I had a B&M shifter and wouldn't recommend it. A sloppy stock shifter is better than a notchy aftermarket shifter.

+1 on the 997.2 gt3 Shift Console

^^^ Until it's not...

Numeric does not fit under the console right?

Yes it does fit under the stock console. Once installed, there is no visual indication that there is anything other than a stock shifter. Sort of sad, since it is a mechanical work of art, but it preserves the original equipment appearance.

I agree it does look like a work of art but I didn't like the look of it exposed (only pics I've seen) for a street car, now my interest is peaked.

You can buy mounting extensions that lift the shifter unit up. If you use those, it will not fit under the console.

This topic is timely as the short shifter is next on my mod list. I was thinking of doing Ben's short shifter with new cables. Now after all this Numeric talk, I'm second guessing myself. This is just my daily driver so I'm not really looking to spend $700 on just getting some improved shifting. Those with the Numeric, did you also replace the cables?

Kyle

That is true if any shifter if you use the risers, not unique to the Numeric.

I have the best of both worlds in my 02: FunctionFirst used to make a console riser that raises the whole shift console and has the same center stack delete style that the gt3 console delete offers, and it has carpeted sides that blend in with the factory carpets. I got the last one Luka had, unfortunately. It is a great product!

http://www.function-first.com/produc...-riser-kit-996

I have the cables but have not put them on yet. I just installed the shifter last weekend and that was a three hour job due to my first time removing the console. Numeric has pretty good instruction on there website so when I get a free weekend I will install the cables. I hear that the addition of the cables make the shifter even better.

I sent Ben a private msg regarding his side shift lever on a standard 996 shifter, plus new bushings. His reply:

"For now, the side lever does not work with the factory shifter. I am working on a retrofit but for now it only works with aftermarket short shifters.
On a 996 a short shifter is a must, even on the street and it will really help tighten the play on the shifter without making shifts harder.
I don't have the bushings available separately, the ball bearings system I use only fit the short shifters they are mounted on.

Regards,
Ben"

Looks as if I'm down to 1) Function First $295, 2) Ben's shifter plus side lever $305 or 3) Numeric $700. No racing involved, but a very strong dislike for "notchy" short shifters. Are any of these options "notchy" in daily operation?

My BMW short shifter (Dinan) was not something I care to repeat.
Maybe just stay put, but the Porsche needs some improvement!

David

If you like stock, but just want it smoother, look into a 997 or 997 GT3 shifter. Just getting new bushing wear surfaces makes a huge difference. Even the base 997 shifter is a nice upgrade to the 996 unit. These are worthwhile upgrades - most everything else is designed with shorter throws in mind.

I have about reached the same decision. I'll wait a bit and see what the responses are regarding the "notchy" shifter concerns!?

Thanks
David

If u dont want "notchy" shifts then u dont want the numeric. I wanted my shifts to feel notchy with a very positive engagement feel thats why i went numeric w/ cables. My car did have an agency power ss kit installed and it did feel good but i just wanted better.

David

The Numeric is not as smooth as a factory Porsche shifter.

It is a very firm engage/disengage. The difference is the steel and aluminum vs. plastic and nylon.

I personally have driven standard shift for 45+ years, I could not stand the sloppy side to side play of the Porsche shifter and the soft mushy feeling of engagement, especially going to 3rd gear.

It is a matter of choice

Try and get with your local PCA club and see if someone has a car with a Numeric, you feel the difference immediately.

-David