TH8 RS Shifter Thread!

[jasonschock]

Is the person making these shafts going to actually follow through? I'm very interested in the shafts I mentioned. Two short, two stock length, and two that are a half length longer than stock. Has anyone PMd this person? Are the shafts the same circumference as the stock shaft? Looks like it in the photos.

I intend to follow through if it makes financial sense, yes. I've already invested a significant amount to get the protos done. I have some quotes coming from the machine shop regarding production runs.

The first levers will be shorties. I don't intend to do any longer ones yet, but I do understand that some people want them. All dimensions are identical to the stock lever except for the main section length.

 

[JogoAsobi]

All dimensions are identical to the stock lever except for the main section length.

So does that mean that the shift knob threads are M9?

 

[jasonschock]

So does that mean that the shift knob threads are M9?

Correct.

 

[LogiForce]

Logi, the main thing the calibration software does is allow you to re-size the neutral zones in-between the gears. So when I changed out the stock shifter plate for the short shift one, I was able to go in and adjust to compensate for the shorter distances.

So you can't really move the gears themselves? Sucks.
Technically the hardware should be able to though. Apart from the click/pop-in-gear mechanism inside the thing that is.

Next time I open the shifter I will make some pics of it for future reference and so on and post it on Flickr as well.

 

[itrdc5]

Scooby Dooby Doo 555 - shift plate now matches button box

 

[Hwangm]

Damn, those looks very nice.

 

[isamu]

I would like somebody to make a shifter plate that adds some resistance to the shifting action between gears. Right now regardless of how much I tighten the screw it still feels much too loose.

 

[Gunstar]

So I got my TH8 open box from Amazon for a fairly unbeatable deal. Works and looks like new, but sadly it is missing the sequential plate! Is anyone making an aftermarket one, or does Thrustmaster sell replacements directly?

 

[JogoAsobi]

Scooby Dooby Doo 555 - shift plate now matches button box

Very nice touch indeed!

So I got my TH8 open box from Amazon for a fairly unbeatable deal. Works and looks like new, but sadly it is missing the sequential plate! Is anyone making an aftermarket one, or does Thrustmaster sell replacements directly?

First thing I would do is contact thrustmaster support and see if they can get you one.
If not for free, then I am sure they can for a price.
I have purchased parts from them before that were misplaced.

If that doesn't work, I would check out YipZone.com by GTP member itrdc5.
He might be able to help you out.

 

[JosVerstappen]

my shifter feels suddenly very heavy and rough, what can be wrong? :S

 

[LogiForce]

my shifter feels suddenly very heavy and rough, what can be wrong? :S

When going through the neutral zone or getting into gear?
If the latter than it is because dirt has gotten into the shifter.
Only way is to open it up and clean everything, if visibly dirty. Make sure it's absolutely spotless.
Free up the ball in the 'shifter resistance screw' so that it moves easily again. Which might be the main culpret.
Grease up the plate with the holes in it again, the resistance screw slide into the holes.
Check if the fabric dust shield is not ripper or anything, so dirt can get in.
If all seems fine again, put everything back together.

A warning though. I have seen some hear with the holes worn out, which might be due to a too long use with a resistance screw of which the ball could not move freely. Wearing out the holes. So don't use it if it's feels so odd until you cleaned it uo.

 

[VanWeeD]

Thanks for all the short shifter feedback so far. Here's a peek at my shorter lever prototypes compared to the original. Again, if this is something you're interested in, fill out the survey and/or sign up for mailing list.

Wow, these rods looks awesome, are they available for purchase!?

I Love just replace it, rather than mod it~ Please let me know thx!!!

 

[isamu]

Thanks for all the short shifter feedback so far. Here's a peek at my shorter lever prototypes compared to the original. Again, if this is something you're interested in, fill out the survey and/or sign up for mailing list.

Hmm, going by this picture, it seems like these rods are heavier than the original one that comes with the shifter. Is this a correct assumption? Will these rods give shifting between gears a heavier feel?

I really hope so, because I really don't like how when you shift into gear, you feel any kind of hard "knock" against the plate, and that is what I'm looking for....a real heaving lock into place feeling. Right now it just feels "toy like". Maybe a different plate and perhaps a heavier shift knob could help with this too?

 

[mrbasher]

Jason,

The rods look excellent! I have only one suggestion before you go into production. You might think about creating one that has a common thread size where the knob attaches for those people that would like to use a different knob. You'll have to do some research on the sizes, but 10 x 1.25, 12 x 1.25 are both common and at minimum are easy to find knob adapters for.

Anyhow, something to think about as it comes up from time to time. Best of luck, again they look great so far.

 

[LogiForce]

Just modded my TH8 in the same way as the elastic band mod, but I used 3 11x1.9mm o-rings instead as it doesnt need to be wrapped 20 times around the tiny spring.

I must say the feel, precision of shifts and shift times have been greatly improved due to this.
The return to center is faster and more accurate, so you do not need to wait for the handle to stop vibrating when going from 5th to 4th.
Due to the added resistance it is much easier to know by feel where the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Also you won't pop it as easily in 7th due to this, as there is a significant feel of increased resistance due to the stretch on the o-rings. So yeah, no more accidental missed shifts anymore.

I am quite happy with this mod. Simple but makes the whole shifter feel and perform better in my opinion. Just wanted to let you guys know if you wish to do the same.

 

[OwensRacing]

Just modded my TH8 in the same way as the elastic band mod, but I used 3 11x1.9mm o-rings instead as it doesnt need to be wrapped 20 times around the tiny spring.

