Auto Solutions SSK

SYT_Shadow · 02-18-2021, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ha9981

How bad could it be?

I did my rod bearings on jack stands.

This almost scared me away. But I really want this upgrade.

It's infinitely easier than rod bearings on jack stands. Not even in the same ballpark

I installed my AS SSK at the friggin track, in the parking lot, after a track day. Then tracked it with the AS installed the next day.

Macpsi · 02-18-2021, 01:03 PM

Any DIY on it? Rough estimate on time to install?

Whenever I decide to get one, would probably just rent some time at lift diy shop and do it myself.

Scharbag · 02-18-2021, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nisfro98

I got a response from him. With the zhp knob he recommends 20-23%. To all you guys who went higher or wish you have gone higher are you using stock shifter knob or shorter one ?

Stock. I need to get a proper ZHP knob.

Scharbag · 02-18-2021, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Quote:

Originally Posted by ha9981

How bad could it be?

I did my rod bearings on jack stands.

This almost scared me away. But I really want this upgrade.

It's infinitely easier than rod bearings on jack stands. Not even in the same ballpark

I installed my AS SSK at the friggin track, in the parking lot, after a track day. Then tracked it with the AS installed the next day.

It is far less work for sure. But it can be far more frustrating if you have large hands...

SYT_Shadow · 02-18-2021, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scharbag

It is far less work for sure. But it can be far more frustrating if you have large hands...

fortunately for me I have little girly hands

Vybz · 02-18-2021, 02:44 PM

Auto Solutions SSK is 100% doable on jack stands, a lift is definitely not required. The hardest part for most people is removal of the shift arm because of it's awkward shape and lack of room, but if you have someone else with you, and can drop the transmission down a little bit, you'll be golden. After you get past this obstacle, the removal/install is very straight forward. Ron will remind you numerous times in his instructions (with big warnings and pictures) to make sure you have the shift lever installed correctly, as it's common for people to install it backwards. Time taken for the install depends on how mechanically inclined you are. There are plenty of videos on youtube to guide you if you need them. After doing two installs myself, I'm confident I could knock it out in 2-3 hours. A first timer who is unfamiliar though, could easily double those times.

If you're doing this install, I HIGHLY recommend swapping out your OEM rear shifter arm bushing with Turner Motorsports polyurethane upgrade. It only cost about $40 and it completes the kit by eliminating all of the OEM rubber bushings & their potential to be a weak link in the chain. There's literally no reason to not do it.

Here's a link if you aren't familiar with what I'm talking about: (Ron's kit replaces every bushing but this one)
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...r-arm-bushing/

My car is equipped with Ron's SSK at 28% reduction with a ZHP knob, no additional height, and I have zero regrets. I actually have no intention of upgrading to CAE, even as I begin to shift my focus from HPDE's to time attack. This shifter gets the job done, and as the saying goes.... if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Ron is a wealth of knowledge and just talking to him for 5 mins, you'll be blown away by his experience and wisdom when it comes to BMW shifting assemblies and mechanisms.

ha9981 · 02-18-2021, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Quote:

Originally Posted by ha9981

How bad could it be?

I did my rod bearings on jack stands.

This almost scared me away. But I really want this upgrade.

It's infinitely easier than rod bearings on jack stands. Not even in the same ballpark

I installed my AS SSK at the friggin track, in the parking lot, after a track day. Then tracked it with the AS installed the next day.

I'm going to guess you did it without having to lower the transmission?

Did you just do it from the console area?

SYT_Shadow · 02-18-2021, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ha9981

I'm going to guess you did it without having to lower the transmission?

Did you just do it from the console area?

I didn't lower the tranny. I removed the xpipe (I was also installing an xpipe at the track, good ideas all around...) and did it through the bottom and the top.
It's not possible to only do it through the top.

DRLane · 02-18-2021, 04:06 PM

If you're nervous about install, a competent indy shop should be able to install this for ~$250.

//steve\\ · 02-19-2021, 06:07 AM

I can also confirm it's more than doable with just jack stands as that's how I did mine. Install is a bit of a pain but the result is worth it.

Ajolives · 02-19-2021, 06:29 AM

Welp, this thread pushed me over the edge, time to call Ron. Thinking 25% reduction +2 inches for my DD use.

pbonsalb · 02-19-2021, 06:51 AM

I think the install is harder with stiffer bushings, particularly the front bushing. I listened to Ron on his recommendation and went with his mildest bushing upgrade. Stock would be the easiest install in terms of lining up the pin and pushing it through when it is hard to reach or see. The rubber boot takes some fiddling as well. Obviously, the more you remove, the easier it is but it takes time to remove stuff. Small hands would help but I don’t have those. And once you have done it, you could do it more easily the next time....

STooK · 02-22-2021, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRLane

If you're nervous about install, a competent indy shop should be able to install this for ~$250.

I also love my AS SSK but finding someone to install it was the hard part. Some shops I called around even wanted $600 to get it installed claiming it was a 4-5 hour job. $250 would be for a private mechanic working out of their garage, expect $3-400 at a shop so don't forget to factor in labor when purchasing this kit.

