Z3 Short shift conversion for e30 318is

[brendo]

has anyone tried this conversion?? How long did it take to do? How does it change the feel and performance of the car, is really such an easy conversion? whats you advice on this? cheers.

For those of you who dont know wot im talkin about read here:

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... echnz3.htm

[Widge]

It's great!
It's really easy to do, 2 hours I recon.
It totally changes the gear shift much shorter, brilliant mod.
Do it.

[Geeman]

More like half an hour... if you know what you're doing. More fiddly than anything... but WELL WORTH the little bit of effort... I've done it on a 318is and 2 M20 E30's... brilliant mod.

Z3 1.9 lever is a good all-rounder

Z3 2.8 lever is even shorter, though not to everyone's taste

Z3M lever is like driving a go-cart. Brilliant!

Hope this helps...

Giles

[brendo]

so say i go for the Z3M gear leveer, does it just give me a shorter shift, which results in quicker gear changes and so quicker times through the gears? how much cud i pick a new Z3M lever for? and does any one know the part number, which lever would be best to chose for quickest changing? cheers-brendan

[Widge]

I only said 2 hours cos it can take a while if you have to jack the car up and "ajust" the selector rod.
Think I'm going to go for the Z3M lever next, does it need the selector rod ajusting even more? And does it sit in the centre of the gear gate in neutral?
As for the 1.9 Z3 one I have got on now, compared to a new car it requires a bit of force to change gear, but this is to be expected, as if you shorten the leverage you need a larger force to do the same work.

[Theo]

Oh dear this is another mod on my list after these glowing references.....

[brendo]

geeman what is the Z3M like for changin gear? does it require much extra force? and wot kina money is it? cheers

[brendo]

bump!

[hoshy]

The 2.8 can be a little too stiff to put in to gear for day to day driving but it feels nice having such a short throw when you're really ragging it. Though my left bicep is now slightly bigger than my right

[tylerma]

Though my left bicep is now slightly bigger than my right

but is that from the short shift

[hoshy]

I ain't gonna go there dude

[DazzyA]

just got the 1.9 fitted today and oh man, the difference is frightening, I did have a sloppy box before but now she is real tight and short.

[Widge]

The 2.8 can be a little too stiff to put in to gear for day to day driving but it feels nice having such a short throw when you're really ragging it. Though my left bicep is now slightly bigger than my right

Cut the belt on the power steering pump, and they will balance out. Trust MEEEE

[brendo]

so would i be best to just buy a new Z3 1.9 lever from a bmw dealer? what all parts do i need? and what sorta money for a brand new one? cheers for the help guys

[Geeman]

I think you can get it all for under Ԛ£30... something like Ԛ£27 or there abouts.

Giles

[brendo]

looks like its gona be a real cheap and cheerful upgrade then!

[Geeman]

You'll need the lever, the plastic bush it sits in, then maybe new circlips and washers...

Check through the Zone for the article that lists the parts you'll need.

Giles.

[Widge]

Tell you what Brendo, I've got a 1.9 one on my car and want to got to a 2.8 or Z3M, so If I go and buy one and fit it this weekend do you want to buy my old one? Cheapo obviously, only been on the car for 9 months.

[Geeman]

He'll also need to get the plastic bush too... so buy two of everything (except the lever of course) and then let him have the 'whole kit'...

Then there's no confusion for the poor chap.

[Widge]

I put a new plastic bush in like 9 months ago, do you really think I'll need another one?

[Geeman]

You try getting it out without damaging it...

[Widge]

Managed it last time, I have a knack of being able to do fiddly stuff.

[brendo]

aye widge i mite be interested in ur gear lever, pm me a price and ill c sure, cheers