OEM short shifter

[Alberta Alex]

Although I love the butter-smooth shifts in my 6-speed, the shifts are a bit long. I installed a B&M short shifter in my previous car, a Boxster S, and liked it a lot, but found it quite notchy. The shifts from 1 to 2, say, were not one fluid motion, but were 2 distinct movements, click...click.

Does anyone out there have the OEM short-shifter installed? If so, what are your thoughts about it? Is it worth the $700+ cost for the shifter and installation?

Obviously the transmission in my '08 turbo cab is different than in my Boxster S. Does the Turbo transmission inherently shift smoother than other Porsche transmissions, implying that a short shifter would reduce the shift length but still be one smooth motion from gear to gear (a good thing), or is the notchiness going to reapper if I install the OEM short shifter ( a not so good thing)?

[RNBM]

I had the OEM short shifter in my 2006 Boxter S, and I really liked it. Didn't have the notchy feel you decribed. Just picked up a 2008 911S and I'm thinking about putting in a short shifter. Would be intereste in what you do and experience.

[inkyboy911]

yeah I have it and think it's a great option. I didn't look for it, but I think I'd order it now.

[lithium1330]

Here is my write up on installing the short shift on the 987.1.. the procedure should also apply to the 997.1 since they share the same part #s. Possibly work for .2 also.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/41495-center-console-removalshort-shift-kit-install/page__pid__220987#entry220987

Edited May 14, 2012 by lithium1330

[phillipj]

I have the factory short shift in my Turbo. I love it.. I drove one without recently and it felt really strange.. Well worth the money I'd say...

[Alberta Alex]

Based on the good responses from this board, I just ordered the Porsche short shifter. It will be installed on June 14th. I'll let you all know what I think of it once I've had a chance to use it for a while.

Thanks,

Alex

[0356kid]

Alberta,

Did you get the short shifter installed? Couple of questions.

Did the dealer install for you?

What was the cost overall?

Thx

Tony

[goldduster]

I put in a Factory SSK and the part was about $2 - 300 or so and it cost $200 to have it installed. I am very happy with it, but $700 sounds like an awful lot of money for it.

[richardcarrera911]

Put a 997 short shifter in my 996 Turbo easy job, makes gear shift great less throw. Cost around $400 takes about hour to do if you can throw a wrench.....

[s4quatt]

I've done it too. Factory part & fitted easily.

Its a bit of a saga getting everything pulled apart, but it's nothing you cant do without a set of screw drivers & torx bits.

Mine can be a bit sticky to get into reverse when cold, but usually slot it into 5th to align the synchro & it pops in no problem after that.

I have heard of a few changing oil to help, but I don't feel the need to do that yet...

[Faye]

Alex, it’s been a while now but how did you find the retrofit? When I test drove my 2007 Turbo it had the standard shift and I found although pleasant was a bit long, as you say. In doing the deal on the purchase I got the short shift thrown in. Bearing in mind that I also drive a GT2, the shift of which I can only describe as like a rifle bolt (which I actually like) and the clutch like a machine weight in the gym, I found the new short shift on my Turbo light, smooth, very precise but still a very distinct shift – your “click – click” analogy rings true to me – to me it’s an incredibly satisfying shift. It transformed the car and I would certainly spec/retrofit this option should I change my car in the future. Changing down to first can be a bit challenging in the cold when rolling but I think that was the same for the standard shift and certainly in most other performance cars I have driven. I very much doubt anyone would regret fitting this option, at the right price.

[Mike(UK)]

Pretty much the same for me as for Faye. Had standard shift on 02 996 turbo, but now have 2008 turbo with short shift. Doesn't like 1st whilst rolling but definitely a meatier and nicer shift overall.