Like everyone said it's a wonderful mod for the e9x M3's but depending on the labor it may or may not be worth it for you. It's definitely in the top 3 mods I've done to my car, maybe right after the rear solid subframe bushings.

Bartledoo · 02-26-2021, 12:35 AM

I dunno how the f you guys weaseled the shifter carrier out without lowering the trans at all. That was a bitch and a half when I installed the RTD. Didn't help that the 95A poly engine mounts wouldn't allow much drop. I must've zigged the carrier when I should've zagged it.

SnohoRaptor · 02-26-2021, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epoustouflant

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macpsi

Epoustouflant possible to get a group buy on these? Lol

Anything is possible.

I'm in.

Just don't tell my wife. Or my buddy who will help with install. 🥴

Vuu · 02-26-2021, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

I dunno how the f you guys weaseled the shifter carrier out without lowering the trans at all. That was a bitch and a half when I installed the RTD. Didn't help that the 95A poly engine mounts wouldn't allow much drop. I must've zigged the carrier when I should've zagged it.

Call it luck. I didn't lower my trans at all.

02-18-2021, 01:03 PM	#24
Macpsi Private 25 Rep 79 Posts Drives: 11 E92 m3 6mt Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1997 Eclipse GST [0.00] 2002 Lexus IS300 [0.00] 2011 e92 M3 [0.00]	Any DIY on it? Rough estimate on time to install? Whenever I decide to get one, would probably just rent some time at lift diy shop and do it myself.
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02-18-2021, 02:44 PM	#28
Vybz Captain 145 Rep 674 Posts Drives: Adidas and Puma Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Kitsap County, WA iTrader: (10) Garage List 2012 BMW M3 [8.60]	Auto Solutions SSK is 100% doable on jack stands, a lift is definitely not required. The hardest part for most people is removal of the shift arm because of it's awkward shape and lack of room, but if you have someone else with you, and can drop the transmission down a little bit, you'll be golden. After you get past this obstacle, the removal/install is very straight forward. Ron will remind you numerous times in his instructions (with big warnings and pictures) to make sure you have the shift lever installed correctly, as it's common for people to install it backwards. Time taken for the install depends on how mechanically inclined you are. There are plenty of videos on youtube to guide you if you need them. After doing two installs myself, I'm confident I could knock it out in 2-3 hours. A first timer who is unfamiliar though, could easily double those times. If you're doing this install, I HIGHLY recommend swapping out your OEM rear shifter arm bushing with Turner Motorsports polyurethane upgrade. It only cost about $40 and it completes the kit by eliminating all of the OEM rubber bushings & their potential to be a weak link in the chain. There's literally no reason to not do it. Here's a link if you aren't familiar with what I'm talking about: (Ron's kit replaces every bushing but this one) https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...r-arm-bushing/ My car is equipped with Ron's SSK at 28% reduction with a ZHP knob, no additional height, and I have zero regrets. I actually have no intention of upgrading to CAE, even as I begin to shift my focus from HPDE's to time attack. This shifter gets the job done, and as the saying goes.... if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Ron is a wealth of knowledge and just talking to him for 5 mins, you'll be blown away by his experience and wisdom when it comes to BMW shifting assemblies and mechanisms. __________________ Highway Star Garage / Ruined Luxury Auto InstaGram: Ruinedluxury_vybz NA1 NSX - Storage 2nd Gen Taco - Daily
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02-18-2021, 04:06 PM	#31
DRLane Brigadier General 4388 Rep 3,635 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado iTrader: (23)	If you're nervous about install, a competent indy shop should be able to install this for ~$250. __________________ Not a Doctor, those are just my initials.
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02-19-2021, 06:07 AM	#32
//steve\\ Major $//steve\\'s Avatar$ 1092 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (2)	I can also confirm it's more than doable with just jack stands as that's how I did mine. Install is a bit of a pain but the result is worth it. __________________ Steve::::2012 AW E92::::IG - @sjs0433
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02-19-2021, 06:29 AM	#33
Ajolives Major 1173 Rep 1,069 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M5 [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 [10.00] 2019 Audi SQ5 [0.00]	Welp, this thread pushed me over the edge, time to call Ron. Thinking 25% reduction +2 inches for my DD use.
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02-19-2021, 06:51 AM	#34
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 7679 Rep 13,759 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	I think the install is harder with stiffer bushings, particularly the front bushing. I listened to Ron on his recommendation and went with his mildest bushing upgrade. Stock would be the easiest install in terms of lining up the pin and pushing it through when it is hard to reach or see. The rubber boot takes some fiddling as well. Obviously, the more you remove, the easier it is but it takes time to remove stuff. Small hands would help but I don’t have those. And once you have done it, you could do it more easily the next time....
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02-26-2021, 12:35 AM	#36
Bartledoo Driver 2708 Rep 2,715 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 Corvette Stingray [0.00] 2002 Porsche Boxster [0.00] 2011 E90 M3 [0.00] 2021 Tesla Model Y [0.00]	I dunno how the f you guys weaseled the shifter carrier out without lowering the trans at all. That was a bitch and a half when I installed the RTD. Didn't help that the 95A poly engine mounts wouldn't allow much drop. I must've zigged the carrier when I should've zagged it. __________________ E90M 6MT Slicktop Single Humper in need of a diet
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