Porsche short shifter from GT2?

[geoff]

On the funcars online web site there was an incomplete discussion of the GT2 / GT3 short shifter for regular 9x6 cars. Is there such a thing, how does it compare to the other short shifters everyone "must" have (i.e., B&M), will they work in a Boxster, has anyone done this, and are they available from a regular dealer? I actually think the original shifter in my Boxster is OK (possibly the only one who thinks so), but am curious...

[Tool Pants]

I do not know about a GT3, since I have not worked on one yet and I do not have a parts list, but there is no factory short shifter for current Porsches.

A few weeks ago we put in a B&M in Colm's new 996 X51. He also has a GT2. He said he thought his stock GT2 had some type of factory short shift. If there is such a thing I would like the part number. The shift tower/lever on a GT2 (and turbo) is identical to a 2000 and newer Boxster 5 speed. They both have the same part number 986 424 010 02. So it is either not true or the GT2 transmission is such that it has short shift throws.

We will be working on a GT2 and I will take pictures of the shift tower. Then I will post a picture of it, along with a Boxster and 996.

This is what the shift tower/lever looks like for a 5 and 6 speed Boxster. Jeff

[Loren]

Just an FYI...

the new parts list shows 986 424 010 03 for the GT2/TT (MY03 on) and GT3 (MY04 on).

The Carrera and Boxster S use 996 424 010 05 for MY03 on... while interesting enough the Boxster also uses 986 424 010 03 for MY03 on.

[geoff]

If I wasn't confused before, I certainly am now! If I understand this correctly, the base Boxster (which I have, a 2001) and the GT2 and GT3 have the same shifter, which is different than the Boxster S and Carrera. But the base Boxster doesn't have a short shifter, whereas some believe the GT2 and GT3 might. Has anyone who worked on a base and S Boxster and done the B&M short shift on each side by side noticed a before / after difference between the two? My car always seemed to shift fine, so now I'm wondering if it's the Boxster S drivers that notice an improvement (and need for one) more than us lowly base model drivers.

[Tool Pants]

First, as I said, my parts list is a year old. Lucky Loren has more updated info then I have. The part number that I gave that ended in 02 has been superseded to 03 per Loren's more recent info. A year from now it will probably end in 04. But now that Loren has supplied the part number for a GT3 we now know that it is the same part number for a base Boxster, GT2, and turbo.

Between Loren and I we have put in about 30 B&M shift kits. Speaking for myself, every 996, Boxster, or Boxster S I have worked on had the same shift tower, even though there is a slight difference in part numbers.

For example, why does a base 5 speed Boxster shift tower have a different part number than a 6 speed S if they perform the same? In the picture, on the left, is a 2000 S. On the right is a 2000 base 2.7. They are the same tower. But the 5 speed 2.7 has the green plastic plate you see in the picture, whereas the S on the left does not. That is the only difference. Since you cannot buy just that green plate, the S and base have different part numbers.

To answer your question, the shift throws on the oem base and S are identical. After the kit is put in they feel identical - the throw is shorter, and a bit more effort is required to shift. If you are happy with your shift then leave it alone. A 6 speed will shift just like yours, once you get use to reverse being in a different position and the extra shift to 6th. Jeff

[clord]

Is it possible that the "short shift" in the GT2/GT3 is due to some geometric difference that is NOT in the shift tower? The GT2 and GT3 have the same gearbox (with maybe some ratio diffs). Maybe the actual shift levers on the gearbox are shorter?

Personal experience: My new GT3 definitely has a shorter/tighter shift throw vs. my old '99 C4.

[Tool Pants]

Craig, that is the only way I can figure out why people report a difference. It must be on the transmission end if it is true, and it has nothing to do with the shift tower. Can't see how it would have anything to do with the shift cables.

I will bring my trusty Stanley tape and measure the shift throws on a GT2. Then do the same on a base Boxster, Boxster S, and a 996.

Now, where can I find a GT3? Jeff

[clord]

Jeff....Let me know exactly what you are measuring and I'll do the measurements on my own GT3 next time I am crawling around under it.

[Tool Pants]

I measured at the shift lever end, The GT2 shift tower even has the green plate from a Boxster 5 speed.

GT2 does have a shorter shift throws. It must be the transmission end of the deal.

But, a Boxster with a B&M was even shorter than a GT2.