B&M shifter vs. RZ shifter
04-15-2017, 08:10 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
B&M shifter vs. RZ shifter
I originally purchased a $70 RZ short throw shifter back in May of 2015.
Click here for RZ install
After two years of use I decided to go ahead and pick up a B&M shifter and do a comparison of the two.
RZ shifter
B&M shifter
As for comparison they are very similar in design. It's as if the RZ is a B&M knock off. There are a few differences between the design of the two. First and foremost the main one being the B&M comes with a rubber boot for the shaft while the RZ did not come with one. B&M also comes with a gasket where the RZ does not.
Size wise they appear to be similar, however I did not measure. If there is a length difference it's to small to tell with the naked eyes.
Disclaimer- I had added 2 washers for the anti-venom mod when I initially installed the RZ shifter.
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Feel
B&M shifter- Overall shifting is smooth, but slightly more notchy than the factory shifter. Hands down wins this category.
RZ shifter- Overall shifting is very notchy and takes a bit of effort and muscle, but it is something you would expect in a drag race setup.
Shifting into R
B&M-Stockish like feel
RZ- Will have to put into 2nd and then in Reverse. Although this makes things a bit easier there's still a bit effort and muscle work required
Shifting into 1st:
B&M- smooth transition from N to 1st or R to 1st
RZ- Extremely tight and often times you will need to shift into 2nd before going into 1st.
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Finding Gears/Rowing Gears
B&M-For the most part is effortless during rapid acceleration. Main complaint is going from 5th to 6th as it seems to want to drop into 4th. If I recall this was similar to the factory setup. However, it's much easier to identify what gear you are in.
RZ-Hands down wins this category when shifting during rapid acceleration. Especially going from 5th to 6th.
Shifting into 2nd
B&M- Smooth transition from 1st similar to factory setup
RZ- Very tight and notchy so you really have to work the shifter
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Noise and Vibration
B&M- Is practically nonexistent
RZ- Noisy under rapid acceleration
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Final thoughts
Overall, B&M is a fantastic shifter, a little more race inspired compared to stock shifter, but not as harsh as the RZ shifter. If a person is looking more for a full on race inspired shifter the RZ is the way to go. Where the the B&M is more for someone looking for a good cruising shifter, with the occasional drag strip visit.
I also ordered a leather/carbon fiber shift **** to go with the new setup. I found this on ebay from a shop that was closing and selling off it's remaining inventory.
Click here for RZ install
After two years of use I decided to go ahead and pick up a B&M shifter and do a comparison of the two.
RZ shifter
B&M shifter
As for comparison they are very similar in design. It's as if the RZ is a B&M knock off. There are a few differences between the design of the two. First and foremost the main one being the B&M comes with a rubber boot for the shaft while the RZ did not come with one. B&M also comes with a gasket where the RZ does not.
Size wise they appear to be similar, however I did not measure. If there is a length difference it's to small to tell with the naked eyes.
Disclaimer- I had added 2 washers for the anti-venom mod when I initially installed the RZ shifter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Feel
B&M shifter- Overall shifting is smooth, but slightly more notchy than the factory shifter. Hands down wins this category.
RZ shifter- Overall shifting is very notchy and takes a bit of effort and muscle, but it is something you would expect in a drag race setup.
Shifting into R
B&M-Stockish like feel
RZ- Will have to put into 2nd and then in Reverse. Although this makes things a bit easier there's still a bit effort and muscle work required
Shifting into 1st:
B&M- smooth transition from N to 1st or R to 1st
RZ- Extremely tight and often times you will need to shift into 2nd before going into 1st.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finding Gears/Rowing Gears
B&M-For the most part is effortless during rapid acceleration. Main complaint is going from 5th to 6th as it seems to want to drop into 4th. If I recall this was similar to the factory setup. However, it's much easier to identify what gear you are in.
RZ-Hands down wins this category when shifting during rapid acceleration. Especially going from 5th to 6th.
Shifting into 2nd
B&M- Smooth transition from 1st similar to factory setup
RZ- Very tight and notchy so you really have to work the shifter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noise and Vibration
B&M- Is practically nonexistent
RZ- Noisy under rapid acceleration
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final thoughts
Overall, B&M is a fantastic shifter, a little more race inspired compared to stock shifter, but not as harsh as the RZ shifter. If a person is looking more for a full on race inspired shifter the RZ is the way to go. Where the the B&M is more for someone looking for a good cruising shifter, with the occasional drag strip visit.
I also ordered a leather/carbon fiber shift **** to go with the new setup. I found this on ebay from a shop that was closing and selling off it's remaining inventory.
