CSP vs: Vintage Speed

CSP is a German maker of high-quality VW fix-up parts.  They have a US distributor.  I think CSP stands for "Custom Speed Parts".  I have the trigger shifter with round knob, bent shaft (plenty of fodder for jokes here, guys), and I think 40% reduction.  It's a solid billet piece that looks good and works very well.

Instead of his bent shaft ask him about his painted knob!

I have the same shifter (sans paint). It is a 40% reduction.

> On May 29, 2015, at 3:15 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Thanks Lane, found their web site.

 

$279 - 

http://www.piersideparts.net/m...mp;Category_Code=CSP

 

CSP or Vintage Speed shifter ?

Don't forget about Gene Berg when thinking of new shifter Chuck.

That's very true.  I have always had a Berg Shifter in Pearl so I have nothing to compare it to, other than other people's cars and a vague memory of my brother's old '59 Speedster.  I usually find other cars to have kinda vague shifting, like......Well, Third gear is kinda off over there somewhere.....Hunt around til you find it.

 

The Berg shifter is probably closer to a CSP (and they're about the same money) and the feel I get with mine right now (after 17 years and 20,000 miles but with a newly rebuilt transaxle and new rod coupler and bushing) is almost identical to the top-shifter I had in my Austin Healey 3000 after it was rebuilt.  Very crisp and always repeatable.

 

The main issue with a Berg (IIRC) is that they only offer it with a "T" handle with push-button reverse lockout.  No big deal for me, obviously, but most people prefer a ball-topped shifter for the more-authentic look.  I have sometimes been addressed as "Mr. Berg" at car shows when spectators are looking at my car and then realize I own it.  They just figure I had my name engraved onto the top of the shifter "T".  

Having driven Gordon's car I would rate the Berg and CSP as similar in quality, but the Berg is definitely not classic looking.  Both are at the top of the heap.  Tomato, tomahto...

I've had a Berg, CSP, and Vintage Speed shifter.

 

My Berg was a 60% reduction shifter with reverse lockout.  The shifts were quite notchy and lightning quick.  It took me a week to get accustomed to the very short shifts. 

The quality was excellent, but I never thought it looked right in a 356 replica (even though mine had "Porsche" script on the top of the handle.

 

 

 

For some reason I never felt comfortable shifting with the CSP shifter.  1st and 3rd were a bit too long of a reach.  When Henry (Intermeccanica) drove my car he said the same thing, so it wasn't just me.

Interestingly enough, no one else has voiced this concern with a CSP shifter in their speedsters.

Other than that the CSP is a beautiful unit.  Very well made.

 

I now have a Vintage shifter in my IM.  I haven't driven the car with the Vintage shifter yet, so I can't give an honest opinion on how it shifts, but it sure looks pretty.....and period correct.

 

Here's a couple of photos of the CSP and Vintage shifters together.

 

 

 

 

I've owned three of them, Empi, Berg and Vintage Speed, and have shifted several miles on the CSP. The Empi is fine for most driving. It's inexpensive and quite comfortable. The Berg and CSP are both excellent shifters and well worth the price if you're in to more  spirited driving. I'd give a slight edge to Berg for more precise shifting but the CSP is better looking.

If you're  looking for something more period correct you'll  want to spend your money on the Vintage Speed shifter. It's a very well made shifter, not quite as precise as the Berg but the best looking shifter, hands down. My Vintage Speed shifter is a 5 speed model and the shift gate is about 25% tighter than the Berg

.

Of course, all this is senseless if your normal driving is casual Sunday afternoon drives with your sweetie. The Empi will get you by for a fraction of the cost.

Berg has a round ball knob option or retrofit for those liking the more traditional.

 

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/cla...detail.php?id=540133

 

Thank you everyone for the input, I'm somewhat a traditionalist. so I believe I will go for the Vintage Speed.

How hard is it to swap a shifter?

Super easy.  Two bolts. Put old shiter in neutral, unbolt, put new shifter in neutral, bolt in, adjust (if required).

I had a CSP on my Beck which I really liked, never tried a Vintage, but would say they look more period correct.

Love the Vintage shifter in my JPS speedster.

I installed it myself, very easy!

Ok, looks like I'm going to spring for a Vintage Speed Shifter. 

 

Looks like a super easy DIY. I found some some basic how to with pics on the samba:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/for...wtopic.php?p=5858692

 

Can anyone recommend a size for my Beck with a stereo undermount pod? Looks like it comes in 10.5", 11.5" and 13.5" sizes. I'm thinking shorter is better...

Chuck,

Do you have a link to the vintage shifter?

Bruce

http://shop.vintagespeed.com.t...sc.12/category.34/.f

Bruce, yes I do, thanks.

Chuck

Ordered my Vintage Speed shifter Monday, and it arrived this morning !!!! WOW

I have a Vintage Speed shifter, exhaust and carb linkage. All great stuff!

 

I have the 10.5 and that works perfectly and doesn't interfer with the stereo. 

 

Adjusting the shifter can be a bit of a nuisance if you've never done it, but not hard though! Here is something someone sent me to assist:

 

Shift plate ramp must be on the right side and pointed up at the dash.

Can't reach 1&3: move plate rearward
Can't reach 2&4: move plate forward
Can't reach 3&4: move plate left
Can't reach reverse: move plate right

 

Good luck!

Cole, that should be put in the knowledge section for all y'all Speedster drivers. Good one!