LETSLA Short Shifter Linkage - Page 5 - LotusTalk

Phil S · 02-05-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliseAtLeast

We expect full report and installation pics too

.

I'm down and out with the flu. Loosing the battle at both ends (too much info I'm sure). As soon as I can hold a wrench I'll be installing and plan on taking a few pics to post and critique the experience both for the install and function. Hope I'm able to get to it before Wednesday as I will be away for a week.

Stand by for the results.

Cheers.......Phil

EliseAtLeast · 02-05-2009, 04:51 PM

Phil, just kidding about the expectation of a full report, although it'll be nice

. Get well soon.

EliseAtLeast · 02-05-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyLotus

They are making me up a sample and sending it to me next week so I can test it out and see how good it is in a real world situation. I will post results when I have them.

Great. Looking forward to it. Thanks.

Smoky · 02-05-2009, 05:41 PM

Thx for the linkage info! Very much looking forward to it.

simon_komo · 02-06-2009, 07:35 AM

Hi Troy,

Do you have them in stock ? If I order in the next day or 2 when can it be shipped to hong kong ?

simon

dma550 · 02-06-2009, 08:16 AM

I'll be very interested in this for the 1-5K mile report, have any of the prototypes gotten any mileage on them?

I know that Troy has really done a first rate job on engineering these, but I always wonder/worry when it appears a manufacturer left something "on the table". IE, why with just a chip change does my 135i gain 75 hp and 75ft lb of torque? The reason is the safety margin built in by the manufacter in that case.

I think (and hope) the reason Troy was able to improve the shift linkage on the lotus is that it was probably "good enough" for them, not that they couldn't make it better. If they could make do with a $15 spot welded stamped metal linkage they pulled off the parts shelf, versus a custom billet mechanism maybe that was good enough, and Troy's engineering will shine through.

So, Troy anyone got any miles on theirs? Thanks for pulling this together!

TroyLotus · 02-06-2009, 10:01 AM

I am still waiting on one part and was hoping to have it by today so I can box them all up this weekend, but it looks like beginning of next week now. I should be able to ship mid to end of next week. They are assembled and ready to ship except for that part. As far as how long it will take to ship to Hong Kong, I am not sure but would guess in the 1-2 week range as I will do express.

Code:

Do you have them in stock ? If I order in the next day or 2 when can it be shipped to hong kong ?

As for mileage, I would have the most on my car with maybe 500 miles, but I have only put on like 2K since I got the car in Sept if that says anything. I do not put tons of miles on my car.

I do agree that if Lotus wanted to make it way better like I have they could have as their main base of operation there is engineering. But with Lotus, like most, the cost is key. The only way I kept the cost down was to use 6 different suppliers for the different parts and when you have a big company like Lotus that would add even more cost and time to the car, which I am sure wound up being more than they wanted to deal with.

Ripple · 02-07-2009, 02:04 PM

I'm curious as to what if anything is going to done to address the plastic sheath on the stock cable. This is definitely a weak (not to mention expensive) part in the stock setup. I think it's been mentioned in this thread but realize that shorter throw = more force on each shift. You're decreasing the arm as well as leverage.

Here's a picture I've come across of the stock cable and the part in question that's being discussed on moremonkey.

I like what I see in this kit, but to me, I think 1 more step needs to be taken and that's to address some sort of replacement cable with a metal sheath that can deal with the additional force.

TroyLotus · 02-08-2009, 03:28 AM

The LETSLA kit will come with a new cable bracket that will locate at the cables at the correct locations. So the cable that actuates the shift bellcrank lever will be perpendicular to it. The plastic sheath on the stock cable is a guide to keep the cable going straight when the solid part (end M6x1.0) it out of the cable conduit. This can have an issue due to the angle the stock cable bracket is at even using the stock linkage system. If the cable goes straight out the strain on the plastic sheath is much much less and should not be an issue. The kit will come with the new cable bracket when shipped this week. I have it in my car now with the correct locations and it makes the shifting much better with the LETSLA. It worked OK in my car for last month without it, but now that the cables are in the correct position I realized the true potential of the LETSLA. The angle on the cable does make a big difference with the LETSLA. It is true the effort is more due to the shorter throw, but also less now due to the cables being in the correct location. The cable bracket will be made out of a solid piece of 6061 alum on the CNC mill with gussets for added strength.

HTML Code:

I'm curious as to what if anything is going to done to address the plastic sheath on the stock cable.
This is definitely a weak (not to mention expensive) part in the stock setup. 
I think it's been mentioned in this thread but realize that shorter throw = more force on each shift. 
You're decreasing the arm as well as leverage

.

tvacc · 02-08-2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyLotus

The LETSLA kit will come with a new cable bracket that will locate at the cables at the correct locations.

