How to improve Shift Feel

[.:R-Newbie]

Is a Short Shifter all that's needed to get rid of the bad shifting feel our cars come with stock? I'm not so concerned with the long throw as much as the "spongy or soft" feel and jerkiness during the shift as if its rubbing against plastic or something.

[sc0ttyb]

Yup, it got rid of that on mine.

(sent via mobile)

[velocity196]

You can get aluminum washers or spacers to replace the rubber one on the shifter bracket. Also people have reported that a lower mount insert has helped but I have not don't that yet. Prolly won't till I'm ready to order a full DLI mount setup.

[flieger]

A Short Shifter will not by its self remove the "sloppy/squishy" feel. I'd suggest the route I took. I used the 42DD kit for the end links and the Tyrol Sport on the top of the transmission. Those 2 items removed all of the "softness" from the basic transmission workings. I then added the HPA SS about a week later at 20% reduction. The transmission, in my opinion is now...perfect!

So now the completed shift-linkage upgrade is:



42DD End Link Bushings

http://store.42draftdesigns.com/VW-S...-13_p_459.html



Tyrolsport Solid Shifter Bracket Bushings (SSBB)

http://www.tyrolsport.com/engine/tra...-bushing-ssbb/



HPA Short Shifter

http://www.hpamotorsport.com/shifters.htm

[velocity196]

A Short Shifter will not by its self remove the "sloppy/squishy" feel. I'd suggest the route I took. I used the 42DD kit for the end links and the Tyrol Sport on the top of the transmission. Those 2 items removed all of the "softness" from the basic transmission workings. I then added the HPA SS about a week later at 20% reduction. The transmission, in my opinion is now...perfect!

So now the completed shift-linkage upgrade is:



42DD End Link Bushings

http://store.42draftdesigns.com/VW-S...-13_p_459.html



Tyrolsport Solid Shifter Bracket Bushings (SSBB)

http://www.tyrolsport.com/engine/tra...-bushing-ssbb/



HPA Short Shifter

http://www.hpamotorsport.com/shifters.htm

Oh wow that must have been like going from a natural DD to a man made insert HAHA! Those 42DD inserts are pretty dope! I have IE shifter bracket bushings sitting on the parts shelf. Need to get those in someday!

[SoNgMaN]

Seriously the thread on the first page started hours earlier wasn't enough?

[ecirwin]

My vote is for the Diesel Geek short shifter. I can't say how it compares to other solutions on the Golf, but it was like night and day. I will say that it takes a few thousand miles to really get buttery smooth, but once it does it is a dream. It was better right away, but it gets even better with time. I don't know how the cost compares to the other solutions, probably more, but I don't regret spending that money at all.

[watsonj0]

Diesel Geek shifter solves all the issues in one package.

[flieger]

Diesel Geek shifter solves all the issues in one package.

And of you like an unweighted shifter...then that is for you...I however have never been a fan of loosing the counter weight. The feeling IMO dies when you take that simple thing from the equation.

[Vickroy6]

Golf R already comes with really good short shifter stock.
Anything beyond is it overkill IMHO.

[.:R-Newbie]

Golf R already comes with really good short shifter stock.
Anything beyond is it overkill IMHO.

I like the stock throw in my opinion... but will just the 42DD End Link Bushings and the Tyrolsport Solid Shifter Bracket Bushings (SSBB) remove the squishy soft feel?

[.:R-Newbie]

Seriously the thread on the first page started hours earlier wasn't enough?

Which one? The one about a heavier knob? If its that one it has nothing to do with this one... and if I am not accused of opening a thread (as you are doing here) I get accused of hijacking. So its never a win... might as well do it my way then!

[flieger]

I like the stock throw in my opinion... but will just the 42DD End Link Bushings and the Tyrolsport Solid Shifter Bracket Bushings (SSBB) remove the squishy soft feel?

Yes...I started with just those...and that is all you need to remove the squishy/soft feel. If that is all you are attempting to do...then that is your route.

