JHM..thats right

[fitzS4]

So i have seen so many install questions about there experiences....so....my question to you all is how did they come out? interested in hearing your reviews

[S4DTM]

The install really isn't bad at all...as long as you take the time and concentrate on what you're doing one step at a time, it'll trun out great. You will have to spend a few minutes adjusting, testing the gears, and readjusting to get the feel just right, but it's really not a big deal. People have a tendency to rush these things and all it does is wastre your time, money, and tranny lifespan.

[aaronz]

Really not that bad. Watch the video once, then have it ready on a laptop while your doing the install. If you go with the supper short shift, you have to install these "spacers" that can be a pain because it is tight quarters. I used a magnetic wand thing and placed them in that way, saved me lots of frustration and busted knuckles!

PM me if you have any more ?'s or are stuck.

[gaogi]

I think all in all, it's a good product. Most of my installation issues I encountered, I think I would have encountered them even with another brand. Since I haven't tried other brands, and my last experience with a 5-speed Stratmosphere shifter was so long ago, I don't really have anything to compare it to other than stock. This shifter does feel more solid than the stock shifter, but I do have to adjust it a little more, so I can easily shift into first at a stoplight. Adjustment is key, and the adjustment will be just as hard regardless of which shifter you choose.

[fitzS4]

This shifter does feel more solid than the stock shifter, but I do have to adjust it a little more, so I can easily shift into first at a stoplight.

that was what i was looking for...its more solid than stock

[RAudi Driver]

Yea, put the stocker back in and you'll go through the exact same adjustments. The JHM is a perfect product and shifts just as smooth as the stocker.

[1FastS4.Com]

JHM is very very nice!

[MattboyR32]

The install itself can be a bit tricky, and it helps to have a spare set of hands, but regardless of the brand the install time itself is about the same. The biggest problem I found is the adjustment of the linkages to get the 1-2/R just right. I spent hours and hours trying to adjust the JHM and couldn't ever get the 1-2/R adjustment correct. I even went to see Jason himself and he couldn't get it right either. Sometimes I could get 1-2 perfect but then could never get it into reverse, or vice versa. I got the "normal" reverse spring which was useless and sometimes left me guessing if I was in R or 1! Without the extra short shift adjustment also it made no difference to the length of the shift compared to stock. So what was the point at the end for me? I wanted a shorter shift, not something that is still the same shift length or leaves me guessing which gear I'm actually in or can't actually get it into the gear I want without me having to worry about it! I really couldn't care too much, nor did I notice too much of a difference, if it is made of all metal or plastic!

I eventually gave up on the JHM and got the Stratmosphere and the adjustment took me about 20mins and am more than happy with it.

Frankly, the shift quality is just as good if not better than JHM. Have had a few people compliment the shifting smoothness and quality since install of the Stratmosphere too. I have no regrets about ditching the JHM.

[S4DTM]

MattBoyR32...you bought the same car from the same dealer as me! Weird! When did you make your purchase? Actually the only other dolphin gray DTM I've seen *high five!*...also suprised you had trouble with the adjustments, only took me a few minutes to get the 1/2/R right, but then every car is different.

[MattboyR32]

Damn, and Ed Jung told me that my car was unique!!! hahahaha I got mine about Nov 06. I did see another one in SFC. I moved to the OC 2 months ago and lo and behold there is another Dolphin Grey DTM running around the local area! Not as unique as i thought!

Like I said, I even drove out to Tracy to Jason's workshop to get it sorted and I still couldn't get reverse! In any case, am quite happy with my Stratmosphere.

[jaybquick@JHM]

The install itself can be a bit tricky, and it helps to have a spare set of hands, but regardless of the brand the install time itself is about the same. The biggest problem I found is the adjustment of the linkages to get the 1-2/R just right. I spent hours and hours trying to adjust the JHM and couldn't ever get the 1-2/R adjustment correct. I even went to see Jason himself and he couldn't get it right either. Sometimes I could get 1-2 perfect but then could never get it into reverse, or vice versa. I got the "normal" reverse spring which was useless and sometimes left me guessing if I was in R or 1! Without the extra short shift adjustment also it made no difference to the length of the shift compared to stock. So what was the point at the end for me? I wanted a shorter shift, not something that is still the same shift length or leaves me guessing which gear I'm actually in or can't actually get it into the gear I want without me having to worry about it! I really couldn't care too much, nor did I notice too much of a difference, if it is made of all metal or plastic!

I eventually gave up on the JHM and got the Stratmosphere and the adjustment took me about 20mins and am more than happy with it.

Frankly, the shift quality is just as good if not better than JHM. Have had a few people compliment the shifting smoothness and quality since install of the Stratmosphere too. I have no regrets about ditching the JHM.

I am surprised you never contacted me with your concerns about getting rid of it completely. We are happy to work with anyone not totally pleased with our product. However that has been extremely rare since as these cars age and the stock rubber and plastic parts wear out with mileage the other brands just can't compare. Some people are happy with brand x on a new or near new car then as it wears they find that they have to buy expensive OEM rubber and plastic pieces to get the feel back. Our shifter eliminates this issue. To each their own I guess.

If you still have our shifter we would be more than happy to help you out with a pro rated refund based on its condition. Feel free to email us @ [email protected] so we can arrange you to send it back to us.

Thanks.

[gaogi]

While I do agree that the stock spring is too soft, I don't think I ever doubt whether I'm in 1st or R, their feel is pretty distinct.

BTW, if you opt for the stiffer spring, be sure to swap it out before you install the shifter in the car, it's nearly impossible to swap the springs after the shifter is installed without a extra pair of hands (don't ask me how I know).

