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From YourSITE.com Technical Features The act of shifting one’s own gears bestows some primal sense of satisfaction almost unparalleled to most automotive enthusiasts. While automatic transmissions offer convenience and ease of use and newer versions of automatic or semi-automatic transmissions such as Tiptronic, Multitronic and DSG have gone to new levels in performance, it is the simple act of engaging clutch, shifting gear and releasing clutch that puts the biggest smile on most any drivers face. With that in mind, we set about improving upon our Avant’s manual transmission and the act of shifting gears.
AMS Short Shifter Our 2002 A4 1.8T is fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission mated to Audi’s Torsen-based quattro system. Newer 1.8T models now make use of a 6-speed version for more composed high-speed cruising, which is probably more desirable. That said, one of the most notable benefits of the 5-ratio unit is the availability of the AMS short-shifter. Made specifically for the 5-speed B6 chassis A4 (2002-2003), this short shifter offers a range of adjustability that we haven’t seen a match for. In addition to 3-position adjustable shift-throw, the machined aluminum shifter also offers adjustable knob height through a sliding shift arm design. The most aggressive shift position offers a 35% reduction in throw, while the least aggressive is a conservative and more factory-feel10% reduction. The height of the shifter is determined by the arm’s sliding up, down and everywhere in between. Once the unit is tightened, the arm or shaft of the shifter is locked into place. Even more ingeniously, the shaft can be removed and “flipped over” so that either the OEM slotted style knob or a screw-on knob can be used without physical modification to the unit. Looking at this handsome aluminum short shifter, one is almost reluctant to cover it with a shift boot. Truly a work of art, the shifter is machined from solid billet aluminum. Combined with precision needle bearings, and self-lubricating bearings, it’s also very durable.
Installation was moderately easy. Most Do-It-Yourselfers should be able to perform the install, though you’ll want to make sure you have a set of circlip pliers before you tear your shifter apart. We neglected to do that, and while we were able to make-do, it made the installation much more difficult than it had to be. AMS provides thorough directions in a PDF file that can be downloaded HERE . Having already installed this unit in our Long-Term Audi Certified Pre-Owned A4, we first attempted to install the shifter in the least aggressive 10% reduction position, just to try a different setting. Unfortunately, our car didn’t seem to have enough room to clear the arm, extending further down due to its installation in the lowest assembly position (largest shift throw). Other cars fitment may vary, but we were forced to change it to the middle setting. In retrospect, we’re glad we did. The middle setting seems to be the “just right” position for our tastes, though those racers or more aggressive owners might choose to go to the final 35% reduction position. Our shifter height position mimics our throw-length tastes. We raised the unit to its mid-range, slightly lower than the stock height, which again seems just right to us. This adjustability is a real plus in our eyes, as tastes certainly vary and the AMS short shifter has taken all of that into account. Installed and driven, shift action is much more satisfying. It’s shorter and more aggressive, but the improvement doesn’t end there. The feel, undoubtedly a result of the AMS pin bearing design makes the throw also feel more smooth and precise. We’d expected this sort of result having read about the reaction of Will Turner of Turner Motorsports that was relayed in European Car Magazine’s writeup of their own 1.8T Challenge last summer.
S-Line Aluminum Shift Knob from EPImporters The broad partsbin of Audi AG and Volkswagen AG have provided for a burgeoning “OEM Plus” tuning style. It may not be churning out show cars like the “Euro” theme we see at shows today, but we’ve found many businesses ramping up their OEM partsbin offerings for owners, and one attractive part in particular is European “S-Line” aluminum shift knob. In Europe, “S-Line” A4s are quite similar to North American “Ultra Sport” models, except they offer a slight power upgrade for 1.8T models and also come fitted with a second intercooler. While similar to our Ultra Sport, other details differ as well, including trim, badging and this aluminum shift knob. The knob itself is very modern looking, though it’s also highly reminiscent of the aluminum shifter knobs fitted to the fabled 1930’s Auto Union racecars. That historical theme, as well as Audi’s fondness for aluminum makes us believe this is the perfect knob for our A4. It matches our ‘02’s aluminum interior trim, and its fuller round shape feels more natural than the smaller leather knob that came in our Avant from the factory.
We searched the web and found these knobs offered, along with shift boot, for A4 and A6 models with both 5 and 6-speed gear maps. Shops specializing in these European imported OEM parts seem to be catching on to the “S-Line” equipment, and that is certainly the case at EPImporters. They had a wide array of parts, including those from European S and RS cars and much of the “S-Line” kit. We ordered one easily on the web and received it shortly thereafter. In the car, it’s the aluminum icing on our aluminum short-shifter cake. The feel of the shift is even better. With the knob, we’d expected uncomfortable hot and cold sensations during harsher hot or cold days, but the knob seems to conduct heat transfer more quickly than past aluminum knobs we’ve dealt with. It’s still initially quite hot on a summer day, and initially quite cold on a winter day, but not unbearably so, quickly changing to something more amenable to the un-gloved hand. More info: Advanced Motorsport Solutions EP Importers
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