I must say the feel, precision of shifts and shift times have been greatly improved due to this.
The return to center is faster and more accurate, so you do not need to wait for the handle to stop vibrating when going from 5th to 4th.
Due to the added resistance it is much easier to know by feel where the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Also you won't pop it as easily in 7th due to this, as there is a significant feel of increased resistance due to the stretch on the o-rings. So yeah, no more accidental missed shifts anymore.

I am quite happy with this mod. Simple but makes the whole shifter feel and perform better in my opinion. Just wanted to let you guys know if you wish to do the same.

Is there any pics maybe a video tutorial.

 

[LogiForce]

Is there any pics maybe a video tutorial.

Forgot to make them, but heading for bed now. Will whip something up for you tomorrow.

There is just one spring in the whole shifter. So you can't miss it. It has two legs sticking out and you need to wrap the o-rings around it.

Edit:
Almost the same as this guy did here, but just with O-rings (which looks much cleaner).
As you can see the metal legs sticking out from the red rubber elastic band. You need to make sure the o-rings stick together.

ps. Will make a video tomorrow.

and if you have it opened, you can stiffen up the lateral movement with some rubber bands ;-)

Link to video (with 1 rubber band). I'm currently using 2 sets of rubber bands as per the photo above but with some duct tape on the edges so the rubber bands don't scrape on the metal.

 

[BODHI85]

Thanks for all the short shifter feedback so far. Here's a peek at my shorter lever prototypes compared to the original. Again, if this is something you're interested in, fill out the survey and/or sign up for mailing list.

The rods look great. Pair that with a face plate with shorter throws and minus the 7th gear, and I will be the first to buy.

 

[LogiForce]

Is there any pics maybe a video tutorial.

As promised above...

 

[OwensRacing]

Thank you. that def explained what is needed.

 

[Carson79]

Nice video from Kimi Raikkonen 👍

 

[mrbasher]

Great video Logi. I said sh** for you when you dropped the o-ring

I'm going to try this actually, I like the look of it so it'll probably feel nice. Given the number of people that are doing things like this, it makes me wonder why Thrustmaster didn't just put a stiffer spring in there to begin with. I mean it's not bad standard, but it could do with more stiffness, obviously.

 

[Jet Badger]

Probably for the same reason why Logitech put a ballpen spring in their shifters - because ***k you, that's why.

 

[mrbasher]

Ha. Its odd the things companies will skimp on to literally save a couple cents here and there. Some do this a lot more than others...

 

[LogiForce]

Nice video from Kimi Raikkonen 👍

Now if only I had the same driving skills as the ice man. Though I would probably give the same responses to the pit crew.

Which we reminds me of that nice race we once did in GT5 with simology members and me coaching you guys. lol


ps. After I made the video I also removed the cap as I felt some notchiness. It seems it was the spring coils rubbing against each other. So to smooth this out I removed the black cap and used a good bit of white vaseline all around which shouldn't harm it at all. All is now nice and smooth. Of course you can use ball bearing grease or something alike instead, as long as the chemicals in the grease do not damage plastic and metal.

 

[Troysloth]

Very nice mod Logiforce. And the video shows exactly how to do it even though you couldn't actually get another o-ring on there which is understandable using only one hand. I will definitely be trying this mod on my shifter. I already shortened the rod on mine. The only other mod I am considering is shorter throw shifter plates without 7th gear.

 

[diptob79]

Logiforce, thank you for providing the video.
You should name it "How to mod your TH8RS spring with one hand"

 

[OwensRacing]

Also Logiforce, invest in a cheap try pod. Rubber band your device. Assuming phone to it. I too was thinking oh man. He needs a third hand right about now. Though it sure gave a reality and character to the video. Subscribed to your account too. I'm the one with the Evo avatar.

 

[LogiForce]

Also Logiforce, invest in a cheap try pod. Rubber band your device. Assuming phone to it. I too was thinking oh man. He needs a third hand right about now. Though it sure gave a reality and character to the video. Subscribed to your account too. I'm the one with the Evo avatar.

Thanks for subscribing. Though my videos are all over the place I think. No real theme to it.

Maybe I should get a GoPro when I get my tax return money back from the state. Dunno how you guys call it.
That way I could use it with a head strap, plus make some interesting driving vids for the heck of it. lol

I have a tripod, just never though of using straps to tie my iPhone to it. Could've used my D90, but that doesn't auto focus. Which means it has other challenges again. *sigh* Man, I need a cam. lol


Btw guys. I am eagerly waiting for reviews here to hear if you guys like it or not.

 

[OwensRacing]

Thanks for subscribing. Though my videos are all over the place I think. No real theme to it.

Maybe I should get a GoPro when I get my tax return money back from the state. Dunno how you guys call it.
That way I could use it with a head strap, plus make some interesting driving vids for the heck of it. lol

I have a tripod, just never though of using straps to tie my iPhone to it. Could've used my D90, but that doesn't auto focus. Which means it has other challenges again. *sigh* Man, I need a cam. lol

Btw guys. I am eagerly waiting for reviews here to hear if you guys like it or not.

Go Pro would be loads of fun. I've really considered grabbing one myself. Use it on dogs collars, Evo at drag strip. Out playing in snow with Jeep. Endless POV opportunities.

Yes using your current pod would work excellent. I record my GT5 videos using one. Strap iPhone and get it set to capture screen. Simply and decent video.