Achtung964

I'm looking to upgrade my shifter linkage with Rothsports short shift kit and adding a Function First shift ****. I'm also considering adding the Golden Rod and FD forward rod. Anyone else go through all these improvements? Curious to hear your thoughts.

kos11-12

I suppose you own a C2 , in my opinion the very best is the CAE ,

Achtung964

Correct. I have a C2. The CAE is nice but too hardcore for my purposes.

Mr.Alex

I have the FD Motorsports short shifter. Its a great upgrade, shortens the throw a bit and takes those nylon cups out of the equation so its a bit stiffer/direct as well. Perhaps over the winter I'l find the courage to hit the submit order button on the golden rod as well.

Rey Gunn

I'm also thinking of this upgrade as well. I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread. How many orders do we need for a group buy?!! 😜

Greg_V

I had Jeff install his short shift kit and goldenrod on my car (Rothsport is local to me). Love it. How the car should have come from the factory, if you ask me.

jellonailer

I did it, billet shifter and the rest. It's great. Everyone that tries mine does it to their car.

Hardest part was getting the shift **** through the leather boot. I cut it and then tucked it under and nylon wire tied it. The rubber boots are a PITA too.

J richard

I just got done installing the billet shifter forward and goldenrod. Not hard at all once you figure the shifter, the rods were easy but the shifter instructions were non existent.

Nice solid feel, pattern is shortened but not outrageously so. Will be interesting to see how it does on the track....

SuperUser

I too have done this mod and it's really nice, I would recommend it 100%

A Foley

Another happy customer here.

I had the FD RS with golden rod on a '96 C2 a couple of years back and was happy with the "update".

I just finished installing FD kit with golden rod and Rothsport shifter on my '93 C2. Initially, I wasn't sure if I was willing to pay out the $300 premium for the Roth shifter, but since I wouldn't have to buy a shift ****, it was now down to about $200

This time, it was a transformation, a definite upgrade over the tired stock components. The one piece shifter and **** makes a difference in reducing play overall. It also seems to me that Rothsport's design - having both legs wrap around and straddle the shift tube (wait, what?¿) made for a more solid feel.

It was also easier to fork over my hard earned money to a guy like Darin. He was responsive and helpful from the time I started bugging him with questions until all the parts arrived.

I would recommend replacing all the system bushings, including the 4 rubber semi circle pieces that glide along the tube.

Oh, and don't forget the lube!

kkswow12

now, THIS is interesting...

Spyerx

Thanks for posting the pics. Just for clarity this ism3 Rothsport parts right?
Shifter
Golden rod
Forward rod?

Thanks

A Foley

Ordered FDM Rothsport short shift kit (included forward rod and Rothsport shifter) and golden rod from FD / Darin.

All the factory bushings, I either got from Pelican or local dealer.
Note that the picture doesn't show 2 more of the small white bushings that carry the pins that go in the shift fork & rear connecting point of forward rod.

Installation was straight forward. Helps to have a big table where you can lay out and assemble everything. Also, take your time.

Please feel free to ask here or via pm if you guys run into any obstacles.

Relatively speaking, one of the easier parts of the project

fenixv8

I've done this upgrade as well and it completely changed the car. I love it. Cannot recommend it enough.

A Foley

Net result - the **** ends up about 45mm higher than stock.
The forward rod design allows for some fore / aft adjustability in the positioning of the shift ****.