Please post when you have this part for shipment with the kit. At that time I will order the kit.

goelise · 02-08-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvacc

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyLotus

The LETSLA kit will come with a new cable bracket that will locate at the cables at the correct locations.

Please post when you have this part for shipment with the kit. At that time I will order the kit.

+1. That would be the final deal maker for me.

pixlpush · 02-08-2009, 07:07 PM

anyone else done an install yet? I'm very interested in this but I'd like to hear a few more first hand stories. This is really an area of the car that could really stand to be improved!

jesterbot · 02-11-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixlpush

anyone else done an install yet? I'm very interested in this but I'd like to hear a few more first hand stories. This is really an area of the car that could really stand to be improved!

Agreed... I'm waiting for the kinks to be ironed out, but I'll definitely be buying.

Baysailor · 02-11-2009, 11:47 AM

I was one of the first installs for this kit. Troy lives about an hour north of me, so another Lotus owner and I had it installed a couple of Sundays ago (01 Feb 2009). From this there have been a couple of improvements to the design (cable bracket and an adjustment to the crossgate lever). Last night Troy came down to my place, we installed the new cable bracket and made a final adjustment to the crossgate lever. Everything is working absolutely perfect now. By going to spherical rod ends and sealed cartridge bearings, all the slop/play has been removed. The throw is ideal, but just as important, the feel of the shift is very much improved. The shift pattern is much more refined and easily executed.

As for the installation, it really is not too hard. I have had mine in and out about 6 or 7 times now and can do it in about 15 - 20 minutes. For those doing it for the first time, I would say to allocate about 90 minutes.

I have chosen to set mine with the cable attachment at the middle hole for the crossgate lever and one hole from the shortest for the shift lever.

If anyone in my area (Richmond, VA) is interested in trying it out, send me a PM. I am also willing to help with the install.

EliseAtLeast · 02-12-2009, 06:31 AM

The install must be easier for an Elise because for the Exige S there are so many hoses in the way and on top of that I have the oil catch can. I can hardly see any components relating to this install

jim-clayton · 02-12-2009, 08:23 AM

Are the kits shipping?

alvinjamur · 02-12-2009, 08:35 AM

I sent in my payment for the short shifter kit a few days ago.

darkSol · 02-12-2009, 12:26 PM

I sent my $$$ in two weeks ago (Jan. 27).
Looking forward to a better feeling shifter.
I don't care about shorter shifts - just better feel and less sloppiness.
It's the only thing I really don't like about the car. The ONLY thing.

Baysailor · 02-12-2009, 01:08 PM

Here is a shot of the new cable bracket I have been running the past couple of days:

Name: Cable Bracket.JPG
Views: 554
Size: 74.8 KB

ruggedbert · 02-12-2009, 01:11 PM

Sent my payment last weekend. Can't wait for it! Btw, I notice that there is a lot of play with the shifter when it is in any gear. Will this shifter resolve the problem?

thanks

02-05-2009, 04:51 PM	#82 (permalink)
EliseAtLeast Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Basking Ridge, NJ Posts: 1,216	Phil, just kidding about the expectation of a full report, although it'll be nice . Get well soon. __________________ '08 Honda S2000 CR (Rio Yellow Pearl) '07 Lotus Exige S (Aspen White) Touring, Traction, Starshield '04 BMW 330 ci (White)

02-05-2009, 05:41 PM	#84 (permalink)
Smoky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 457	Thx for the linkage info! Very much looking forward to it. __________________ -Smoky '07 Exige S, Chrome Orange, Track/Touring, LSD, Starshield, 2Bular 8x24, ACT XTSS Clutch, Fidanza Flywheel, S111 RTD brace, S111 Ultra Discs, rls Intercooler, Goodrich S/S brake lines, Innovative engine mounts, Valentine 1

02-06-2009, 07:35 AM	#85 (permalink)
simon_komo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 107	Hi Troy, Do you have them in stock ? If I order in the next day or 2 when can it be shipped to hong kong ? simon __________________ Krypton Green Exige with Komo-tec 280S Photo Gallery : http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/e...omo/?start=all Modification List : http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/e...SIMONLAU-1.jpg

