I’ve seen some mixed reviews about this shifter, and although I had purchased one of the first runs, I was a little apprehensive about installing it. I emailed dweeb about this, and as luck would have it, he was going to be in my city on business for a few days. He offered to come over and install it for me the day he arrived, go out for a test drive, allow me to keep testing it the next day, and if I had any problems whatsoever, he would come back, install the stock shifter and allow me to return the Q-shifter.

Well, after about an hour and a half to two hours, dweeb completed the install. In all honesty I’d say that dweeb may understate the time to install – you may have to adjust the top plate a few times to get the right shifting action. Ideally you’d have a friend on hand so he could hold the shifter cover materials up while you just loosen, adjust, and tighten the four bolts holding the shift cover – otherwise, you’d be tightening and loosening the shift ****, and removing and re-installing the plastic cover, boot, and white insulation every time you need to make an adjustment. That would be a pain.

Some points about the install:

There is a metal grommet that holds the **** in place. On top of that there is a rubber grommet that insulates the metal grommet to prevent it from resonating against the aluminum interior of the shift ****. I know dweeb suggests that these parts may not be necessary, I did not want to have any vibration headaches so I bought a new rubber grommet (these are ridiculously expensive, but $6-$12 bucks to prevent some vibration is fine by me) and reinstalled the metal grommet below it.

Also, a critical part of the install is snapping out the old shifter from the plastic seating, and re-snapping the Q-shifter in its place. It’s critical that you do not damage any of the plastic clips that hold the shifter in – this will loosen the hold the seating has on the shifter and you’ll surely get more vibration.

Onto the review:

I love this shifter! I can feel maybe 10% more vibration, if that, coming through the shifter. The shifts are short, but they are also very crisp – the gates feel more defined. I have absolutely no additional sounds from any vibration. One interesting thing – when shifting, I can now hear some interesting noises from the gears and/or synchros whining just as you engage a new gear. I find the additional feedback very satisfying. I expect the quality of the part to stand the test of time. I’ve had the Q-Shifter in for almost a week now, put on over 1K, and so far so good.

In short, based on my experience, I’d recommend the Q-Shifter as a great short-shifter for the 350Z. My Thanks to dweeb for taking time out his schedule to address my concerns the way he did.

 

what do you mean you hear more noises from the gears/synchros? did you mean this in a good or bad way?

 

I meant this in a good way...."I find the increased feedback very satisfying". It helps you get the timing of each shift down just right.

 

Just to clarify, the "whirring noise" I refer to is barely audible, only with the windows up and the stereo off. You almost have to listen for it......

 

Those noises existed before your short shifter, I suppose you just didnt notice. Thanks for the review I have been meaning to pick up this shifter.

-Charles

 

luanda

I would like to thank you for letting me install the shifter on your car, and also doing your write up. It is nice to know, that people who are satisfied, and like my product will take the time to write about it. Thank you..... By the way, Great car Chris!!

As all of you know by now, I have had some problems with “noise” issues with the Q-Shifter on some cars, but NOT on all cars. I had a hell of a time trying to get rid of the noise, and it took me longer than I expected. (I do have a job and life besides the Z)
One of the major contributors to this noise is “harmonic vibrations” created by the engine at 4200 – 4400rpm and than another one (but smaller) at 6100 – 6300rpm. So by no fault of mine, it is picked up by the solid shifter.
Now this vibration is Nissan’s issue, but it was transmitted by the Q-Shifter. It has nothing to do with my design.
Also the shift “****” internals will contribute to the noise/vibration if they are not tight against each other and the shift **** (metal seat and a rubber insulator #10 & 11 on the picture bellow). So component #’s 1, 5, 10 & 11 have to be tight against each other. The rubber insulator has to be replaced every time ( according to Nissan ) you remove the shift ****.

I have come up with new bushings and a modified socket that will eliminate/absorb (mask) this vibration to a great degree. I have sent out the bushing already to most of the effected clients to solve the noise issue – got some mixed results – for some it worked great , for others it helped a bit only.
So to put this issue to bed once and for all, all “Z” that are still experiencing noise issues will get a NEW “matched set” of a lower bushing, lower metal insert and a control socket, again.
Each one of these will be tested on a “Z” before shipping to make sure it does not create noise.
Hence it will take me a few more days to ship, as I have to perform this testing.

If it is installed properly, there will not be any excessive noise.

phunk

Thanks for the observation on the noise from the stock shifter…


Dweeb

 

Now that the noise issue is put to bed, is the next production run going to be shipped next week???

 

Yes, at the end of next week...

 

Guys and gals,
Just got back home, will start to package and send the kits out. Sorry for the delay,.... work, work, work !!!!

Dweeb