hybrid

Experts,

I have a '80 Targa 911 and would like to tighten up the slop in my shifter. Could anyone recommend a good short throw shift kit?

Thanks in advance.

Bill Gregory

I would install the factory short shift kit, typically around $120-$125. There have been various tests, documented in Up-Fixin, and the factory kit seems to be the best. I installed it on my 81SC, and was pleased with it. Reduces shift length by around 20%, as I recall. At the same time, replace the plastic cup that goes at the bottom of the shift lever, as they can wear over time. The other bushing to consider replacing is behind the front seats under the carpeting at the shifter rod junction (remove 4 screws from the plate under the carpet, and it's right there). You can buy a new part for around $60 or just new bushings for less.

Trak Ratt

I concur having installed the “factory short shift kit” in our SC several seasons ago. Don’t forget the plastic/nylon bushing on the snout of the shift rod, just behind the shifter. It often splits & allows the rod to move w/the shifter. Also change the trans oil. Owners manual calls for every 2 years. IMO the single biggest improvement to a 915 is fresh trans oil!

pbs911

Are you wanting to take away the throw of the shifter or extra slop? The short shift will decrease the throw. it will not eliminate slop if the bushings are worn. There are a few bushings in the shift system: one at the base of the shifter, one on the shift rod that runs from the shifter to the coupler and two on the coupler. If these are worn you will get sloppy shifting. Replacing these will help tighten up the shifting.
An alternative to the replacing the coupler bushings is going with an apex type shift coupler. Keep in mind that the apex coupler will not always work with the OEM trans/motor mounts and will require sport/solid mounts.
I have the apex coupler, solid rear motor mounts, sport trans mounts, Weltmeister short shifter (I would receommend the Factory kit) and swepco. My 915 shifts great and is very precise.

Matt Chamblin

Once you instal a short shift kit, you will be amazed at the reduced throw. I drove a 79 without one once, and it was like shifting a Kenworth.

aquabat911

I have a weltmeister SS kit that I am very happy with. I was about to buy the factory kit when I found a deal on the Weltmeister I couldnt pass up. I installed all new bushings when I installed the kit and love the feel and shorter throws. Its kinda frustrating at first to set up, but when you get it JUST RIGHT its one of the best and most affordable upgrades you can make to your car.

Hetmann

My stock shifter "broke" at the epoxy joint, so I needed to do something. I installed the Weltmeister ss kit. Very easy bolt on with no special tools required. I am very pleased. However it will not get rid of slop, that is a different issue. I don't know what is different on the factory kit, but am very happy with the quality of the Weltmeister.

Fahrvergnuugen

my 82 has a short shifter in it and I like it a lot more than the regular shifter in my 79. The 79 also needs new bushings so that doesn't really help.... you sometimes have problems feeling if its all the way in gear or not.

the short shifter take a little getting used to...you can't shift in a W pattern with mine, It's very notchy you have to very deliberatly go forward->right->forward to go from 4th to 5th for example. but the throw is SO much less.

the example of it being like shifting a kenworth is pretty accurate