Leon993

After years of reading countless posts about the FD golden rod and ssk, I finally decided to get my own. Initially I was nervous with tampering with anything near the transmission and stayed away from this modification, but the proof is in the pudding and time reveals everything. After several years of satisfied customer testimonies in this forum, I decided to go for it.

I chose Rennsport Porsche Works in Sealy, Tx to install my hardware. This outfit is pretty much as good as it gets worldwide. I walk into their shop and there’s a red 959, a black 356 Speedster, a baby blue Gluf motor oil ’74 rsr and a plethora of numbers matching 912s. It was overwhelming walking in. I toured their compound, consisting of three garages set in the backdrop of rural Texas and two hours later my ride was ready.

The minute I left the shop I felt the difference in the height of the shifter. It sits a bit higher, and that was nice surprise considering how low air-cooled 911’s shifters sit. I didn’t think the short shifting was too dramatic, like it is in Japanese after market ssk kits. It was just enough to bring a certain level of efficiency as I worked my way through the gears. But the biggest difference I felt was the overall feel of a 21st Century shifting mechanism. What I mean by that is, the throws have a certain inertia to them, its almost as if you begin the shift change and the next gear accepts the shifter with welcoming arms. This feeling gives you confidence that you are in the right place. Before my SSK and GR, I always felt I greater degree of responsibility to finish each throw with more follow-through, just like when driving 60’s and 70s and 80s cars. What this does is take away your focus out of the road and into the transmission. Now, with this upgrade the shift feels intuitive, without sacrificing the natural raw pleasure we all have come to love out these cars. In fact, given that the golden rod is RS inspired, this upgrade only enhances the driving experience, not to mention, the more durable and improved design.

For those of us with a 993 for the long-haul, this is a good one!

asofine

+993 on every word!

CHRIS WU

You are from Irvine?

ABCar

tarbender

Thanks for sharing this. I feel the same about tampering with the transmission and this modification but your write-up is pushing me towards getting it done as well. Problem is I just don't trust anybody here in Toronto to do it well and should I wait until I get new clutch before doing it. Someday...

mcipseric

Install the GR and SSK yourself, very easy DIY. These were the first mods I DIY'd on my 993.

bella1

Had mine installed Friday and totally agree. 3.5 hours labor charged while the book says 5. Other than sending the one shaft back to FD for the $100 core exchange, is there any use for the other shaft or standard shifter?

BradB

Can anyone tell me how much higher the shifter sits?

I have a 4S and am almost ready to pull the trigger, too.

MarkD

The shift lever is just about one inch taller
Some choose to cut it down to bring it to the same height as non SSK

Hope that helps

Dr. No

I would say about 1-1.5 inches. Takes about 10 minutes to get accustomed to and then I bet you will prefer it, as it's closer to the steering wheel.

BradB

Thanks guys!

ABCar

I cut mine down quite a bit...it feels cool, like a "real" short shift. But honestly, there was something really great about the higher shifter. Can't explain it but don't fear the higher lever. You can enjoy it or cut it down as Mark said.
Pull the trigger, you will be happy.

RocketJohn

great to hear... this is on my slippery slope list!

963K993

I agree. It's the perfect job for a Saturday. Got in and out quick and still had time to fart around in the shop and drive it in the afternoon.

Go for the the option in the directions to remove and replace the shuttle in one piece by pulling the tube.

BradB

Well I pulled the trigger. I'm on the wait list for a Golden Rod and SSK. Woot!