02-06-2009, 08:16 AM	#86 (permalink)
dma550 Yahoo! Got my Rotus! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT, Shoreline area Posts: 1,184	I'll be very interested in this for the 1-5K mile report, have any of the prototypes gotten any mileage on them? I know that Troy has really done a first rate job on engineering these, but I always wonder/worry when it appears a manufacturer left something "on the table". IE, why with just a chip change does my 135i gain 75 hp and 75ft lb of torque? The reason is the safety margin built in by the manufacter in that case. I think (and hope) the reason Troy was able to improve the shift linkage on the lotus is that it was probably "good enough" for them, not that they couldn't make it better. If they could make do with a $15 spot welded stamped metal linkage they pulled off the parts shelf, versus a custom billet mechanism maybe that was good enough, and Troy's engineering will shine through. So, Troy anyone got any miles on theirs? Thanks for pulling this together! __________________ David Avery 05 Lotus Elise ~ Arctic Silver ~ BWR SC ~ Gray RACs ~ Larini SE 08 BMW 135i Stock visit Spyderclub.com

02-06-2009, 10:01 AM	#87 (permalink)
TroyLotus Elise Driver Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 165	I am still waiting on one part and was hoping to have it by today so I can box them all up this weekend, but it looks like beginning of next week now. I should be able to ship mid to end of next week. They are assembled and ready to ship except for that part. As far as how long it will take to ship to Hong Kong, I am not sure but would guess in the 1-2 week range as I will do express. Code: Do you have them in stock ? If I order in the next day or 2 when can it be shipped to hong kong ? As for mileage, I would have the most on my car with maybe 500 miles, but I have only put on like 2K since I got the car in Sept if that says anything. I do not put tons of miles on my car. I do agree that if Lotus wanted to make it way better like I have they could have as their main base of operation there is engineering. But with Lotus, like most, the cost is key. The only way I kept the cost down was to use 6 different suppliers for the different parts and when you have a big company like Lotus that would add even more cost and time to the car, which I am sure wound up being more than they wanted to deal with. __________________ Trueleo LETSLA 2005 Elise-LR,SP,HT,T, Trueleo LETSLA, Exige side scoops and grills, Stage II exhaust, FF splitter, Air2Gel seat foam, Stripes, Eliminator, Future- TVS SC kit, Fidanza flywheel, ACT HD, Custom SC headers and exhaust, SS valves, Ti Retainers,

02-07-2009, 02:04 PM	#88 (permalink)
Ripple (.V.) Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 193	I'm curious as to what if anything is going to done to address the plastic sheath on the stock cable. This is definitely a weak (not to mention expensive) part in the stock setup. I think it's been mentioned in this thread but realize that shorter throw = more force on each shift. You're decreasing the arm as well as leverage. Here's a picture I've come across of the stock cable and the part in question that's being discussed on moremonkey. I like what I see in this kit, but to me, I think 1 more step needs to be taken and that's to address some sort of replacement cable with a metal sheath that can deal with the additional force. __________________ '05 Elise: AS w/Matte Black HT \| Touring Pack \| Starshield \| Larini SE \| Cup Car air box \| 6000k HIDs w/parking light LEDs \| CF mirror covers/door panels/side scoops \| JL Audio VR525/650-CXi

02-08-2009, 03:28 AM	#89 (permalink)
TroyLotus Elise Driver Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 165	The LETSLA kit will come with a new cable bracket that will locate at the cables at the correct locations. So the cable that actuates the shift bellcrank lever will be perpendicular to it. The plastic sheath on the stock cable is a guide to keep the cable going straight when the solid part (end M6x1.0) it out of the cable conduit. This can have an issue due to the angle the stock cable bracket is at even using the stock linkage system. If the cable goes straight out the strain on the plastic sheath is much much less and should not be an issue. The kit will come with the new cable bracket when shipped this week. I have it in my car now with the correct locations and it makes the shifting much better with the LETSLA. It worked OK in my car for last month without it, but now that the cables are in the correct position I realized the true potential of the LETSLA. The angle on the cable does make a big difference with the LETSLA. It is true the effort is more due to the shorter throw, but also less now due to the cables being in the correct location. The cable bracket will be made out of a solid piece of 6061 alum on the CNC mill with gussets for added strength. HTML Code: I'm curious as to what if anything is going to done to address the plastic sheath on the stock cable. This is definitely a weak (not to mention expensive) part in the stock setup. I think it's been mentioned in this thread but realize that shorter throw = more force on each shift. You're decreasing the arm as well as leverage . __________________ Trueleo LETSLA 2005 Elise-LR,SP,HT,T, Trueleo LETSLA, Exige side scoops and grills, Stage II exhaust, FF splitter, Air2Gel seat foam, Stripes, Eliminator, Future- TVS SC kit, Fidanza flywheel, ACT HD, Custom SC headers and exhaust, SS valves, Ti Retainers, Last edited by TroyLotus : 02-08-2009 at 03:34 AM.

02-08-2009, 07:07 PM	#92 (permalink)
pixlpush Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: socal Posts: 1,007 Images: 124	anyone else done an install yet? I'm very interested in this but I'd like to hear a few more first hand stories. This is really an area of the car that could really stand to be improved! __________________ 2005 Elise, CO, LSS, Hard Top 2006 Mini Cooper S - peper white 1986 BMW E30 325E - 24 Hours of LeMons race turd The B-Team, 24 Hours of LeMons Race Team

02-11-2009, 11:47 AM	#94 (permalink)
Baysailor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,204	I was one of the first installs for this kit. Troy lives about an hour north of me, so another Lotus owner and I had it installed a couple of Sundays ago (01 Feb 2009). From this there have been a couple of improvements to the design (cable bracket and an adjustment to the crossgate lever). Last night Troy came down to my place, we installed the new cable bracket and made a final adjustment to the crossgate lever. Everything is working absolutely perfect now. By going to spherical rod ends and sealed cartridge bearings, all the slop/play has been removed. The throw is ideal, but just as important, the feel of the shift is very much improved. The shift pattern is much more refined and easily executed. As for the installation, it really is not too hard. I have had mine in and out about 6 or 7 times now and can do it in about 15 - 20 minutes. For those doing it for the first time, I would say to allocate about 90 minutes. I have chosen to set mine with the cable attachment at the middle hole for the crossgate lever and one hole from the shortest for the shift lever. If anyone in my area (Richmond, VA) is interested in trying it out, send me a PM. I am also willing to help with the install. __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise - Solar Yellow, HT, LSS, LSD/TC, Touring, StarShield, S111 RTDbrace, S111 microMirror, S111 Carpet Buttons, Painted A/C Surround, CF Center Console, Nitron S/A, Tempest BAB26-12 AGM Battery, Fujita Intake, Top Speed Pro 1 Exhaust, 4Tress Harness Bar, 6000k 35w HID kit, Moroso Oil Pan, Plinthless front clam, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Wheels w/ RE01-R's for street use, Heater Core By-Pass, Shifter Reinforcement, LETSLA v2 Shift Kit

02-12-2009, 06:31 AM	#95 (permalink)
EliseAtLeast Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Basking Ridge, NJ Posts: 1,216	The install must be easier for an Elise because for the Exige S there are so many hoses in the way and on top of that I have the oil catch can. I can hardly see any components relating to this install __________________ '08 Honda S2000 CR (Rio Yellow Pearl) '07 Lotus Exige S (Aspen White) Touring, Traction, Starshield '04 BMW 330 ci (White)

02-12-2009, 08:23 AM	#96 (permalink)
jim-clayton Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Lauderdale Florida Posts: 1,625	Are the kits shipping? __________________ 2005 Elise Storm Titanium

02-12-2009, 08:35 AM	#97 (permalink)
alvinjamur Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 17	I sent in my payment for the short shifter kit a few days ago.

02-12-2009, 12:26 PM	#98 (permalink)
darkSol Meow!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Leawood, KS Posts: 2,576	I sent my $$$ in two weeks ago (Jan. 27). Looking forward to a better feeling shifter. I don't care about shorter shifts - just better feel and less sloppiness. It's the only thing I really don't like about the car. The ONLY thing. __________________ d.a..v...i....d David Thomas Stewart - davidtstewart@gmail.com TVS Supercharged 2005 Graphite Grey Lotus Elise: 286whp, 1781lbs. Lotus cars aren't made, they're hand built from dreams. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.

02-12-2009, 01:08 PM	#99 (permalink)
Baysailor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,204	Here is a shot of the new cable bracket I have been running the past couple of days: __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise - Solar Yellow, HT, LSS, LSD/TC, Touring, StarShield, S111 RTDbrace, S111 microMirror, S111 Carpet Buttons, Painted A/C Surround, CF Center Console, Nitron S/A, Tempest BAB26-12 AGM Battery, Fujita Intake, Top Speed Pro 1 Exhaust, 4Tress Harness Bar, 6000k 35w HID kit, Moroso Oil Pan, Plinthless front clam, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Wheels w/ RE01-R's for street use, Heater Core By-Pass, Shifter Reinforcement, LETSLA v2 Shift Kit

02-12-2009, 01:11 PM	#100 (permalink)
ruggedbert I teach pain Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 252	Sent my payment last weekend. Can't wait for it! Btw, I notice that there is a lot of play with the shifter when it is in any gear. Will this shifter resolve the problem? thanks __________________ 2005 Lotus Elise Arctic Sexy 1972 Datsun 240Z (parting out) 1971 Datsun 240Z Storm Titanium

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