Aren't chassis mounted shifters (RTD/CAE/etc.) hard on transmissions?

[naldersonm3]

I like to think I have a pretty good idea on how to wrench on cars as I have been doing it for a decade now and done jobs on my M3 such as rod bearings, PS pump, thermostat all with success. That being said, please bear with me on this question because I could be missing something simple. I recently installed an RTD V4 race length shifter on the M3 and notice there is significant transmission whine in 1st + 2nd and 5th + 6th. This is because the clock spring on the shifter itself is exerting an addition force on the DSSR and transmission input lever forcing the gears to sit in an un natural position. Is this not awlful for the gears in the transmission??? In 3rd + 4th, there is no whine because the shifter is centrally aligned. Any insight into this would be tremendously appreciated as I scoured the forums and was unable to find any info. Thanks!

[//steve\\]

hmmm....when I had a CAE there wasn't any additional noise.

[Mr_Reeves]

If anything I would imagine that they are better for the transmission as due to the design of the shifter, the selector is more securely located and is less prone to things like mis-shifting.

The wine is probably due to the fact that a lot of the plastic bushing that acts as a sound insulator has been removed and replaced with billet aluminium.

[naldersonm3]

After messing with the shifter some more last night it appears you are correct Mr. Reeves. The whine is still there but tugging around on the shifter while moving in gear doesn't seem to do as much as I remembered for the whine. Just wanted to make sure before I started tracking again and damaging something. I can say with this being the case however RTD shifters are very high quality units and I would recommend! Thanks guys!

[//steve\\]

I replaced my CAE with an Autosolutions which goes back to a more OE like shifter and I would say NVH between the two is identical. Shifting with the CAE a little better I just wish there was a better happy medium between the full on racecar look of CAE and totally stock look of Autosolutions.

[Camnyc]

Originally Posted by //steve\\

I replaced my CAE with an Autosolutions which goes back to a more OE like shifter and I would say NVH between the two is identical. Shifting with the CAE a little better I just wish there was a better happy medium between the full on racecar look of CAE and totally stock look of Autosolutions.

Autosolutions and the mkah motorsports extension. Perfect setup for these cars.

[naldersonm3]

so i've heard, i just wanted to see what the chassis mounts were like and if they were worth pursuing on the other cars.

[adrian_j]

Originally Posted by //steve\\

I replaced my CAE with an Autosolutions which goes back to a more OE like shifter and I would say NVH between the two is identical. Shifting with the CAE a little better I just wish there was a better happy medium between the full on racecar look of CAE and totally stock look of Autosolutions.

i think you want the turner adjustable SSK, its not chassis mounted but its exactly what you're describing

[bigjae1976]

Reduced throw shifters can accelerate synchro wear or so I've been told.

Can't say whether that's true.

[03m_plus]

I have the same experience with the RTD mini. The noise/whine isn’t audible with windows rolled down or with music with windows rolled up. Definitely audible with no music, windows rolled up. It’s audible with all gears except 3rd and 4th.

I wanted to see if this is the case with all chassis mounted shifters, all RTD shifters, or is it just an us problem naldersonm3 …

Also wanted to see if there’s a way to minimize the noise. I did add an IRP dust boot which cut down the noise about half and removed the free hand heater that comes with the RTD shifter…

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Reduced throw shifters can accelerate synchro wear or so I've been told.

Can't say whether that's true.

especially in this transmission with its fiber syncros, when im shifting with my rtd i usually hold the shifter at the gate for a split second before I put it into the next gear with the gearbox cold.

[skbonez]

Originally Posted by 0utlaw

I have the same experience with the RTD mini. The noise/whine isn’t audible with windows rolled down or with music with windows rolled up. Definitely audible with no music, windows rolled up. It’s audible with all gears except 3rd and 4th.

I wanted to see if this is the case with all chassis mounted shifters, all RTD shifters, or is it just an us problem naldersonm3 …

Also wanted to see if there’s a way to minimize the noise. I did add an IRP dust boot which cut down the noise about half and removed the free hand heater that comes with the RTD shifter…

Same issue here, I plan to go back to oem as there is no way that the pressure of the spring pushing against the shifter isnt causing excessive wear.