Aftermarket shift coupler and mounts?

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

I was going to replace the bushings in my shift coupler but am thinking of just going with an aftermarket unit such as the Apex by Smart Racing (if our host sells one let me know). I hear the aftermarket couplers can only be used with solid or possibly sport motor and trans mounts. Solid mounts are out since my SC is a daily driver and stay away from the any hard core mods that diminish ride quality on the street.

Does anyone use an aftermarker coupler with the sport mounts? And if you do are there any added benefits or problems?

Thanks.

Amac · Amac's Garage

Paul,
Good choice, I use the apex coupler and shaft.
My car has solid mounts, but i can't say it changed
the ride much.

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Amac,
My main concern about not not going to solid mounts in the extra noise in the cabin. I think the sport mounts is a good compromise. Did the coupler make a difference in the feel of shifting? I know it's not going to make the car faster.

Doug Zielke · 11-07-2002, 04:22 PM

Paul,
All good questions. Here's some "solid" info for you on the mount situation...

I recently drove a friends SC which was equipped with Smart Racing solid mounts for the engine, and O.E. Sport mounts (also known as Cabriolet mounts) for the transaxle.

Results:
Vastly improved shifting; *no* discernable increase in cockpit noise; and interestingly enough....a more "connected" feel with the car when accelerating.
I was so taken with this combo of parts, I ordered the same for my car the very next day.

As far as the Apex shift coupler is concerned, I'd like to try one. It is a bit spendy, however. I posted a few days ago to ask if anyone was using such a coupler, but I don't think I got any bites.
Comments before I send for one???

TimT · 01:31 PM

I have an Apex type shift coupler in my car. The difference in feel while shifting is amazing. The action is precise and switch like.

I made my own shift coupler though, and saved about $150 in the process. I used a 9/16" dia. steering shaft coupler, cut the splined end from the porsche coupler, and welded them togetther, then drilled and tapped the other end for the set screw. I also had to remove about 3/4 in from the shift rod.

In all it would have been easier to just buy the Smart Racing coupler, but then I couldnt say i made it myself

CamB · CamB's Garage

Besides Tim, when anyone asks, you could say it was made from ultra-light Timtanium, saving precious 10th of a second in acceleration.

Joeaksa · 11-07-2002, 05:12 PM

Tim,

Where did you get the parts to make your coupling? I have long thought of doing the same thing and am really getting tired of putting new rubber bushings in the damm thing every year or so.

Part numbers and pics pls!

Thx,

Joe

TimT · 01:32 PM

Gotta love digital cameras.

I just went out to the garage and took this pic. There is a typo in the text on the pic but I didnt feel like editing it yet again... so when you see 5/9'ths just think 9/16ths

I cant give you p/n's I dont know the p/n, universal joints like this are available from McMaster-Carr, and many other suppliers.

I got this joint from a local circle track supplier, its part of the steering on those cars (the guy loves when I come in and get roundy round stuff to use on my Porsche)

The coupler was $35 or so, and it took me a day to make it work and install it.

juan ruiz · juan ruiz's Garage

Guys

This SMART RACING or the Apex can it be installed on my 88 with G-50 ? I have the SPORT type engine Mounts?
and where do I get this ?
I been looking 4 some time and specially now that we have a few more ponnies I need to make sure that dept is ok

Thanks for the Help

Doug Zielke · 11-07-2002, 06:39 PM

Juan,
Smart Racing says the Apex Coupler works as fitment up to '89 models.

Another, similar-type coupler to the Apex, is made by Stomski Racing. Actually, it is quite a bit less money than the Apex, and looks just as good. I believe Stomski lists a G-50 model on his webpage.

juan ruiz · juan ruiz's Garage

Thanks, and Who sells this things ? any web address?

Thank you..........

TimT · 11-07-2002, 06:49 PM

LOL yea Stomski and Smart racing sell apex couplers. Aircraft Spruce sells the required Apex for $67.50 then you have to put your thinking cap on to make it work.

Doug Zielke · 11-07-2002, 06:55 PM

Juan try....

www.stomskiracing.com

www.smartracingproducts.com

juan ruiz · juan ruiz's Garage

TimT ,

do I miss something here ? is this a off/on replacement type of deal? Im loss

juan ruiz · juan ruiz's Garage

Doug Zielke ,Thank You Much

Vipergrün · 11-07-2002, 07:19 PM

Paul, I currently have the Sport mounts all the way around and I really like the setup. However, I have heard that Sports on the tranny and solids on the motor are another great setup w/o getting too much additional noise or harsh vibrations.

Amac · Amac's Garage

Paul,
I installed the coupler, shaft, and wevo shifter
at the same time. So the difference was greater
in my case. The solid or sport mounts alone will help
your shifting. In your case, the sport mounts and apex
coupler will be money well spent. "You'll love the feel"

Ove · 12:34 PM

TimT,
Thanks for posting the pic of your shift coupler. This modification is added to my list of winter projects.

Amac,
What do you think of the wevo shifter? Is it as good as it looks?

Joeaksa · 11-08-2002, 04:03 PM

Tim,

Thanks for the pics! Another project for the winter...

Joe

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Thanks for the imput. It looks like my project for my Willow Springs DE will be solid mounts rear, sports at the transaxle and an apex coupler.

Quote:

Stomski and Smart racing sell apex couplers

It is sort of meaningless at this point to try and save $50 bucks, but is there any difference between these two? The pics look like both will function the same.
Stomski:

Smart Racing: