Your feedback on short shifter install....

[EuroB6]

I've been wanting to get the Nuespeed Short Shifter for my car, and wanted to install it myself. Any feedback or tips on doing this. I searched and found a DIY, but it was not for a B6/7 S4. Any type of feedback for this is appreciated. Thanks!

[drexplode]

Get a JHM. You will thank me later.

Also, they have a very detailed installation video:

http://audishifter.com/videos/B6_B7_...nstall_vid.wmv

[RAudi Driver]

JHM, there is no other!

[jhsu]

Here are a few tips from my Stratmosphere SS install:

1. Remove the entire ashtray vice just the 2 bolts in the front as recommended in the directions. This means you will have to disconnect 2 wires and do some jiggling and twisting to get it out, but the extra space provided to work will make the install much easier. You also won't need the universal joint if you do this.

2. The spring tool proved invaluable as I dropped screws and bits into the shifter "hole" several times. You also absolutely need circlip or spring clip pliers. Right angle pliers will not do. You can get them at most auto parts stores.

3. Adjusting the shifter once installed is the biggest PITA. You will probably have to experiment numerous times to get it right. I dropped the entire assembly all the way down without installing the Torx bolts first. This is much easier than releasing the circlip as recommended. Install the lower bolt loosely and then install the upper bolt and Torx bolts with the shifter about 3/4" from the back as per the directions. I found that the bottom bolt is the most important for alignment. There are 2 notches on each side of the pivot ball. Twist the shifter until they are as close to pointing left and right. This may mean that you have to hold the lower linkage in an awkward position to tighten the bolt. The shifter should lean slightly towards the passenger side. Test the shifter. Common indications that it is not adjusted correctly is 1st feels more like 3rd, trouble engaging 2nd, or being able to select reverse without pushing down. Any adjustments you make should be to the lower linkage. Once you get it right, you can loosen the upper bolt and slide the shifter forward or aft to your liking. I found that anything but all the way back puts the shifter noticably more forward than stock, but of course it is all personal preference.

[wwb4]

I too have heard nothing but good things about the JHM SSK.

[swoyekr.]

isn't there a group buy or something supposed to be going on with this?

[Mello]

I went with JHM as well. Very nice piece and the detailed vid was a bonus.

[37doc]

I have the Neuspeed SS, and like it as well.

[scott1961]

I want to get a SS for my RS4 Cab, But no way would I attempt DIY. Only one I found was strat, Anybody know others for my car

[2PUTT]

KMD SSK. installed and warrantied locally FTW.

[EuroB6]

^^ yeah, but how much did KMD guys charge you? they are ridiculous..let me know 2putt..thanks!

[jaykato]

Good write up jhsu. I had pretty much the same problems, but I lucky enough not to drop bolts down in.

Based on my experience, it's actually a pretty easy DIY, but it can be a pain lining up the bolts, and getting the position of the shifter where you want it. If you can remove trim around the shifter, pull the ashtry, have some socket torx wrenches, and have even a slight mechanical ability I would say it would take you less than 2 hours. Just watch the clip that holds the (I believe) reverse spring down, may have to be bent in to get it to catch.

[40valve]

JHM. Well worth the money. Install is a piece of cake although final adjustment can give you a bit of headache.

[KevinS4]

I have done the SS install on both my B5 and B6, the install is pretty straight forward. But just have patience while doing it. Like 40valve mentioned the final adjustment can be a headache.

[MattboyR32]

I had the JHM and although it was made well, I couldn't get the adjustment just right to get the 1st/2nd shift and reverse properly. Also, unless you order the stiffer reverse spring (which I didn't) I found that I was putting it in reverse instead of 1st which was sometimes a problem.

I changed then to the Stratmosphere and although it uses the stock plastic in places it was way easier to get the adjustment setup and is a shorter shift than the JHM (at the time JHM didn't have the extra shortening). It still feels just as solid in my opinion.

Also be careful with the ashtray removal and install. In a B7 you have to really take your time and try not to get frustrated otherwise critical plastic bits that hold it in place don't get seated properly and bend and then you will be up for a new ashtry also.

[earhythmic]

I installed the JHM extra short throw shifter last week and love it! Things that I ran into were:

- When pulling up to remove the shift boot/trim, the side near the ash tray isnt as solid as the other side. SO when pulling up on the ash tray side, push down and support the ashtray with one hand or a few fingers. I broke the plastic tab (where the ash tray mounting bolt goes) off the first time I removed the boot, so be careful! Also, getting the ashtray back in place is a bitch.

- Carefully compare the old stock shifter and the new one. Understanding how they're alike and different will make the install a little easier since you wont just be going at it blindly. Mainly, the part that bolts onto the transmission linkage is angled slightly to the right. If you install this part backwards or upside down (my really douchey mistake!) getting the shifter adjusted will be even more frustrating, and your shifts will be at about a 30 degree angle.

- The JHM installation videos are very helpful, but unfortunately they leave out some minor details here and there, since in the video they're actually working on a B5. I talked to Jason at JHM and he's been meaning to make a video specific to the B6/B7, so that may not be too far off.

- Like everyone's been saying, getting the shifter adjusted will be the most annoying part. Take your time with it and be really careful to not strip the linkage bolt.

good luck! as you can see I went through some trial and error, as this was my first time doing it on a B6 (I've done it a bunch of times in my old B5. CAKE!) so those are my annoying first time experiences. But after you get it dialed in, it makes those hours of frustration completely worth it.

[BGEDWN]

I haven't gone with a SS kit bec I've read on here that short shifters tend to wear out the syncros faster than the OEM. If a SS does indeed puts strain on those (expensive to replace) parts, what then would be the better option? Snub or SS?

[EuroB6]

im sticking with Neuspeed..had them in the past and loved it...ive also heard that adjusting the JHM is a PITA!! Ima just take it somewhere to get installed, F-it

[earhythmic]

good call. save the headache

[S4J]

im sticking with Neuspeed..had them in the past and loved it...ive also heard that adjusting the JHM is a PITA!! Ima just take it somewhere to get installed, F-it

Love my Neuspeed, short, tight and smooth.

[swoyekr.]

If you've got money laying around, then take it somewhere. I've done a shifter, not for a shorter throw, but for a more solidly built feel on all of the cars i've owned except the honda. (because it's already built tough :) ) anyways, from what i've seen the JHM is the best, i'll be purchasing it for mine shortly. The others seem more just for a shorter throw which in my opinion isn't worth it. Plus they just look cheaper.

[Awulf]

Have the Speed, but hear the J-Solid is better. You will probably be good with either one. Actually for those who experience the 2-3 power shift issue (maybe just A4 owners or quattros), having the shifter apart and seeing how it worked allowed me to almost cure this annoying issue by adjusting the bolt on the linkage forward to allow me to grab more gear sooner, from the pivot point. Timing of the shift to clutch engagement seems to be off from the factory, just not aggressive enough to keep from catching, that said a better clutch would probably do the trick.

[dascsh]

This is my third car with a Neuspeed SS and each one has been great. I had a shop install it for $50.

[37doc]

the Neuspeed went in with no problem and required only 1 little adjustment to make it perfect.

[Cyrix9445]

Just dont get an ebay one..... i got one for my A4 and it was junk! i took it out after 2 days