Ultimate Shifter...Installed..."UPDATE" 11/15/05 - Page 2

**Turninconcepts.com** · 10-18-2005, 10:52 AM

Just remembered one more - make sure you reused the foam donut thingie (sorry, that's the best way I can describe it) from the stock shifter. It sits on that flat "washer" on the lever below the spring for the lockout pull.

phattey · 10-18-2005, 11:15 AM

Here's an update on my driving experience with my SPT Short Shift Assembly and the TIC Super Shifter Kit....I've had it in for about 2 weeks or so...

4th gear around 40-50 MPH has a bad rattle...not a good thing.

Letting off the accelarator at any speed produces "plenty" of tranny backlash.

Driving at speed the tranny whine is loud. It drowns out my TBE and the turbo spool...unless I'm really on it or at WOT.

I'm not sure about this but it seems everyone has a different opinion of the actual shifting feel and I respect that. However, at this point I find it chunky and not smooth. It's as if I actually have to ponder my shifts to be smooth. I don't like that.

I was hoping this would provide a graceful shift feel, not a luxo-coupe feel, but at least buttery. Buttery it isn't. It's notchy and abrupt. I know notchy is what folks think they want, but smooth notchy is the bomb, not abrupt notchy. I feel when I shift say between 2nd and 3rd, as an example, the linakge seems confused almost fighting itself opposed to a smooth clean flow. The movement isn't graceful from gear to gear. It's as if there are obstacles in the way making it feel clunky.

Anyway...I know these products are the best on the market and folks love 'em, but I remain unsure if the combination of products I used is worth it - for me that is.

Unless I fix a couple of these issues (I'm sure I'm the only one in the world with these opinions), I'll yank this and do something else. Probably won't go back to stock, but perhaps try different combinations of these products.

Just my thoughts...please don't read too much into it. We're all different in our expectations and experiences. I'm coming out of several cars over the years that had a level of "gold standrad" for shifting...

Regardless of this....I LOVE my Suby...it's a keeper..!!

Phattey...

**Turninconcepts.com** · 10-18-2005, 06:43 PM

Hi Phattey,

You are correct - it should snap into place, not clunk about and get confused. Did you do the install or did a shop? I'm not trying to criticize who installed, I'm just trying to gauge if you can picture what I'm talking about when I say something like "check the torque on your fulcrum. Anything above 8.3 lbs will make it feel like crud."

In fact, check that. Use a torque wrench if you have one small enough because 8.3 lbs is super easy to blow right past with a normal socket.

Kirv · 10-19-2005, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phattey

the linakge seems confused almost fighting itself opposed to a smooth clean flow. The movement isn't graceful from gear to gear. It's as if there are obstacles in the way making it feel clunky.

Phattey, definitely something wrong with your TiC install. Yes, it's notchy compared to stock, but in a good way, there is absolutely no confusion in my gearbox and the notchiness isn't abrupt of sloppy, it just feels like a nice positive 'click' when engaging or disengaging gears. My 2 - 3 shift is WAY better now compared to stock.

I know it sucks, but I bet if you remove and re-install the kit, torquing everything to spec, you'll fix the problem.

phattey · 10-19-2005, 05:14 AM

I did have a shop install, but I have all the confidence in the world with these guys.

I read your "things to check" list and might present that to him, but I want to be respectful of his skills and not appear negative or imply anything. He and his team are pretty talented.

You're right about blowing by low TQ numbers...I've done that plenty of times over the years. But, since I didn't do the install I'm not sure what you're referring to on the fulcrum, but I'll get educated quickly.

It's not just the feel though...it's the blacklash and rattle too. I'm not sure what to do to remedy those other than look at your suggestions on the list and do them.

Maybe I'll take a road trip to you....where are you guys located..?? I'll drive just about any distance to get this worked out.

Thanks for the interest...

P..

Kirv · 10-19-2005, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turninconcepts.com

I'll just post up the list of things to check here, and make life easier for everyone involved.
-Clint

Clint,
Assuming everything is done properly, what causes the tranny whine that we normally hear after the TiC bushing install? Is it the gears pressing against each other due to the lever pressing on the dog gear?

It's not too loud, just curious about what I'm hearing from a technical and mechanical standpoint.

**Turninconcepts.com** · 10-19-2005, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirv

Clint,
Assuming everything is done properly, what causes the tranny whine that we normally hear after the TiC bushing install? Is it the gears pressing against each other due to the lever pressing on the dog gear?

It's not too loud, just curious about what I'm hearing from a technical and mechanical standpoint.

I believe that it's just the normal noise of the tranny inner workings. You just hear it more because you don't have the old squishy bushings to absorb the sounds. The stiffer ones allow for easier transmission of the sound and vibration into the shifter assembly.

