Loose gear shifting

[Ricey]

I bought a 2000 Boxster a few weeks ago and I find that the gear stick has way too much play! I bought a short shifter from ebay as it seems to be a highly recommended mod. I just want to know when you put in the short shifter can you tighten the gear cables to take out this loose play?

[jmatta]

You'll likely find the problem is within the shifter bushings themselves; changing to a new shifter should remedy the situation. I have a B&M in my car and love it.

Did you purchase a name brand shifter or a knock-off...I understand the knock-offs are pretty good, but you must reverse the shift handle itself, as it comes backwards (for some reason).

[Tool Pants]

There is no play to adjust out. The "stick" is connected to the transmission via 2 cables about 12 feet long. This vehicle is a mid-engine, with the long transmission cables that run to the rear, up and over the engine, then down to the transmission.

Unlike a "normal" rear dive vehicle where the stick is connected directly to the transmission, this is not the case with a Boxster.

[Ricey]

Thanks for the responses guys. I just bought one from ebay.co.uk for £35 apparently they are very good value

Heres to short shiftin :cheers:

[soopster]

I had the same comment when I first bought mine with a stock shifter. I had the dealership put in a Porsche short shifter, which I believe is a rebranded B&M. I love the feel of short shifter. The play is gone and the shift is much stiffer and obviously shorter. Good luck!

[agip]

I am having same problem on my shifter. If I don't want to install a short shift kit, can I just replace the shifter linkage?

Thx

[Ricey]

Yeah it seems after replacing the shifter that the bushings where the problem so replacing them should sort out the problem for the standard shifter

Does anyone know how I could make the shifter spring back to the centre? It seems to be a bit lazy and I have loosened it up. If I take it out of 5th or Reverse then the gear lever does not centre itself. Is there a spring somewhere that might need replacing?

[0Bosxter0]

Ive been thinking about tackling the short shifter switch for my next project.

I did a quick search on ebay and they have a pretty wide selection, anywhere from $90 to $250...? All the pictures look pretty much the same.

Vertex has a schnell for $150... Anyone have any insight on whats good and what isnt?

[por911]

Our shifter was moving around a bit, and frankly felt a tade loose until I changed out the drivetrain mounts(motor and trans). In a month or so, I'll install a 997 shifter housing and see how that improves things. I was mildly surprised how much the trans mounts made a difference(shifter felt tighter, improved gear changes, etc.).

regards

[0Bosxter0]

Our shifter was moving around a bit, and frankly felt a tade loose until I changed out the drivetrain mounts(motor and trans). In a month or so, I'll install a 997 shifter housing and see how that improves things. I was mildly surprised how much the trans mounts made a difference(shifter felt tighter, improved gear changes, etc.).

regards

Well I sprung for the B&M and got the replacement metal shift link for $110...

Ive installed it and now Im having some issues...

First, the shifter is not returning to center, not sure what the mechanics are behind this...?

Second, the shifter is making a "clunk" sound when moving into any of the top (1,3,5 gears). I read about this somewhere else, I think the BM shifter is hitting the housing that supports it...?

[0Bosxter0]

Our shifter was moving around a bit, and frankly felt a tade loose until I changed out the drivetrain mounts(motor and trans). In a month or so, I'll install a 997 shifter housing and see how that improves things. I was mildly surprised how much the trans mounts made a difference(shifter felt tighter, improved gear changes, etc.).

regards

Well I sprung for the B&M and got the replacement metal shift link for $110...

Ive installed it and now Im having some issues...

First, the shifter is not returning to center, not sure what the mechanics are behind this...?

Second, the shifter is making a "clunk" sound when moving into any of the top (1,3,5 gears). I read about this somewhere else, I think the BM shifter is hitting the housing that supports it...?

OK... good news, adjusting the linkage a little fixed the clunk.

Still doesn't return to center? Is this something takes a little "wearing in"?

[whall]

I have done three B & M short shift installations (two 986's and one 996) and haven't had a problem with the shift lever returning easily to "neutral". In all three installations, I made sure there was .002" to .003" longitudinal end play when the bushings were installed on the shift lever shaft. I think it is possible to snug-up the bushings too tightly.

In fact, Step 30 in the B & M instruction manual addresses this:

"STEP 30. Thread Set Screw EE into Aluminum Bushing GG and

reduce "end play" by tightening (verify smooth side-toside

motion is retained). Loosen 1/4 to 1/2 turn and lock

into place with Jam Nut FF ."

Bill

[CJ_Boxster]

Keep in mind that the 997 shoft shifter assembly from Porsche is the best upgrade for the boxster when it comes to reducing shifter play. With the B&M type SSK's you will have to re-tighten the bolt that holds the shaft of the lever about every half a year to keep the slop from coming back.

The problem with B&M style SSK's is that they dont completely remedy the left - right slop in the shifter. The 997 SSK or 997 GT3 SSK from Porsche is the answer to the slop issues in the 986 and 996 shifter assembly and its a hell of alot easier to install than a B&M type SSK.

Edited November 16, 2009 by CJ_Boxster

[porschy]

I bought my 996 with a short shifter installed. (possibly a B+M in lightblue aluminium?)

I am not sure but I think I am having a problem with it, it feels all very nice from 2-6 gear but I have an awfull sound in first gear and it feels/sounds like first gear is not fully engaging. could that be?? and in that case deos anybody have a suggestion on how to fix it?

thanks and regards