It took me all of 30 minutes including removing and replacing the airbox, taking photos, taking a pepsi break and trying to get my mom off the phone so I could finish... which was the hardest part of the entire install (she always manages to call when I'm installing something???)

heres some photos I took along the way... nothing in depth really... and keep in mind this is in no way complete as far as instructions go! I'm skipping over some steps in this post.


heres the short shifter components. Main shift mechanism, special rare bent nail tool for linkage adjustment, smaller side to side mechanism

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v84/photos/7/70144/293506/dgss-vi.jpg">

Removing the old stuff. Already removed the side to side lever... you just pull the little clip off and slide it out

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v84/photos/7/70144/293506/DSC02131-vi.jpg">

heres the old side to side lever. Notice the shift cable link, how its squared off and theres alot of open space in the soft rubber end? compare that to the links that came on the DG stuff... they are round with harder rubber and no air space! that alone will tighten up the shifting a bunch!

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v84/photos/7/70144/293506/DSC02132-vi.jpg">

removing the nut on the main lever. 13mm deep socket, 6" and 12" extensions, 3/8 drive. Its not terribly tight so pretty easy to remove the nut.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v84/photos/7/70144/293506/DSC02133-vi.jpg">

main shift lever removed (thank god for the mechanics gloves I won at the TTWest raffle!!!) It was easier to get off than I thought! At first I just pulled evenly on it and it seemed to me it wasn't budging any at all... I was kind of freaked out that I wouldnt get it off! I started wiggling it as I pulled and very slowly it started to move and then it came right off!

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v81/photos/7/70144/293506/DSC02134-vi.jpg">

then you just reverse the install pretty much. Slide the small lever in first, but not all the way, line up the keyway on the main lever and push it on, put the nut back on and torque to 15 ft lbs, put the clip back in the small lever and make sure the cables are free in the links and thats it! move on to the adjustment.

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v85/photos/7/70144/293506/DSC02136-vi.jpg">

Heres the special tool to lock the shift **** in for adjustment.... a bent nail =P

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v85/photos/7/70144/293506/DSC02135-vi.jpg">

heres the little black pin you push in to lock the shifter mechanism on the tranny side

<img src="http://images5.fotki.com/v80/photos/7/70144/293506/DSC02138-vi.jpg">

Cycling through the gears to test the adjustment felt amazing! I didn't think it would be that big of a difference!!! It was a very positive 'snick'. I didn't feel any real notchiness and all gears engaged super easy.

On the first drive there was a very small amount on notchiness but only intermitantly and not in all gears. I had more notchiness with the stock shifter. The more I drive though the more it smooths out... which it said it would in the instructions.

All in all, excellent mod!! one of the best I'f done so far. hell I dunno why I waited so long! I dunno why I never put one in the VW?? =P

on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being worst and 5 being best I'd give it a 5 stars for greatness of the mod, performance and delivery of what was promised.

on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being hardest and 5 being easiest I give it a 4.5 for ease of install. I think I had more trouble installing the K&amp;N filter on the GTI (stupid airbox lid... )than I did installing this

If you don't have one yet... BUY ONE! you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner

anyone scared to do the install themselves, I'll be glad to do it for you if you don't mind a trip to new mexico (tee hee!)

 

You make it sound easier then it is

 

It sounds hard when you look at the instructions or others instructions... but then when you actually start doing it its cake.

 

nice...it does intall smoothly...and now you find its hard to stop shifting

 

and went for a real drive LOL

 

I gotta get myself one of these someday!

 

where did you get yours?

 

The right tools help.

 

see no need to wait for the TTDA and now you get more enjoyment

 

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