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Q: What is the difference in shifter
knob height?
A: None... unless you want there
to be a difference!
The height-adjustable Evo series of shifters,
specifically designed for each specific BMW, start out
exactly the same as stock height. Appearance inside
the car is exactly the same as the stock shifter.
However, based on your personal preference and body
geometry, you may find altering the height more
suitable. Height adjustment range is as follows:
For the 1994-1999 M3, 1996-2000 328i, and 2001 330i:
stock height to .5" lower.
For all other models: stock height to .75" lower.
Q: Can I
use the factory BMW shift knob?
A: Yes, our
Ultimate Short Shifter kits are designed to work with the
factory BMW shift knobs and UUC Motorwerks shift knobs.
The BMW illuminated shift knob will also work with
100% compatibility.
Q: Where is the shifter knob placed in
relation to the stock shifter?
A: Each of our shifters is designed for
the specific car it will go into... the knob will be
exactly centered in the boot (just like it is now).
Q: Can I really install the kit myself?
A: Yes. You must use jackstands or
a lift. You don't need any tools other than a
flat-blade screwdriver (we include any special tools you
might need). Having an assistant really helps to
make the job quicker. No special skills are
required and the mini-manual included with every kit
guides you through the process with step-by-step
pictures. If you don't want to try installing your
own shifter, any competent shop can do it. All
authorized UUC Dealers/Installers will quote a flat rate
for installation, variable depending on what accessories
(ERK, delrin bushings) you get.
Q: Can the installation be reversed?
A: Absolutely. None of the
original parts are destroyed or modified, no holes are
drilled, nothing is cut. The installation of the
UUC Motorwerks short shifter is identical to the
installation of a stock shifter.
Q: What is the difference between the
UUC Motorwerks shifter and other competitors' shifters?
A: Everything is different! See the shifter
comparison page.
Q: What is the difference between the
UUC Motorwerks shifter and just using the shifter from
the M3 or M Roadster/Z3?
A: The UUC Motorwerks shifter is a
purpose-built unit designed and constructed without
regard to the expense limitations of the original
equipment parts (basically, we didn't have the
bean-counters messing things up!). Quality is
unparalleled at any price and the fit is absolutely
perfect. The M3/Z3 shifter may not be appropriate for
your specific car. At the very least, such a
transplant will result in improper shifter position (the
whole pattern will be shifted up and to the left,
effectively putting neutral where fifth gear is normally
located), increased notchiness (due to incorrect shift
linkage geometry), and a reduction in shifter height that
is perhaps not suitable for you.
All of the UUC shifter kits are complete.
We include everything you need including instructions,
new cup, clip, washers, and special tools that help
remove the original shifter. No other kit is as
high-quality or as complete as the UUC Motorwerks
kit.
Q. My Ultimate Short Shifter feels
notchy. What's the deal?
A: When you
install a UUC Motorwerks Ultimate Short Shifter kit, it
includes new bushings and washers as supplied from the
factory. Installing these new parts will make the
assembly feel tight, but slightly notchy in the
beginning. Two to three thousand miles of use tends
to allow the new parts to break in.
Using the ERK with a Competition
shift helps realign the lower shifter linkage geometry,
but the shifter is still moving more with less throw
(basic leverage concepts apply). One of the small
trade-offs to short shifters is the increased
effort. Some systems increase the effort too much
while others (such as UUC Motorwerks) work hard to
continually reduce this side effect.
Additionally, note
that installing a short shifter of any kind will require
the effort to shift gears to increase.
Adding a heavier, aftermarket shift knob such as the UUC
Motorwerks Rob Knob or RK•Evo shift knob will aid in
decreasing the perceived shifting effort with it's
increased mass.
Q: Are there any permanent
modifications to my car?
A: For most BMWs, absolutely no modifications are
necessary and the car can be returned to stock at any
time (but you'll never want to!).
©
1998-2005 Chiba
Technologies, Inc.
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