Robotek Shifter Kit..Cheap insurance or waste of money?

Does anyone have any experience with the Robotek Shifter Kit as sold by SmartRacing products (http://www.smartracing.net)
I’ve driven lots of cars where the shift lever returns promptly to the 3rd / 4th shift gate, can’t say the same for my 915.
The other day, coming out of a turn I shifted from 2nd into 5th. The magic wasn’t there but no damage done. It occurs to me if I had missed the shift at the approach and gone from 5th to 2nd when I wanted 4th, I would be writing about an engine rebuild.
$300 would be cheap insurance.
Do any of you know if this device will still fit under the center console? I like my car to look like a pup.
Thanks and regards -Andy ‘84 Cab

Shamless ploy to get my topic to the front page again
:-)
Regards -A

I would save your money for other fun Porsche toys.
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The 915 tranny is not designed for lighting-fast downshifts, even on the track. Quick but very deliberate is more the order. At Summit Point, I am shifting from fourth to second, from 5th to second or sometimes 3rd, and from 4th to third - I have never come close to missing the gate for the correct gear, (Oh, please, don't let this be the curse that does me in ). And I am by far not slowest car around the track.
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Chuck
83SC

I have the robotek installed on a 78SC
and like it, but I swapped the springs
to lighter ones for a lighter feel. I didn't put it in for speed shifting necessarily, but I shift using the bias method and it definitely prevents me from missing shifts. I don't have a center console so can't help you there. It's mounted to the passnger side of the shift tower, and sticks out of the side of the aluminum tower about 5/8" and extends above the tower about 1"

[This message has been edited by leon (edited 03-21-2001).]

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[This message has been edited by leon (edited 03-21-2001).]

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I was thinking the same thing with that robotek shifter. I emailed SMartracing but got no response. I just replaced all the bushings in my shifter console, if they don't help I might give the robotek another look.

I always fear going from 2nd to 3rd and accidentally going back into 1st. A lockout would be nice also, like the reverse gate on the shifter now.

How about the 935 style shifter for $1k, it'd be nice to get these things for a trail period.

Chuck
83 911 cab turbo

To my mind, Robotek has really missed it's price point, at $300. I think that if they sold it for $129, it would be as ubiquitous as aftermarket steering wheels, K&N air filters, Swepco 201, or Turbo Tie Rod kits. You'd do it without thinking about the cost (practically).

The guys on Rennlist tried to work out a group buy not too long ago with Robotek, and the company would not budge one inch on price. They lost hundreds of sales, especially when their arrogant response was published on the list. I'm a guy (I'm afraid) who 'spends like his fiancee ain't gettin' to see the bank statements, yet' and I'm still not convinced that the Robotek is worth it at that high a price.

My .02 -- which is all those guys are going to get from me, for now.

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T (3.6) sunroof coupe
jackolsen@mediaone.net

[This message has been edited by JackOlsen (edited 03-21-2001).]

Seems to me you could build one yourself in a much simpler manner for under 20 bucks. This isn't rocket science here. The shifter is quite simple. I think I'm going to take my shifter back out and engineer a home kit for this and post it later. $300 is ****** ridiculous! I was thinking of utilizing the 5th-reverse lockout by spring loading in the other direction as well. When I had the shifter out to to the factory short shifter last weekend I was thinking how easy it would be to do. Now that I seee there is interest I'll try to actually engineer something. I'll let you guys know how I fare.

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Tyson Schmidt
72 911 Cabriolet

Can't you accomplish the same thing as the Robotek using a rubber band?

I like my "stick in a bucket", thankyouverymuch.



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blue
'81 SC Targa

DAMN! Blue you stole my idea! You smart arse!

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Tyson Schmidt
72 911 Cabriolet