off [:D]. When you responded saying you were going to compare the two, I had a feeling you were going to choose the JHM lol.

[publicenemy]

If by notchy you mean crisp? Than yes, the JHM replaces a lot of bushings and stuff which takes away the play... This also means the shifts tend to need to be more "accurate" because there is so little play, and adjusting it to get that "notchiness" away is definently required.
As far as noise, it does give you a very reassuring "chunk" you are in gear, which I wish the nuespeed did. Because often times I find
Myself wondering if its "All the way" in gear. Reverse/6th especially feels like it's half engaged.

While the nuespeed feels like stock, it's also a lot like this:


And I guess if that's the kind of feel you're after :/ well than yeah
But because it's so short, and has so much play, literally the play in gears overlap each other...
Which caused a lot of confusion, especially if
You'd been in gear for a little while.

Anyways, I hope that clears up your questions.

Thanks for clearing some stuff up. Are guys going with the $275 kit or the full $350 option with the complete linkage? Seems like going with the full package is the best option. Can someone speak from experience with the difference between the two JHM packages?

[Jake@JHM]

Shane,

I didn't mean to sound cocky or anything in my original post. It is just I hate seeing people waste their money on a product I know for a fact isn't up to par.

Thanks for giving an honest review! [up]


Thanks for clearing some stuff up. Are guys going with the $275 kit or the full $350 option with the complete linkage? Seems like going with the full package is the best option. Can someone speak from experience with the difference between the two JHM packages?

I would definitely go for the Trio package while it is over $100 off. The shifter by itself makes a significant difference, but the trio definitely takes the cake and gives you the ultimate shifting experience.

Please feel free to give me a call if you have any other questions.

Jake

[drumnjuny]

haha yeah i said it earlier in this thread, but anyone who likes to drive their car and doesn't have this upgrade is making a huge mistake. Getting this upgrade changes everything and since getting it i've sworn to have a metal ball bearing shift boot or w/e the fuck that thing is called. just feels simply unlike any other shifter i've driven in. I'm sure high performance exotics use similar stuff

I'm glad i'm not the only BT guy on here who has one haha, so now people take my claim more seriously!

[Charles.waite]

I need one of these...

[Jake@JHM]

I need one of these...

http://i.qkme.me/35ubfq.jpg

[vf84jr]

I currently have the Neuspeed shifter, which I have used for about the last 10k miles, and have had no issues with it. There is very little play when it's in gear and you can tell very clearly what gear you are in. I have never used the JHM shifter so I can't say which I prefer better but I have enjoyed the driving experience with the Neuspeed. Just my .02.

[DoThisMyWay]

I currently have the Neuspeed shifter, which I have used for about the last 10k miles, and have had no issues with it. There is very little play when it's in gear and you can tell very clearly what gear you are in. I have never used the JHM shifter so I can't say which I prefer better but I have enjoyed the driving experience with the Neuspeed. Just my .02.

Same thoughts here and I have over 130k miles with my Neuspeed SS.

[DRAKLORE]

The play is noticeable compared to the JHM
Maybe ill do a video to compare the two

[Jake@JHM]

The play is noticeable compared to the JHM
Maybe ill do a video to compare the two

When you are ready to order, let me know before hand. [up]

[DRAKLORE]

I worked really hard on this video comparison, so please watch and enjoy :)




http://youtu.be/gKtbV1fKLxQ

Edited: added the new video with soundtrack!

[Jake@JHM]

I worked really hard on this video comparison, so please watch and enjoy :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmn6U4GGnV4

I enjoyed it! I am sure others will too. [up]

[Krusty]

Whats up with the silent movie? I wish you would have sold it to me, damn I need one of this. You did a great review by the way.

[DRAKLORE]

Added music for you!

[vortexjunkie]

Added music for you!

I approve your music selection and support your scientific findings :thumbup:

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 2

[aluthman]

I fucking LOVE Zelda (and my JHM shifter)!

[bryonm]

i have the whole jhm set up in my car. from what ive heard its absolutley great and the pops and the mechanic who put it in says that she shifts super smooth and its just great. now i havent been able to get my hands on it yet but i cant wait to get into her