[jaybquick@JHM]

BTW, if you opt for the stiffer spring, be sure to swap it out before you install the shifter in the car, it's nearly impossible to swap the springs after the shifter is installed without a extra pair of hands (don't ask me how I know).

ALL our 6-speed shifters now come with all 3 springs. Soft, Medium and Stiff. We just found a new spring manufacturer that is giving us a way better price so we can afford to do it.

Yes you are right, it is alot easier to do the spring on the car if you have a helper.

[S4DTM]

Damn, and Ed Jung told me that my car was unique!!! hahahaha I got mine about Nov 06. I did see another one in SFC. I moved to the OC 2 months ago and lo and behold there is another Dolphin Grey DTM running around the local area! Not as unique as i thought!

Like I said, I even drove out to Tracy to Jason's workshop to get it sorted and I still couldn't get reverse! In any case, am quite happy with my Stratmosphere.

Haha, ok so you've seen all of 4 in california...I'd still say that's pretty unique

[Justincredible]

While I do agree that the stock spring is too soft, I don't think I ever doubt whether I'm in 1st or R, their feel is pretty distinct.
).

LOL I was going to say the same thing. But I definitey know what you are talking about

Even tho I have a tip I helped a friend install his JHM shifter. The adjustment was the only thing that can be time consuming. But due to the rigged design and being solid it is going to be more precise than others. more slop means easier to adjust you can be off in the adjustment and the shifter will be more forgiving. But when really driving the car you would be less apt to miss a shift when "sport" shifting IMHO with the JHM.
Definitely loved the feed back you get threw the shifter. Made me think about getting a 6 speed.....then no

[ngng]

I am surprised you never contacted me with your concerns about getting rid of it completely. We are happy to work with anyone not totally pleased with our product. However that has been extremely rare since as these cars age and the stock rubber and plastic parts wear out with mileage the other brands just can't compare. Some people are happy with brand x on a new or near new car then as it wears they find that they have to buy expensive OEM rubber and plastic pieces to get the feel back. Our shifter eliminates this issue. To each their own I guess.

If you still have our shifter we would be more than happy to help you out with a pro rated refund based on its condition. Feel free to email us @ [email protected] so we can arrange you to send it back to us.

Thanks.

+1 i was so pissed during my install, but jhm helped out through it. i also got a bunch of follow up PMs...why aren't more companies like jhm??!

[Justincredible]

+1 i was so pissed during my install, but jhm helped out through it. i also got a bunch of follow up PMs...why aren't more companies like jhm??!

I know I'm a tip guy who after several posts about them there shifters and what they have done in the B5 market contacted them. J was cool as hell even tho they don't have anything to sell me at this point. J talked to me for a good amount of time answered all the questions I had. I think I may have convinced HIM to get a B6/7 S4...I think it would be great if they got into this market with even more then just the shifter. Definitely with you great company

[vtracer20]

on my b7 a4 install was tricky first tie around, but after i figured out how to take out the ash tray, it was a breeze. Just make sure you play with the adjustments. I left mine for two months after initial install and couple days ago finally adjusted it and it felt much better.

[ngng]

on my b7 a4 install was tricky first tie around, but after i figured out how to take out the ash tray, it was a breeze. Just make sure you play with the adjustments. I left mine for two months after initial install and couple days ago finally adjusted it and it felt much better.

6 speed is much arder than 5spd

[S4DTM]

While I do agree that the stock spring is too soft, I don't think I ever doubt whether I'm in 1st or R, their feel is pretty distinct.

Everybody does realize that the car beeps when you engage reverse, right? So you should know that you're not in reverse if you don't hear a beep...just sayin...

[gaogi]

Everybody does realize that the car beeps when you engage reverse, right? So you should know that you're not in reverse if you don't hear a beep...just sayin...

HUH?!

[S4DTM]

HUH?!

When you engage reverse, you should hear a beeping sound. Although that may only be on cars with the Audi parking system now that I think about it...

[gaogi]

Ah, yes, I don't have the parking system. I just use the mirror down in reverse trick to know when I'm in reverse.

[akitamike]

gaogi, pardon my ignorance since I just got my 2005 s4, but what is the "I just use the mirror down in reverse trick to know when I'm in reverse" trick?

[S4DTM]

If you set your mirror adjustment knob to the right (passenger side) mirror, then put the car in reverse, your passenger side mirror will lower for easier parallel parking (so you can see the curb). Didn't mean to steal your thunder gaogi...and that's a good way to tell reverse btw, smart thinkin (still think it's weird that you only get the reverse beep with parktronic, but oh well)

[gaogi]

If you set your mirror adjustment knob to the right (passenger side) mirror, then put the car in reverse, your passenger side mirror will lower for easier parallel parking (so you can see the curb). Didn't mean to steal your thunder gaogi...and that's a good way to tell reverse btw, smart thinkin (still think it's weird that you only get the reverse beep with parktronic, but oh well)

No worries, it wasn't my thunder to steal. This was 40valves' idea from another thread on JHM. Gotta love Audizine for the collective brains and ideas!

[sotirakis]

my install wasn't too difficult. only pain in the ass was adjusting it. got the extra short. at first i thought it was too short, but last night i was flying through the gears so i don't know if i'm gonna change it to 25% or not. just seems a little weird when it's in 4th and it looks like its in neutral.

[40valve]

No worries, it wasn't my thunder to steal. This was 40valves' idea from another thread on JHM. Gotta love Audizine for the collective brains and ideas!

Thanks for the props and from now on this is called "Jay-Mod"

[jaybquick@JHM]

Thanks for the props and from now on this is called "Jay-Mod"

The mirror idea is quite a cool but simple idea. Good stuff.

The best ideas always seem to be the simplest, even though many over look it.