UUC 6speed EVO III SSK Review for ZHP + some install pics

Since I know some ZHP owners wonder if the SSK is worth it since the ZHP comes with a "short throw" I thought I would write a quick review.

First off the install is a huge pain in the a55, since you have to remove the full catback exhaust system. After you do that though, it's a breeze (make sure you have snap-ring pliers for the "***** clip"). It also helps if you can get the car up on 4 jackstands/ramps.

After taking the car for a test drive, it made the painful install worth every second. The throws are allot shorter and feels like a true short shifter. The shifter feels very solid but with slightly more notchiness (which makes sense). The overall shifter height also sits a little lower..

I had 0 rattles, 0 clunking, and it was 100% smooth. Overall it's an excellent product


Here's some install pics for the hell of it:

Amen brother... That was a fricking pain in the arse install but lucky for me I had access to a lift at John Elway Ford here in Denver. Buddy of mine is a mechanic there and helped me out. Love the shifter and I definitely agree that the shifts are short. I don't have the ZHP but was a huge improvement from my standpoint.

I think all 6speeds are the same as the ZHP, besides the diff. So the improvement should be the same for both of us.

I was wondering about that. Thanks for the post, it shed some light! I used to have an AC Schnitzer short shift kit on my E36. It did help, especially on the FWY and mountain drive.
eli

How long did it take you? And is it a one person job?

I hate my zhp shifter. I don't know if it's me, but the whole thing's very jerky in 1st and 2nd gear. There is only a very small window of engagement when it would be smooth, and it's not consistent. I have the CDV removed but that didn't help too much.

Been wondering whether a new ssk would help... mutter.

Took about 3.0 hours or so, but i was taking my time. Yea, one person can do it, but two would help allot for the exhaust part.

I never had any inconsistancy in the shifting in the first place, so I can't tell you if it would get any better with the UUC unit.

Originally Posted by sailwind

How long did it take you? And is it a one person job?

I hate my zhp shifter. I don't know if it's me, but the whole thing's very jerky in 1st and 2nd gear. There is only a very small window of engagement when it would be smooth, and it's not consistent. I have the CDV removed but that didn't help too much.

Been wondering whether a new ssk would help... mutter.

You're having problems with the ZHP shifter, or with the clutch?

ZHPs (and all E46s) often have clutch trouble because of the Self-Adjusting Clutch (SAC) mechanism. It's a badly designed "update" to the previously perfectly-functioning standard clutch mechanism.

UUC makes a non-SAC clutch replacement for your car that would eliminate the SAC problem. It's a direct-fit with no modifications or flywheel changes requied. For detaisl, please see:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/performance_clutches/

While I strongly recommend our shifter (of course!), it won't help a clutch-related problem.

Please feel free to call me directly to discuss the problem further.

- Rob

Installing an SSK is very involved. In any case I commend your effort by using simply jackstands!

I'm glad you enjoy the SSK as well, however I have had worse experiences with the UUC SSK (not in my car). It makes odd winding noises and is hard to get into gear in some cases but does offer a great range of adjustability and short throws.

I wish I had a six speed but I do agree with the EVO III! I love it

Originally Posted by BMWERKEN

I'm glad you enjoy the SSK as well, however I have had worse experiences with the UUC SSK (not in my car). It makes odd winding noises

That's usually traceable either to a loose height-adjustment collar, or an incorrectly re-installed inner rubber noiseblocker boot. Shifting difficulty can also be tied to the boot problem as the boot will bunch up and interfere with the shifter.

- Rob

Originally Posted by Rob Levinson * UUC Motorwerks

You're having problems with the ZHP shifter, or with the clutch?

ZHPs (and all E46s) often have clutch trouble because of the Self-Adjusting Clutch (SAC) mechanism. It's a badly designed "update" to the previously perfectly-functioning standard clutch mechanism.

