Short Shifter Install

[tbm5690]

Today's project was installing a short(er) shifter on the GLI. It is an OE part on European Audi S3s so a direct fit to any transverse mount VW 6-speed, basically. It shortens the throw by about 15-20% which IMO is perfect...quicker action without increased effort. One of those things that makes you wonder "Why did VW not use this one stock?" I love small "OE" type mods on my vehicles and this fits the bill.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Does that quicker shift get you more MPG? Oh was it free?

 

[tbm5690]

Does that quicker shift get you more MPG? Oh was it free?

Really it's a quicker shift for better performance. It was around $85 so a pretty cheap improvement.

 

[factorytuned2012]

Today's project was installing a short(er) shifter on the GLI. It is an OE part on European Audi S3s so a direct fit to any transverse mount VW 6-speed, basically. It shortens the throw by about 15-20% which IMO is perfect...quicker action without increased effort. One of those things that makes you wonder "Why did VW not use this one stock?" I love small "OE" type mods on my vehicles and this fits the bill.

then people wouldnt buy the s3 lol

 

[AZjeff]

Does that quicker shift get you more MPG? Oh was it free?

So performance mods not okay, they have to save money somehow? Nothing wrong with improving driving enjoyment.

 

[shortyb]

One of those things that makes you wonder "Why did VW not use this one stock?" I love small "OE" type mods on my vehicles and this fits the bill.

Why? Because most folks that would drive a manual Jetta vs. a more performance oriented S3 would complain that the shift throws are too short/tight, can't tell what gear their in, or money shift the trans and wonder why they cant get it fixed under warranty .

 

[tbm5690]

Why? Because most folks that would drive a manual Jetta vs. a more performance oriented S3 would complain that the shift throws are too short/tight, can't tell what gear their in, or money shift the trans and wonder why they cant get it fixed under warranty .

I agree for the base Jetta/Golf, but on the GLI/GTI/R I'm surprised it's such a long throw from the factory.

 

[ammolab]

With the rev hag engineered into manual transmission cars these days for emissions reduction….a quicker shift isn’t usually a nice thing. Quick and smooth are impossible.

 

[tbm5690]

With the rev hag engineered into manual transmission cars these days for emissions reduction….a quicker shift isn’t usually a nice thing. Quick and smooth are impossible.

It's there but not terrible on the VWs. Hondas from what I hear are the worst.

 

[ammolab]

It's there but not terrible on the VWs. Hondas from what I hear are the worst.

It’s definitely there on my 2016 Chevy-Holden SS sedan, but I live with it to have a V8 stick shift sedan. Problem is, I’m old enough to remember my 1964 AH Sprite and 1972 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe with no rev hang. Smooth Shifts as fast as a straight pull bolt action rifle at WOT! Those days are gone.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Wouldnt it be more effort because of shorter lever length?

 

[ammolab]

Wouldnt it be more effort because of shorter lever length?

Yes, but noting that would require a bionic arm to make that shift.

 

[meep]

It's there but not terrible on the VWs. Hondas from what I hear are the worst.

It was pretty pronounced on the 18 sport 1.5t 6MT. But the 1.5t also had very usable torque. For normal driving, shifting early did great. For sport shifting, just shift and drop the clutch - the engine doesn’t have much inertia and it was fine.