[BRSomm]

Golf R already comes with really good short shifter stock.
Anything beyond is it overkill IMHO.

I thought so too but I'm happy I went with the mods below.

Transformed the car in a great way!

[watsonj0]

And of you like an unweighted shifter...then that is for you...I however have never been a fan of loosing the counter weight. The feeling IMO dies when you take that simple thing from the equation.

The stock is crap and it includes the weight, the difference with the DG unit is amazing you really have ti try it to believe it. I have a 911 turbo with a $1000 billet shifter mech and cup cables and this DG unit shifts and feels better, yes it really is that good.

[DaLeadBull]

The stock is crap and it includes the weight, the difference with the DG unit is amazing you really have ti try it to believe it. I have a 911 turbo with a $1000 billet shifet mech and cup cables and this DG unit shifts and feels better, yes it really is that good.

I'm really thinking about going with the DG short shifter too, the only question I have is, how smooth is it? How does is compare with stock in that regard?

[BRSomm]

I'm really thinking about going with the DG short shifter too, the only question I have is, how smooth is it? How does is compare with stock in that regard?

It's a little notchy but feels very mechanically connected, if that makes sense. It really feels like you're putting it in to gear instead of just putting things close and letting things happen.

[.:R-Newbie]

Ok so I ordered the 42DD End Link Bushings and the Tyrolsport Solid Shifter Bracket Bushings (SSBB).

Debating on if I should order the HPA SS or not. Thoughts? Will the SS help reduce the rubbery shifting feel... or will that be addressed by the other two components I already bought and the SS only takes care of shortening the shift throws? Ive considered the Dog Bone mounts but after reading the issue on low end vibration with the A/C on and on 6th gear... I decided to pass.

So will I notice a big difference with just the End Link Bushings and the Shifter Bracket Bushings?

[mwrmt]

Just ordered the bushings from 42DD and will install them before getting the set from Tyrol as I want to see if I can notice the changes one at a time.

[flieger]

The stock is crap and it includes the weight, the difference with the DG unit is amazing you really have ti try it to believe it. I have a 911 turbo with a $1000 billet shifter mech and cup cables and this DG unit shifts and feels better, yes it really is that good.

For the record...since obviously I was not clear in past comments...I have tried the DG shifter option on a variety of different cars, AND I DON"T LIKE IT!...hence the reason I have the path above on my current car and in the past on my other VW's...this is not my first rodeo

[ThatJohnGuy]

I am kicking myself in the ass for not installing my Diesel Geek AS SOON as I got it. The difference is AMAZING. Everyone says it will get better as it breaks in too :-)

I am installing the Tyrol Bushings tomorrow. It looks pretty simple and forward. Take the three 13MM nuts off, remove old bushings, put Tyrol ones in, then tighten down right?

I HIGHLY recommend a short shifter.

[sc0ttyb]

I am kicking myself in the ass for not installing my Diesel Geek AS SOON as I got it. The difference is AMAZING.

I procrastinated for something like a month after I got the shifter to install it and was kicking myself for not doing it ASAP.

(sent via mobile)

[BC R]

Golf R already comes with really good short shifter stock.
Anything beyond is it overkill IMHO.

What? How can you call that short? If you come from Jeep's shifter maybe the stock one feels "short" to you...

[BC R]

Ok so I ordered the 42DD End Link Bushings and the Tyrolsport Solid Shifter Bracket Bushings (SSBB).

Debating on if I should order the HPA SS or not. Thoughts? Will the SS help reduce the rubbery shifting feel... or will that be addressed by the other two components I already bought and the SS only takes care of shortening the shift throws? Ive considered the Dog Bone mounts but after reading the issue on low end vibration with the A/C on and on 6th gear... I decided to pass.

So will I notice a big difference with just the End Link Bushings and the Shifter Bracket Bushings?

You are trying to improve the plastic cable catchers but you are not solving the biggest problem- the fact that those things are plastic crap. Cancel your orders and get Diesel Geek.

