Good info, so it seems so far:
People like the 40% reduction, shortest throw which is how it comes.
It’s wise to swap in the medium or stiffest reverse spring for the reasons listed.
Thanks, much appreciated.
Hey Paul - I’m sure you will, but please make sure to post back once you get everything installed. I am really interested in buying this and will probably get this trio when I order the RS4 LW crank pulley.
Merry Christmas to me! ;D
I plan to, along with the other parts going on at the same time.
What I can do in the interim is say that I am 100% satisfied with the I/M spacers and the LWCP. They both have been a nice addition to the total package I’m working on.
I’ll start a thread once EVERYTHING has been put on my car and will detail all of the pro’s and cons of each part in detail.
trio seems like a nightmare install (unless you’re already removing your downpipes etc). Don’t you have to drop the trans a bit?
I installed with the factory-installed (soft) spring and wasn’t the biggest fan of the pushdown feel but thought it was okay enough to leave as-is. But, then I ended up swapping the spring for the medium one to see if that would remedy a separate noise issue I was experiencing with the shifter. It was a little stiff at first but seemed to soften up after a while. I would definitely recommend a stiffer spring.
After getting used to the shorter throw – agree that it feels like it could be even shorter :).
So, moral of the story is leave it at 40% reduction and put a stiffer spring on there before installation if possible. And also check to see if you if you get any pushdown noise before tossing the assembly back in the car.
I also have the solid shifter linkage but decided not to install since downpipes have to come off and you have to notch your factory piece. When I swap to piggies, I’ll consider putting it in.
No need to touch the trans. Just get the DP out of the way.
When the shifter gets installed the exhaust and trans will be removed to make room for the full 2.75" JHM exhaust and the JHM Stage IV clutch and LWFW. The USP metal slave cylinder and SS line will also be installed at this time. I try to combine items for install that go together. I’m also swapping in new seals etc in the area for preventative maintenance.
cool thanks.
Cool, pretty much what I’m planning on doing. I’ll will probably try the medium stiffness spring for the reverse spring.
Good to know you are enjoying. I’m really looking forward to trying it.
If you do the full Trio, is it possible to go back to the stock setup since you have modified the linkage?
Some other pieces of advice when installing the shifter:
- Use masking tap on the shifter/console area to avoid an accidental scratch.
- Definitely remove the ashtray. Thanks to some recommendations on here, I went this route and couldn’t imagine doing the work without it completely out of the way. To remove, all you need to do is take out two 8mm bolts and then gently pull out and up while pivoting against the console. Hard to describe, but you’ll be able to figure it out.
- Super glue the spacers JHM provides to the bottom of the shifter shafts before reassembling with the four T-25 bolts. These are painful to line up otherwise and tend to fall and will require retrieval.
- When reinstalling the shifter, if you have trouble lining up with the lower shifter linkage (eg, if the bolt is going in crooked), don’t hesitate to remove the circlip that secures the spring onto the shifter. Do it carefully so it doesn’t shoot off somewhere in your car never to be found again. After removing this clip, tension in the shifter is lost and it will droop, making it super easy to line things up perfectly. Just remember that there is no point in tightening too much as you still need to adjust.
- Definitely have a magnetic pickup tool handy.
It appears like you can’t because you need to cut the linkage rod a bit. However, not sure why you would ever need to swap the linkage back out even if you go back to a stock shifter.
Good tips, thanks.
+1 karma for TypeRx for good tips. For some reason people are always shy about sharing their tips/troubles on DIY work. I love reading as much DIY stuff as I can.
Being a trailblazer is nice, but walking a nice flat mapped out trail through the woods with a nice soft layer of even woodchips is even nicer.
Yea…especially given the possible cost of a wrong turn with these vehicles. Not always a simple or cheap fix.
I never was much of a gambler.
I have just the linkage done and it is a little more clunky/notchy. Some people might like the slop of the stock linkage more. And no I dont have the short shifter.
Why would you do the linkage without the SS???
I loved mine even though 5th and 6th are weird gotta swoop it into these gears lol but other wise is fucking awesome and I have middle spring and the lowest throw which I think is 25%
Bought the car that way. Previous owner got a new motor and basically installed everything he could while the motor and tranny were dropped. I have been considering the SS but really want to try it out first.