JWest Engineering products - an update

[JWest]

I wanted to update you on some products that are not in the Pelican online catalog, but hopefully will be soon! All of our items are available through Pelican, just call and ask and they can get them.

At long last, we have developed a headlight relay kit to fit the longhood cars. Complete instructions and quality relays and components.
JWST-ERLY-HLPR fits '65-'73 911 with 12, 16, or 18 position fuse panels.

To go along with our line of shifters we have added a couple of simple-solution linkage components:

At first glance, our new shift coupler clamp looks like we just wanted to find some suckers who would buy a part just because it looks prettier when machined out of aluminum. Actually though, we made it because it has a functional difference - the bolt threads into the coupler rather than a nut. This means one wrench to perform a shifter adjustment rather than two, which is a big deal for those of us with less than 3 hands.
JWST-CPLR-CLMP


Also in the area of shift couplers is the lowly cone screw. Ever had one sieze in the aluminum coupler? Not a lot of fun. The screw has a patch of nylon on the side as a locking device, so it cleans off anything you might apply to prevent corrosion and the action of steel on aluminum results in a screw too stuck to remove with the small internal hex. Our version has no locking patch, is pre-coated with anti-sieze compound, and is longer to accomodate a jam nut for locking in place. Can also be used over and over because there is no locking patch to wear out.
JWST-CPLR-SCRW


930 Turbo 4-speed RennShift
The Turbo 4-speed shifter looks like the 915 shifter. Although they use the same aluminum housing, the ratio of the mechanism is quite different. It took some engineering to get the shift throw perfect with the compact RennShift design, but it is now available as a complete shifter.
RS930 - choice of standard or 2" extended stick and Polished/Brushed/Black upper stick finish.


G50 RennShift
Had this out for a bunch of years but I think I failed to alert Pelican to add it to their catalog. '87-'89 G50 911 - shorter throw/factory appearance/factory knob position.
RSG50-911


G50 Shift Coupler
Simple, inexpensive, and effective. This is a harder version of the super soft rubber biscuit used on the '87-'89 G50. Eliminates the spongy feel.
JWST-G50-CPLR


Separate RennShift stick
Now you can purchase an upper stick separately for your 901/915/930 RennShift. Change length or finish easily.

Our black plastic knob is now available in a smooth finish as well as the textured finish.

The 901/915 RennShift no longer requires the use of a spacer for the rod bushing bracket - to make the install any easier I think the shifter would have to install itself, but I'm not quite there yet...

Thanks for your support, and I appreciate the feedback, here, directly to me, and on customer product reviews - I update the instructions often, even with small changes when something may not be totally clear to everyone.

I have another big product launch coming - but it's not quite ready yet - stay tuned...

[Lyle O]

I installed the G-50 short shifter this winter (along with the coupler) and was finally able to really try it out this week (it's been a tough winter here in Michigan). Fantastic!! Tight and smooth...one of the most noticeable upgrades I have ever made to my car. Thanks for taking the time and effort to engineer these products for our cars. Please stay with it and keep dreaming up new innovations for us...

[TheSt|G]

What is the function of the various headlight relay kits your guys offer?

By the way, your angled lift steering wheel spacer is brilliant. At 6'5", it made all the difference in the world!

[JWest]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

What is the function of the various headlight relay kits your guys offer?

Relays are a staple of headlight upgrades on all types of cars, but the 911 is a little more "special" than most others. All of the curent for the headlights is run through small contacts in the column switch, and over time these bend, corrode, burn, and other nasty stuff that you don't want to happen to an expensive part.

The relay kit reroutes the current through the relays by the battery so the column swith only handles the load of switching the relay on and off.

My kits are not for light-up-the-night type flamethrower bulbs, but with good factory wiring up front 100 Watt bulbs are no issue. The kit is very easy to install.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by JWest

Relays are a staple of headlight upgrades on all types of cars, but the 911 is a little more "special" than most others. All of the curent for the headlights is run through small contacts in the column switch, and over time these bend, corrode, burn, and other nasty stuff that you don't want to happen to an expensive part.