[mwrmt]

I am kicking myself in the ass for not installing my Diesel Geek AS SOON as I got it. The difference is AMAZING. Everyone says it will get better as it breaks in too :-)

I am installing the Tyrol Bushings tomorrow. It looks pretty simple and forward. Take the three 13MM nuts off, remove old bushings, put Tyrol ones in, then tighten down right?

I HIGHLY recommend a short shifter.

What? How can you call that short? If you come from Jeep's shifter maybe the stock one feels "short" to you...

You are trying to improve the plastic cable catchers but you are not solving the biggest problem- the fact that those things are plastic crap. Cancel your orders and get Diesel Geek.

I installed the S3 SS in my MKVI GTI and saw and liked the improvement right away. The best part was it was relatively inexpensive. The fact that the R comes with it stock is a bonus, so I'm curious to see what these 2 bushing kits can do. They're inexpensive and I'm not trying to overthink the whole SS idea.

And remember, what works for you and what you like, is NOT going to be the same with everyone one, so it's impossible to tell someone that "this item" is the best.

[.:R-Newbie]

You are trying to improve the plastic cable catchers but you are not solving the biggest problem- the fact that those things are plastic crap. Cancel your orders and get Diesel Geek.

CRAP... so did I do it all wrong? Should I return the two parts I ordered already?

[BC R]

CRAP... so did I do it all wrong? Should I return the two parts I ordered already?

I would. Or if you really want to experience everything yourself you can spend the time to install what you ordered and then pull the whole thing out and install Diesel Geek to compare. Look at the picture in my build thread comparing side by side stock plastic to Diesel Geek solid aluminum. I would not trust this plastic crap at all. A properly adjusted Diesel Geek is awesome.

The same cannot be said about Diesel Geek skid plate- despite them telling me that I can put their plate on my R I would never dare to do that as it would severely disrupt transmission cooling.

[jsausley]

I love the stock shifter. I can't stand short notchy shifters like on the ACR/new ZR1. With the HPA engine mount to tighten up the drivetrain slop, the stock shifter is perfect.

[mwrmt]

Just installed the TyrolSport bushings and I've gotta say there is a very noticeable difference with these installed too. Maybe not quite as much as the 42DD bushings, but I've been driving with them for about 2 weeks, so I really got too see a big change there.

Overall, for the relatively low price of a $100, these 2 changes were $$$ well spent.

My only gripe with the TS bushings was that there was no installation sheet. It is pretty straightforward, but a little prompting would have been nice without having to email someone for help. The install is a bit tedious/tight, depending on the size of your hands, but all went well.

Here's the bits:

TyrolSport bushings:

they're under the bolts

this one is the blurred bronze colour on the left behind the cable.

42DD bushings:

[nchiarel]

I have the Diesel Geek shifter installed but am feeling a bit of play when in gear (about 3/4" to 1" Horizontal).

Do the Tyrol Shifter Bushings fix this problem, or are they useless to people who installed the DG shifter? It looks like the 42DD bushings are definitely already part of the DG shifter design.

I'm also waiting for some warm weather (and this Blizzard to pass) before I install the dogbone mount, hopefully that stiffens things up a bit too.

Thanks

[nchiarel]

Any opinion on the Tryol bushings if I already have the DG shifter?

[ecirwin]

Any opinion on the Tryol bushings if I already have the DG shifter?

I have the DG on my car and after about 15K miles with it, I would say my side to side play is about half of what you are claiming in yours. Sorry, no idea what might be the cause or if the Tyrol bushings would help.

[koma]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned dogbone mount.
Not only does this reduce the "slop" in shift feel, the engine has less torsional losses.

[B0000rt]

I love the stock shifter. I can't stand short notchy shifters like on the ACR/new ZR1. With the HPA engine mount to tighten up the drivetrain slop, the stock shifter is perfect.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned dogbone mount.
Not only does this reduce the "slop" in shift feel, the engine has less torsional losses.

Someone did mention it already.