Paul902

Hi guys,

just a quick update on my experience installing a short shift kit completed two days ago...

Research:
I looked around and was tempted by the simplicity of the VF Engineering piece, and also the Neuspeed. Also sounded like Neuspeed was best in terms of it's added weight, but it was pricey. I ended up ordering a Forge kit with both the front to back and side to side adjustments. I wanted to have both adjustments, and also like that Forge has adjustable throw on both parts.
Forge F/B
Forge S/S


I also had good feedback on the 42DD end link bushings so went for those, as well.
42DD bushings


Ordering, etc:

I ordered the Forge parts directly online using the UK pricing, which is significantly less than the US pricing. They tried to redirect me to the US and I asked them not to. I was hoping to pay similar shipping and less brokerage, and other things I have had shipped from Europe were either sent by that countries mail, or DHL. The parts were sent UPS, with a hefty shipping and brokerage charge, plus duty and tax. The parts were nearly $300 CDN at my door! The finish quality of the casting was nothing great, but the part certainly looked durable.

I ordered the 42DD direct from them. The email customer support was exceptional and they mailed them USPS in a small packet. Arrived at my door without duty, brokerage, etc. The 42DD bushings were very simple, and solid looking.

Install:

I first had a problem that the F/B pin and bushing did not fit nicely. I had to tap the bushing on with a hammer, and then it would not rotate. Not acceptable. I removed the bushing and measured the Forge pin diameter at 10.00 mm and the bushing internal diameter at 9.94 mm. I was able to put the pin in my drill press and using some 1000 grit sandpaper work it down to 9.94 mm. Now there was a good fit between the two. I'm not sure which part was out of spec.

The install on the car was straight forward. I completed the job by removing the air intake and filter housing, only. The job was complete within 1h15min. No major difficulties, just followed the instructions sent by both Forge and 42DD. I set the F/B adjustment at full short, and the S/S adjustment about middle of the range. The OE endlinks have a plastic/rubber bushing with lots of airgaps. Really very compliant, and designed for a smooth, luxurious feel. I could see that the soled bushings were going to make a difference. The cable adjustment was bang on first time, and I have had no issues with engaging any gear, sychro noise, etc.

Impressions:

Quite a difference!

F/B
Immediately you notice the decreased F/B throw, and the proportionally increased force required to move the gear lever. Gear engagement is much more direct, precise, and mechanical feeling. I do notice, also, that after you start the motion, there is a force that actually pulls the lever into gear. After you start the motion your arm actually then goes along for the ride. IE it would be tricky to push the lever 3/4 of the required distance without going the whole way. The end of the throw comes with a very solid stop, versus the gentle one of the stock. I think this is due to the bushings, only. On a quick 2-3, for ex, it almost feels like you hit the end of the throw and bounce back a touch.

S/S
Again you feel the increased force required for S/S movement. I was worried that if I went too short S/S that the cluster would be too tight and I would have missed shifts. At mid-way on the adjustment I have no sense of this. I am glad to have reduced it, and may go a bit shorter yet. The S/S motion feels like a good match for the reduced F/B.


Overall, I am very pleased with the feel of the short shifter. It does feel a bit out of place on my otherwise unmolested A3, though. I think Audi did a good job of making the stock shifter fit with the demeanor of the rest of the car. I'm getting a lot of smiles out of the short shifter, but now I'm thinking the rest of the car needs to be stiffer, louder, and faster. This could get expensive!

In total, I spent $325 CDN...I could have done this cheaper and maybe I'd have been better putting that towards an APR ECU upgrade. In the end, though, I'm glad to have the S/S adjustment, and this seemed to be the way to go for that. No looking back now!