This is one of the downfalls of going to stiffer bushings. Any time you do something like this there is a tradeoff.

GotSTI? · 10-19-2005, 08:36 AM

I had a local shop Marlboro, MA (non-tuner type) put a Kartboy and bushings into my 04 for $85. For the longest time I had no rattle. I only got some in 5th gear after a year. Then it mysteriously went away. I am contemplating getting a Kartboy for my 06 because I have missed some shifts. I suck. I didn't want to pay the $650 for the Subbie one knowing I could do this all for under $300 again. Still I think the stock shifter in the 06 is significantly improved over my 04. The 04 had way too much play.

**Turninconcepts.com** · 10-19-2005, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GotSTI?

I had a local shop Marlboro, MA (non-tuner type) put a Kartboy and bushings into my 04 for $85. For the longest time I had no rattle. I only got some in 5th gear after a year. Then it mysteriously went away. I am contemplating getting a Kartboy for my 06 because I have missed some shifts. I suck. I didn't want to pay the $650 for the Subbie one knowing I could do this all for under $300 again. Still I think the stock shifter in the 06 is significantly improved over my 04. The 04 had way too much play.

They have redesigned the linkage on the 06 so that it uses thinner walled bushings.

PUNISHER · 10-20-2005, 07:40 PM

Clint,

Is your 06 super shifter kit available yet? Not trying to hijack the thread

, but just curious.

Thanks

Ol'SaltyBastard · 10-21-2005, 02:30 AM

I had TiC do my install a few months ago, and have ZERO problems that you guys are. Shifter tightness will loosen up a bit with time, but my shifts are crisp and smooth. You have to sort of manhandle it to get smooth shifts, but compared to the GEO Metro type slop built into the stocker, it's a world of difference.

**Turninconcepts.com** · 10-21-2005, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PUNISHER

Clint,

Is your 06 super shifter kit available yet? Not trying to hijack the thread

, but just curious.

Thanks

Not yet. It's going to be a while as this one is more complicated than the 04/05. I have an entire linkage arm assembly for an 06 on the way to me now.

**Chris05STi** · 10-21-2005, 04:49 AM

I got mine from TIC, and let me tell you, they are great informative guys! Fast shipping too! Going to Precision Tuning to have it installed on Oct 31st! Can't wait! I hate the way it feels, and I have the STi short throw shifter in there already! I don't have it in yet, but I would def recommend this to anyone!

**wdb** · 10-21-2005, 06:33 AM

Just a quick note to point out that I edited post #14 in this thread to include all of Clint's checklist items.

Ultimate Shifter...Installed..."UPDATE" 11/15/05

I'd also like to offer my hearty thanks! of appreciation to Clint for being so straightforward and helpful to folks on these boards.

phattey · 10-21-2005, 08:30 AM

wdb...thanks for the update to the list. I'm printing this off tonight and this weekend messing around to see if I can get things corrected.

This list outta go up in the FAQ section...is there an FAQ section..??

P

10-18-2005, 10:52 AM	#16
Turninconcepts.com Authorized Vendor Car: 04/08STI 95SVX 86E30 Posts: 5,505 IWSTI Addict since: Jul 2003 Trader Rating: (54)	Just remembered one more - make sure you reused the foam donut thingie (sorry, that's the best way I can describe it) from the stock shifter. It sits on that flat "washer" on the lever below the spring for the lockout pull. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

10-21-2005, 06:33 AM	#29
wdb dances with roads Car: 2005 CGM STi Posts: 5,189 IWSTI Addict since: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (8)	Just a quick note to point out that I edited post #14 in this thread to include all of Clint's checklist items. Ultimate Shifter...Installed..."UPDATE" 11/15/05 I'd also like to offer my hearty thanks! of appreciation to Clint for being so straightforward and helpful to folks on these boards.

10-21-2005, 08:30 AM	#30
phattey STI Driver Car: '05 STi Fav Mod: Overhead & Glassy... Location: Jacksonville Beach, Flori Posts: 209 IWSTI Addict since: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	wdb...thanks for the update to the list. I'm printing this off tonight and this weekend messing around to see if I can get things corrected. This list outta go up in the FAQ section...is there an FAQ section..?? P This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

