ducky boy

I'm in the process of trading in my 2000 A4 Avant 5spd with sport package for a 2001 S4 Avant 6spd. The S4 has a short shift kit that I found difficult to shift during the test drive. The car's coming from an Audi dealer who said he'd check it out, but I don't think he'll do a bang-up job since it's an aftermarket mod. I'm used to the longer throw on the A4 stock shifter, which is buttery smooth. My question is this: should a Stratmosphere short shift kit make for notchy, almost difficult shifts? I know I can get used to the tighter pattern, but the resistance is pretty annoying. It's actually hard to tell if the gear is properly engaged.

Advice welcome...

JoeyJoJoeJrShabadoo

Most short shifters drastically improve the feel of the S4 tranny. The Toy Guy shifter is a forum favorite (and the least expensive I think)

JBear::FATS

noticeable depending on which SS you go with.

FrankS

It sounds like it's just miss adjusted.

ducky boy

How difficult is it to adjust ? Should an average Audi tech be able to handle it? Or, is it beyond their abilities? Asking the dealer to make it right isn't unreasonable is it? Or because it's aftermarket, perhaps they won't touch it. It's a Certified Pre-Owned car.

ducky boy

Do you have a short shift kit on your car? If so, and given the fact that your tranny was notchy from the beginning, has it gotten smoother over time? The car I'm buying has 56K miles on it, but I don't know how long the shift mod's been in place.

S4saken

But you do have to get it adjusted just right. Despite the reduced mechanical advantage, my SS is much easier to shift than the stock unit ever was.

The adjustment is easy - but getting everything opened up is a bit of a pain.

If you called Strat they might give you the instructions for adjusting.

JBear::FATS

one, that is for sure, 2dn gear is generally the notchiest. Play close attention here, if it's real difficult for you engage 2nd, or if there 's grinding, I would be a concerned.

Some have complained that they can only get it into 1st when they are completely stopped, seems to be fairly normal for these cars, although mine does allow you to engage 1st from a very slow roll without problem.

Drive another S4 if you are concerned. I'm sure someone on the forum would help out. Where are you located ?

FrankS

The angles to the right and back are most important.<ul><li><a href="http://www.toyguy.o-f.com/ssi.html">http://www.toyguy.o-f.com/ssi.html</a</li></ul>

ducky boy

NYC. I'm taking possession of the car sometime next week. Since it's an aftermarket mod, I don't think the dealer that's doing the certified inspection is going to want to make adjustments to the shifter...