shorten shift rod?

[manhattanprjkt8]

Hey everyone...

This is my first post on AUDIZINE but i guess i could call myself a seasoned euro modder. I sold my completely blown out 02 vr6 jetta to get a bmw 330 which has gone by the wayside to make room for my......

2004 S4 I am picking up this week...I am beside myself with excitement and already thinking about mods...

So my question to the board is, has anyone cut a bit of length off of the shift rod on the B6s? I did this with my VW and loved it, but just wondering what the top of the knob looks like? Is it slotted to anchor the knob? I know it wasnt really possible to chop the bmw down...

I would like to take about an inch off as one of my first things to do, i always felt like audi shifters sat a bit high...

thoughts?

[zachf88]

I did this to my VW, too! I imagine that it would be quite similar, but i'm not sure... but welcome to AudiZine!!

[manhattanprjkt8]

Thanks man, the s4 has been one of my dream cars on the list since i was in highschool i cant wait til wed when i pick it up!

So you think it's the same? The vw rod was just a solid bar, the bmw had a slot that the knob sat in so it didnt rotate so i didnt want to cut that. I am guessing the s4 has a solid rod ala vw but i guess i will have to wait to pull it off.

I am thinking this knob to match the black interior:

[z0lt3c]

Just to add my two cents... I'm a long time BMW owner who recently switched over to Audi. I went 98 328is>99 540i>04 530i to the 2004 S4.

When I first got the S4 I was really amazed how much different it shifted versus my BMWs. On all of my BMWs I had a big ass clutch stop and had the clutch pedal tuned so I can jam it down the clutch to the stop right after the clutch disengagement point. With the audi, there is no clutch stop and the clutch engagement point is much much higher on the throw of the clutch pedal vs BMW. Took me a week or two to get used to this after driving manual BMW's for so long. Also, the audi has much longer throws then any of my BMW's but the shifter is so much smoother, makes for a more enjoyable experience.

What I've come to learn about the S4 is that it uses a completely hydraulic clutch system versus the BMW system which I believe is partially mechanical. As it relates to the shift rod, the shifter is actually "cartridge" based and is very different then any BMW shifter I've seen. Most SSK kits i've seen for the S4 simply replace the entire cartridge assembly. The biggest difference seems to be straightening out the shift rod as the OEM rod is bent and most SSK kits are not bent. I'm not sure if shortening the rod is gonna make much of a difference in shift length. Also bear in mind reverse engages in a lower position then 1st gear so don't mess up the reverse engagement by shortening.

If you are gonna try to mod the OE shifter I would recommending getting a new cartridge from Audi and playing with a second assembly so you can also stick the first back in! Here is a good link from the DIY forum; http://hometown.aol.com/hyperm3/NeuspeedSS.html

[manhattanprjkt8]

Thanks for the input, I don’t know I am really even concerned about shortening the throw because i know the shorter rod really doesn’t do anything, i think i am just trying to tidy up the cockpit and make the shifter a bit better to look at. So when you say reverse is down, i am guessing its just like vw where you physically depress the shifter down and up into the 1st spot. Are you just cautioning me to not cut to much and to account for it? Last thing i want to do is hack and inch of my new s4 shifter and have a problem, i'd cry...

As for bmw vs Audi transmissions each has their +'s and -'s the bmw (330xi) i have now has a pretty tough clutch to get used to it is stiff and clunky but feels more solid than the Audi in some cases. The Audi is a bit smoother because of the full hydraulic setup but sometimes I like that very engaged mechanical feel. God damnit i can’t wait to get this car... 2 days and counting.

Can anyone else see any mechanical implications here?

[RAudi Driver]

Just get a true short shifter from JHM. Jason just came out with a 40% reduction and you can also get it with a 1" shorter shaft. Don't for get the heavy duty spring.

[manhattanprjkt8]

how much? Link?

[RAudi Driver]

http://www.jhmotorsports.com/products/

watch the video!

[Eddie Man]

There is about an 1.5" slot atop the shift rod...
Cutting off an inch may affect the shift knob attachment.

As for shortening the rod being only asthetic? This may not affect the mechanical operation of the linkage but it will require a little more effort to row the gears in that the lever is now shortened, hence more effort to throw that lever.

If you are willing to go through the effort to cut-down the rod and also make an effort to accomodate the slot/shift knob issue, I'd opt for much more straight forward mod as RAudi Driver suggested...
Go directly to a SSK, JHM at that.
JHM also has an option for a 1" shorter shaft over stock.

[Rodknock]

This may not affect the mechanical operation of the linkage but it will require a little more effort to row the gears in that the lever is now shortened, hence more effort to throw that lever..

I chopped mine the other day because it was just to tall.. It didnt change the way that the shifter works. Its not harder to shift or anything...

Just make sure if your going to do it that you cut a little at a time and test it because you cant add any metal to the shaft if you cut to much


Before..



After..




Overall I took an inch out of the shaft..

[esee135]

I've done it on my B5 A4, and a 1990 Toyota Celica. Just hacked it off about 1-3/8", then threaded the connection, and cut off a section of the plastic reverse interlock. I would like to go shorter but, the gear shift in the reverse position would get borderline close to interfering with the console. I'm pro-stock cutting, never had an issue. Usually makes a long sloppy easy shifting stick into a firmer more effort short shift. I like the harder shift and the look, I know lot's who don't. There usually is some form of a limit that you can cut down to, so don't go crazy with the cut. A Dremel tool is choice for the cutter.