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10-18-2005, 11:15 AM	#17
phattey STI Driver Car: '05 STi Fav Mod: Overhead & Glassy... Location: Jacksonville Beach, Flori Posts: 209 IWSTI Addict since: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Here's an update on my driving experience with my SPT Short Shift Assembly and the TIC Super Shifter Kit....I've had it in for about 2 weeks or so... 4th gear around 40-50 MPH has a bad rattle...not a good thing. Letting off the accelarator at any speed produces "plenty" of tranny backlash. Driving at speed the tranny whine is loud. It drowns out my TBE and the turbo spool...unless I'm really on it or at WOT. I'm not sure about this but it seems everyone has a different opinion of the actual shifting feel and I respect that. However, at this point I find it chunky and not smooth. It's as if I actually have to ponder my shifts to be smooth. I don't like that. I was hoping this would provide a graceful shift feel, not a luxo-coupe feel, but at least buttery. Buttery it isn't. It's notchy and abrupt. I know notchy is what folks think they want, but smooth notchy is the bomb, not abrupt notchy. I feel when I shift say between 2nd and 3rd, as an example, the linakge seems confused almost fighting itself opposed to a smooth clean flow. The movement isn't graceful from gear to gear. It's as if there are obstacles in the way making it feel clunky. Anyway...I know these products are the best on the market and folks love 'em, but I remain unsure if the combination of products I used is worth it - for me that is. Unless I fix a couple of these issues (I'm sure I'm the only one in the world with these opinions), I'll yank this and do something else. Probably won't go back to stock, but perhaps try different combinations of these products. Just my thoughts...please don't read too much into it. We're all different in our expectations and experiences. I'm coming out of several cars over the years that had a level of "gold standrad" for shifting... Regardless of this....I LOVE my Suby...it's a keeper..!! Phattey...

10-18-2005, 06:43 PM	#18
Turninconcepts.com Authorized Vendor Car: 04/08STI 95SVX 86E30 Posts: 5,505 IWSTI Addict since: Jul 2003 Trader Rating: (54)	Hi Phattey, You are correct - it should snap into place, not clunk about and get confused. Did you do the install or did a shop? I'm not trying to criticize who installed, I'm just trying to gauge if you can picture what I'm talking about when I say something like "check the torque on your fulcrum. Anything above 8.3 lbs will make it feel like crud." In fact, check that. Use a torque wrench if you have one small enough because 8.3 lbs is super easy to blow right past with a normal socket.

10-19-2005, 05:14 AM	#20
phattey STI Driver Car: '05 STi Fav Mod: Overhead & Glassy... Location: Jacksonville Beach, Flori Posts: 209 IWSTI Addict since: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	I did have a shop install, but I have all the confidence in the world with these guys. I read your "things to check" list and might present that to him, but I want to be respectful of his skills and not appear negative or imply anything. He and his team are pretty talented. You're right about blowing by low TQ numbers...I've done that plenty of times over the years. But, since I didn't do the install I'm not sure what you're referring to on the fulcrum, but I'll get educated quickly. It's not just the feel though...it's the blacklash and rattle too. I'm not sure what to do to remedy those other than look at your suggestions on the list and do them. Maybe I'll take a road trip to you....where are you guys located..?? I'll drive just about any distance to get this worked out. Thanks for the interest... P..

10-19-2005, 08:36 AM	#23
GotSTI? Silver Member Car: 08 White STI Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,629 IWSTI Addict since: Jan 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I had a local shop Marlboro, MA (non-tuner type) put a Kartboy and bushings into my 04 for $85. For the longest time I had no rattle. I only got some in 5th gear after a year. Then it mysteriously went away. I am contemplating getting a Kartboy for my 06 because I have missed some shifts. I suck. I didn't want to pay the $650 for the Subbie one knowing I could do this all for under $300 again. Still I think the stock shifter in the 06 is significantly improved over my 04. The 04 had way too much play.

10-20-2005, 07:40 PM	#25
PUNISHER Amateur STI Driver Car: 2006 OBP/GOLD STI Fav Mod: 15% TINT Location: NORTH IDAHO Posts: 28 IWSTI Addict since: Sep 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Clint, Is your 06 super shifter kit available yet? Not trying to hijack the thread , but just curious. Thanks

10-21-2005, 02:30 AM	#26
Ol'SaltyBastard Spec C Club Car: 1983 Mercedes Benz 3 Location: N. Kentucky/Cinci Posts: 1,464 IWSTI Addict since: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I had TiC do my install a few months ago, and have ZERO problems that you guys are. Shifter tightness will loosen up a bit with time, but my shifts are crisp and smooth. You have to sort of manhandle it to get smooth shifts, but compared to the GEO Metro type slop built into the stocker, it's a world of difference.

10-21-2005, 04:49 AM	#28
Chris05STi The Godfather of Meth Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 10,328 IWSTI Addict since: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (30)	I got mine from TIC, and let me tell you, they are great informative guys! Fast shipping too! Going to Precision Tuning to have it installed on Oct 31st! Can't wait! I hate the way it feels, and I have the STi short throw shifter in there already! I don't have it in yet, but I would def recommend this to anyone!