Anyone with function first shifter + cable fix experience?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 45
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Anyone with function first shifter + cable fix experience?
Trying to proactively fix the weak point on the shifter cables on my 987.2, while also yearning for the sift feel of my old s2000. Looks like Numeric combo is a popular option minus the few with cable noise issues. Does anyone have experience with function first shift right solution + the shifter cables ends? http://www.function-first.com/products/987. As additional context my cayman fulfills part-time daily, full time weekend duties.
Cost wise the function first combo is half that of numeric bundle, but trying to get feedback on ease of installation and more importantly long term review. TIA
Cost wise the function first combo is half that of numeric bundle, but trying to get feedback on ease of installation and more importantly long term review. TIA
Last edited by mrcarrera; Mar 31, 2019 at 01:32 PM. Reason: clarity
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 558
From: SF Bay Area
I did the Numeric cables first and then the FF shift right.
The Numeric cables were a big improvement in shifting. They were really noisy at first, and I spent a bunch of time insulating the cables and adding sound deadening. They're better now, but I can still hear a bit of annoying whirring/ticking noise at cruise. Turning up the radio helps.
With the Numeric cables in place, the FF shift right solution didn't add very much. At least in my car, there wasn't much play in the shifter mechanism: the remaining play seems to be at the inputs in the transmission. The left side input, for example, has some rubber cylinder bits in it that cause some obvious play...some folks have replaced these with delrin but I'm not willing to go that route. In retrospect I probably wouldn't have spent the money on the shift right given that I have the Numeric cables.
The shifter ends probably help a bit, but I doubt as much as the full Numeric cables, and then you've still got the weak point of the standard cables. They don't break at the ends, they break forward of the left cable where they bend going to the transmission.
The Numeric cables were a big improvement in shifting. They were really noisy at first, and I spent a bunch of time insulating the cables and adding sound deadening. They're better now, but I can still hear a bit of annoying whirring/ticking noise at cruise. Turning up the radio helps.
With the Numeric cables in place, the FF shift right solution didn't add very much. At least in my car, there wasn't much play in the shifter mechanism: the remaining play seems to be at the inputs in the transmission. The left side input, for example, has some rubber cylinder bits in it that cause some obvious play...some folks have replaced these with delrin but I'm not willing to go that route. In retrospect I probably wouldn't have spent the money on the shift right given that I have the Numeric cables.
The shifter ends probably help a bit, but I doubt as much as the full Numeric cables, and then you've still got the weak point of the standard cables. They don't break at the ends, they break forward of the left cable where they bend going to the transmission.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 558
From: SF Bay Area
Unfortunately not: fixing the issue requires full cable replacement. Porsche has redesigned the stock 987.2 cables to eliminate the bend, so the new stock ones should be more reliable. But they're $720 vs. like $500 for the Numerics, so if you don't mind potential extra noise the Numerics are still likely the way to go.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
Looks like numeric cables are good place to start. Any shifter upgrade is looking more like nice to have. At least until I see the incremental difference from cables alone, and whether the rest of the itch for perfection goes away.