The relay kit reroutes the current through the relays by the battery so the column swith only handles the load of switching the relay on and off.

My kits are not for light-up-the-night type flamethrower bulbs, but with good factory wiring up front 100 Watt bulbs are no issue. The kit is very easy to install.

Good to know, I might be snagging a set from you soon.

[speednme1]

James from the initial test the 930 shifter(using it with my Ruf 5 speed) works perfectly on my 930. Should have my car back soon, then I will rack up some miles...

[bugstrider]

I too am looking at installing one of your headlight kits. looking at installing H4's with high output bulbs since i drive a very dark why at night. do you recommend additional wire upgrades other than just your relay?

Dumb question time: in reading the reviews, a majority seem to be able to install equally. However, there seems a small % that refer to the same thing, "wiring directions". Just wondering on that, was there a question on a particular vehicle set-up?

cheers

[gamin]

I have a few years on the G50 short shift kit in the 88. Even I could install it and it is still performing flawlessly. Love it. I think I am going to order the headlight kit for the 70 soon.

[atc_marty]

I installed the headlight relay kit last year after my column switch started smoking when I turned the high beams on. The kit is indeed very easy to install, plus it's cheap and works well.

[JWest]

Originally Posted by bugstrider

I too am looking at installing one of your headlight kits. looking at installing H4's with high output bulbs since i drive a very dark why at night. do you recommend additional wire upgrades other than just your relay?

Dumb question time: in reading the reviews, a majority seem to be able to install equally. However, there seems a small % that refer to the same thing, "wiring directions". Just wondering on that, was there a question on a particular vehicle set-up?

cheers

I really like Osram's 85/80W ultra high efficacy H4 bulbs. I've run them in many cars for a lot of years with the relay kit as the only upgrade.

I have tried to upgrade the instructions appropriately each time I get input. Most critiques are just for clarity, though, such as a review that says I should be telling exactly which fuse, not a choice of two. The problem is that the two fuses are internally connected, and the input wire may be on either input.

My newest directions detail this a little more, but I have to be careful because too much explanation can confuse people also. Some people do well with just the facts, others get stymied without understanding everything before they start. So instructions are a work in progress, but I don't stop trying!

The instructions do have actual color pictures - I guess an installation video is needed in today's world.

[bugstrider]

Thanks for the explanation. I kinda figured it was something like that. Hard to produce something for the masses that everyone likes and completely understands. Can't please everyone, besides there is such a broad range of experience regarding these cars, so it makes it a challenge to cover all the bases for every person. We really appreciate the time and effort to keep your instructions evolving like you do.

Trevor

[Jezza]

That coupler clamp is a serious time saver. It makes it super easy for adjusting from the drivers seat while dialing in the shifter. The OEM clamp is a real pain to wrestle with and makes it difficult to make very small adjustments. Nice work, James.

[Cory M]

I ordered the G50 shift coupler a few weeks ago, arrived days later but I haven't installed it yet. Hoping it will be tighter than the factory rubber, certainly feels firmer. For $20 I'll give it a shot. The other option (all metal u-joint) is over $250.

[Dooodahman]

I had no prior experience working with the fuse panel on my '88 and I found the instructions to the JWest relay kit to be all that I needed. Installation was a snap.

[Neilnaz]

I have just installed the relay kit on my 1971 911T. It took me 30 minutes and that was mostly spending time to fish existing wires out from their hiding places and cable-tying the wires neatly with the existing wiring.

I did do a before and after check (sorry no photos) but I could definitely discern a difference with brighter lights.

I intend to swap out the standard bulbs and go with halogen 80/100s from our host. This was one of the reasons to add the relays although I believe they are a good idea with standard bulbs as they ensure higher voltage at the bulb and reduce the stress on existing wiring and switchgear.

The kit was extremely easy to install and I am very impressed with the speed of delivery, clarity of instructions and reasonable price.

Cheers, Neil