GBG

There's a new B&M short shifter on ebay (an ebay store) for $200, see http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33703

Is this a good price? Also, is this B&M a better deal than the Porsche OEM short shifter? Anyone have both and can comment? Thanks.

Gary

jcnesq

Yes, that's a good price. Brandywine Porsche also typically sells the B&M short shifter on ebay for $199 (ebay id brandywineporsche). The Porsche OEM short shifter is $500-600 retail, but is made by B&M and is virtually the same thing. However, in August another dealer in Florida was selling 996 OEM short shifters, which also included the entire housing (making for an easier install), for $300 on ebay (their ebay id is bramanporsche); I bought one from them and had it installed, only to trade my 996 later that week for a 997S. You might phone Braman Porsche and see if they have any more if you have a preference for OEM. I posted pictures of the short shifter with housing I got and if you do a search you should find it.

TT Gasman

They are almost exactly the same, in fact the OEM is made by B&M. I have used both short shifters, and even though they appear the same the OEM feels slightly smoother for whatever reason. It's probably all in my head...

PogueMoHone

I put the B&M in my 03 996 and promptly took it out again, it was disapointing to say the least. i know others love them. when I compared to the shift in my GT2 it fell way short, so I say save your money. I reallize that I might be in the in the minority..but I've driven sticks all my life and am confident of my judgements.

All in all it was way too notchy!

jcnesq

Colm - how long did you leave it in? I finally figured out what "notchy" meant after putting the OEM shifter in my Targa, but over the week I had it, it started smoothing out some. At first I wasn't sure I'd like it but it seemed to get a little better day by day. However, I traded the car after a week, so my experience was quite limited.

GBG

Thanks Colm. I think you may have just talked me out of it.

PogueMoHone

I had it in for 3-4 months, so I gave it a good try. I ended up giving it away to another Rennlister.


I know Porsche puts a variant of this in the Boxster S SE and I think the 911 anniverswary edition. Maybe you could try it in one of those to see how you like it, it might be just the ticket for you... or find a nearby Rennlister who has it and try it.

I think a much better improvement is to learn the "heartbeat" method of shifting in a 911. The pros at PDE teach this method. Hesitate for a "Heartbeat" between gears, this produces an incredibly quick and smooth shift. Counter intuitive but it works (thanks Chris Hall).

Holger B

I had the B&M in my '99 and loved it. It's the best mod you can do for the money. The stock shifter is plastic and feels very chintzy in comparison. The B&M feels much more solid and precise, though it does take a little getting used to (especially the first few shifts when the car is cold).

In my GT3, the factory has reduced the throw 15% but it still has the same weak feel as my old 996. I've been debating about installing the B&M, but think the reduction would be too much. Also, I'm waiting to put on some more miles and let the synchros wear a little more (that may have been Colm's issue). If I can undue the factory's reduction (done at the tranny), I'll definately be getting another B&M.

GBG

Thanks Holger. Now I'm back on the fence, not knowing to buy or pass. By the way, Brandywine's ad, which offers the B&M for $200, also says "EVO billet aluminum shift linkage can be added to the order for an additional $129.95." What does this mean? Thanks.

Finally, as an additional gift (to myself!) the aluminum dashboard rings cought my eye. Anyone have these or seen them in person? How do they look? They are attractive in the pic and only about $110, but I'm affraid they may look "cheap" in person. Thanks.

Tool Pants

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...=0&#entry11426

TT Gasman

The B&M/ OEM SSK is very smooth and has a minimal increase in effort, if at all. That is, after it is broken in and adjusted correctly. I think Braman Porsche has been selling the SSK with tower en bloc if you will for only $300, that's a steal. Get the OEM SSK.
Colm I'm with you, I heard the same things at PDE about shifting from David Murry, but I still like the SS feel better, especially if you shift it nice and smoothly as they teach us at PDE. To each his own.

GBG

Thanks Doug and Tool pants-- very helpful.

PogueMoHone

Credit where credit is due..Tool Pants and his gang did a great job in installing the short shifter, you should all be so lucky as to live in the Bay Area.

LAJ_996

GBG,
i recently put in the porsche short shifter.
obtained from braman for 300.00 (ebay).
i have had it for about 1 month and i really like it.
but as you can tell, we all have our own opinions.
see if you can find one to test/drive.

roy

996FLT6

Best Bang for the Buck Mod IMO. Holger and I both had '99's with the B&M and love the gated fell versus the loosy goosy vague feeling of the original shifter. With the GT3 it's abit too loose and doesn't go hand in hand with the stiffer clutch pedal effort. I gotten use to it so far but could be better. Best to try someone else's ride with the B&M and see for yourself. Regards. Mike