UUC makes a non-SAC clutch replacement for your car that would eliminate the SAC problem. It's a direct-fit with no modifications or flywheel changes requied. For detaisl, please see:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/performance_clutches/

While I strongly recommend our shifter (of course!), it won't help a clutch-related problem.

Please feel free to call me directly to discuss the problem further.

- Rob

I have both really.

My shifter "grind" from gear-to-gear, there's a noticeable "crunch" when it goes into the lower gears. I've driven Patrick's ZHP's before, and his shifter was smooth as butter, nothing like mine. Took it to dealerships and found many other ZHPs have this notchy crunch as well so it was concluded as "normal".

I think you may be right about the clutch. Although I'm hesitant to plunk down $1k to change out the clutch when it's only 35k miles. If I have a good way to pinpoint it is worn or it is indeed the SAC, I would probably consider replacing it now.

Originally Posted by sailwind

I have both really.

My shifter "grind" from gear-to-gear, there's a noticeable "crunch" when it goes into the lower gears. I've driven Patrick's ZHP's before, and his shifter was smooth as butter, nothing like mine. Took it to dealerships and found many other ZHPs have this notchy crunch as well so it was concluded as "normal".

You definitely do not have both. All of your symptoms point toward gearbox issues, 99% likely to be the clutch.

There's nothing about the shifter itself that can "crunch". Everything you feel through the shifter is from the transmission.

- Rob

Originally Posted by Rob Levinson * UUC Motorwerks

You definitely do not have both. All of your symptoms point toward gearbox issues, 99% likely to be the clutch.

There's nothing about the shifter itself that can "crunch". Everything you feel through the shifter is from the transmission.

- Rob

Thanks Rob, it is getting me more motivated to replace the clutch

A BMW mechanic once said it may be worn syncros that's causing such rough shifting. Obviously without driving it you wouldn't know, but do you think this can attribute to the problem? The only way to replace the syncro is to replace the whole transmission



:edited to change engine to transmission

Originally Posted by sailwind

Thanks Rob, it is getting me more motivated to replace the clutch

A BMW mechanic once said it may be worn syncros that's causing such rough shifting. Obviously without driving it you wouldn't know, but do you think this can attribute to the problem? The only way to replace the syncro is to replace the whole transmission

The difference in feel/feedback between actual worn synchros (unlikely in your new-ish car) and a clutch problem causing incomplete disengagement is exactly zero... they feel the same.

- Rob

Originally Posted by sailwind

I have both really.

My shifter "grind" from gear-to-gear, there's a noticeable "crunch" when it goes into the lower gears. I've driven Patrick's ZHP's before, and his shifter was smooth as butter, nothing like mine. Took it to dealerships and found many other ZHPs have this notchy crunch as well so it was concluded as "normal".

I think you may be right about the clutch. Although I'm hesitant to plunk down $1k to change out the clutch when it's only 35k miles. If I have a good way to pinpoint it is worn or it is indeed the SAC, I would probably consider replacing it now.

I know how you feel, I have an 04 330i 6MT ZSP, but it's the same tranny that's in the ZHP. I have experienced the inconsistency in the clutch and gears as well. Most of the time the gears engage well but sometimes it clunks and doesn't feel "right." Does that make sense? I'm no stranger to driving an MT and can rev match, double clutch, etc. Sometimes smooth shifts require more concentration and at other times it's effortless. My tranny is also loud, when in neutral and idling with my foot off the clutch the tranny makes a rattling sound. I've been assured that this is all normal. Time will tell. Other then that the car has been fantastic, but part of me wonders if I have somekind of tranny problem that will be come worse. I've also driven my car with the CDV, I took it out, and put it back in. I do think it contributes to some of the vagueness of the clutch but there are other issues besides that. I think we got some of the first 6MT's and maybe they were some bugs in the design. I don't know. I'm thinking about replacing the clutch with the UUC system, but I don't want to do that untill I determine if I will need a new tranny under warranty.

my next mod i hope