Best standard throw shifter
 

I'm sure this will bring out some spicy comments, but I have an 01 996.1 that has the 997 short shifter currently in it that was installed by a previous owner. I, um, don't like short shifters. I have a SC also and the shift throw is about the length of a football field, so swapping between cars is kindof disorienting but I also do not like that short shift kits reduce the lateral distance also, I find myself actually shifting slower because I have to be more careful to be sure not to go from 5th to 2nd. I realize this isn't a conventional take so I'll proudly take the flames and people telling me to learn to drive.

At any rate, I'm looking at options and wasn't sure what the best shift kit is for a 996 that isn't a short shifter. I realize there are 996 and 997 OEM kits, I've also heard the OEM 997.2 GT3 shifter is short-ish but not as short. Does anyone have any suggestions on longer throw shifters for a .1? What's the best option here, is it just to go with the 997 OEM or is there some aftermarket option that's best (or improvements I can make during install to the 997 that are worthwhile?)?

Thanks.

Just like you, I am not a short throw shifter guy. After 21 years of using the 996 oem shifter, and looking at everything on the market, I installed the 997 shifter with the Function First kit. It replaced the plastic parts with metal parts and tightens it up slightly and slightly reduces the throw. For me it's just the right amount.

Here is a link.

https://flat6motorsports.com/product...zmyDkXlKH5413m

Question. There is a function first for the 996 on their website. Is the 997 the better one?

From what I’ve read on Rennlist, the 996 and 997 shifters are almost the same, with the 997 unit have a shorter throw. If I recall correctly, its throw is approximately 10% less.

I don’t have any actual experience with the 997 shifter.

I have the Numeric short shifter, but it’s installed in its tallest position (longest throw) because I actually liked the throw length of the stock 996 shifter. In this position, the Numeric feels like it has an approximate throw reduction of 10%-15% in comparison to the 996 shifter.

I like it now, but I actually slightly regretted it immediately upon installation. The shifter did a great job of firming up my shifts - in fact it was too firm. That’s no longer the case now. I’m not sure whether I’ve gotten used to it, or if it needed some time to break-in, but everything is peachy now.

I have a Manthey in mine, it’s not obnoxiously short but shorter than the 997 I had in it before.

I've heard good things about Phenix Engineering Bearings and will go this route when the time comes.

There seem to be quite a few good solutions out there depending on if you want to just replace some or all of the internal parts of the shifter with metal to tighten it up a bit using the 996 or 997 shifter frame. Same can be said for the shifter lever to vary throw length.

It's really a personal preference as to what feel and functionality you are looking for. But the good news is we have plenty of options.

Last year I went through my 996 C4 stock shifter . Car has 150k miles and everything is stock from shifter to transmission . I installed the Function First shifter kit that replaces all stock plastic with aluminum parts . I expected a big difference because of the miles on the chassis and that's exactly what I got . The shifter is butter smooth and rifle bolt accurate . Totally changed the shifting action . It is a pleasure to row through the gears , upshifts and downshifts just rock solid and smooth . And this is with the original shift cables ! I will say at the same time I also replaced the transmission gear oil with Motul . I couldn't be happier with how the old gal shifts .

I wish someone would do this with the common available Porsche shifters. When people rattle off percentages of how much shorter the shift is it remines me of toilet paper companies telling me how much more percentage of toilet paper I'm getting.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...e14ca0f14.jpeg

I hear you.

I went from a 996 OEM to a 997 OEM with phenix engineering bushings. The shifter throw difference is barely noticeable. The bushings made the biggest difference in feel.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...31a2217f41.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...b6b93f218a.jpg

I swapped out my stock 997 shifter when I just bought the car last year with only 6k miles on the clock. Went with a numeric, barely a difference tbh. Adding tungsten weight made a larger difference.

I installed the 7GT3 shifter many moons ago when it was only about $350. A little shorter throw and better bushings with a billet topper and never looked back.

I was/am in the same boat -- love the stock shift throws and honestly love the stock shifting action. My son occasionally autocrosses the car and under max braking, the 3rd to 2nd downshift doesn't go (already have replaced motor mounts and transmission mounts). The function first shift right kit seemed perfect for me to get an "improved OEM" feel since I love the current shifting, and hopefully to solve the autocross problem. I just received the shift right kit, will report back once I've had a chance to install it.

The GT3 shifter apparently has metal parts -- would be interesting to hear how the factory GT3 metal parts compare to the Function First Shift Right upgrade.

This video seems to be pretty good for showing how to remove the shifter (make sure its in neutral):