Which aftermarket selector rod?

[Rugbyfan]

When able, I want to refresh my shift linkage. I already have a UUC short shifter (still not that short), and delrin shift carrier bushings. This is still the worst shifter I have felt. My civic has a more tight shift feel.

The vehicle: '87 325is
motor/trans: 99 s52/ZF 320
Currently have: poly trans mount, UUC short shifter, Delrin carrier bushings

I want a DSSR, the two I am looking at below are:

AKG:

http://www.harrisonmotorsports.com/dtm-shift-selector-rod-for-bmw-3-series-e36-m3-328-and-3.0-7075-aluminum.html

UUC:

http://store.uucmotorwerks.com/dssr---double-shear-selector-rod---e36-m3-and-325i-994-and-later-and-e34-m5-5-speed---198mm-p282.aspx

furthermore I will get this kit to replace all the little things:

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-M3-S52_3.2L/Drivetrain/Shifter/ES2593565/

a few questions:
What is the better DSSR?
I am assuming to use the selector rod based off late model e36 m3, will it fit?
Anything else that will improve shift feel?

Thanks

[MyE30]

As far as double shear selector rods go if the dimensions are the same and the tolerance are tight in terms of quality control I think it will come down to personal preference.

The AGK version you listed is made of 7075 T6 aluminum which is military aircraft spec aluminum and the UUC version you listed is 6061 aluminum which isn't as strong. It's all semantics if you ask me. In relation to the application, IMO it doesn't make a quantifiable difference.

I know the UUC version fits because I have one; it came as a package deal with their short shifter. I can't speak to the AGK version because I've never used one personally.

[agent]

UUC version here, also on a ZF320 but with a Z3 lever and a ZHP knob. I'm happy with the way it feels overall. My only gripe is that because there's so little play/slop, I'll occasionally miss 3rd during quick upshifts when autocrossing or driving really hard. I'd say that's less a function of the DSSR and more of the driver though.

[golde30]

To the OP, your ZF probably suffers from worn out shift detents. They make the engagement feel really sloppy when they are worn out. You should look into replacing them.

[SkiFree]

As far as double shear selector rods go if the dimensions are the same and the tolerance are tight in terms of quality control I think it will come down to personal preference.

x2. I love it when common sense is used and not marketing.

[Rugbyfan]

UUC version here, also on a ZF320 but with a Z3 lever and a ZHP knob. I'm happy with the way it feels overall. My only gripe is that because there's so little play/slop, I'll occasionally miss 3rd during quick upshifts when autocrossing or driving really hard. I'd say that's less a function of the DSSR and more of the driver though.

Is yours the exact version I linked? the late model m3? with my old nissan even though the shifter was incredibly short and notchy, I never missed a shift because it was predictable. This shifter is so sloppy that I have almost missed 4th many times.

To the OP, your ZF probably suffers from worn out shift detents. They make the engagement feel really sloppy when they are worn out. You should look into replacing them.

looking under the car I can tell that 99% of the slop is coming from the selector setup. I really only get the shift lever "lean" a few times a year on super cold days. While I would be interested in replacing them, I don't want to pull the trans. Whole 'nother can O' worms.

[kingston]

I'm running the arched AKG DSSR on my setup. <3

No complaints

[matthugie]

I have UUC's Evo3 SSK with DSSR and weighted knob with entirely rebuilt shift linkage. Absolutely glorious. I have been doing autox and HPDE for the past two years with no issues, and pretty much everyone who has driven the car has complimented the shifting.

[Jand3rson]

I have a Z3 1.9 shift lever with the UUC DSSR. My shift linkage feels nothing short of incredible, I can pretty much just flick the lever into each gear. I also replaced the rubber shift carrier bushing on the tranny with Delrin, and replaced the little foam insert up front, as well. Along with all other shift linkage bushings. Do it ALL at once.

[agent]

Is yours the exact version I linked?

I think so - is there more than one for the ZF320? I honestly don't know. I bought mine from a guy on bf.c.

[Rugbyfan]

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to go with the AKG one, as that curve will get me a little more clearance in case its an issue with the guibo.

[M-technik-3]

I have two UUC's and enjoy driving both cars that are equipped with them. I did remove Z3M unit and put in a Z3 1.9 because it was less notchy in another.

I suggest you ask around in your area, Shifter's are like suspension's nobody in a group will all agree on what's best or what they like being the same.

[Rugbyfan]

I am going to keep rocking the UUC short shifter that I have, but even with it adjusted all the way down, its still a little too long for my tastes. I just dont want to drop the cash for another one.

[MyE30]

Rugbyfan, are you running a weighted shift knob? If not, i suggest you try one out. IMO, it will improve your shifting experience because it will help make the throw a little quicker. For example, I installed a weighted late model M5 shift knob on my 90M3 and I noticed a difference in shift feel. However, the true testament was when my girl told me after driving the car that the M's shifting felt "quicker" and asked if I had taken the car in to get serviced or something. I didn't tell her that I had changed the shift knob prior to her asking me.

Just food for thought and take it for what it's worth. I'm sure someone will chime in to discount. But there's no denying an observation made by a chick that doesn't know a damn thing about Ms or about cars for that matter.

[Rugbyfan]

I have some random MOMO "ball" style weighted knob that I'm trying to sell or switch out. I had a TWM for my nissan and it was heavy as fcuk, and perfect. I may also wrap the upper half of the shift lever in lead solder wire. it adds more weight and the shift boot covers it.