Optical TDI

I'm at the Porsche dealer and just sat in a 996 GT2 and a 997 GT3. Both shifters felt the same. Is the B&M 996 short shifter going to have a similar feel and throw length?

Barn996

Can't help you on the shifter question, but...which Porsche would you take home with you if you could, the GT3 or the GT2?

ivangene

I think GT2 is just NOT a street drivable car....

GT3 at least you could still commute, though most dont. Many dream of more... but having one at the track is not the same as getting in one to head to work. My guess is the Turbo is the best Max performance driver. Then the C2 just because it's lighter then the 4 and quite drivable to and from work. Still a good track toy.

GT3 is a dream, but one that has to be weighed carefully....

quickxotica

Can't speak to GT2/3 feel, but compared to my stock '03 996 shifter, the B&M kit made things feel weightier, and shortened the throws. However, I can't say that it really lessened the vagueness or lack of positive feel in the 996 shifter. Its still not a "wow, cool" shift feel. By comparison, I used to have a '07 Cayman S, with a factory-installed sport/short shift option, and its feel was slightly superior IMHO to the 996 even with the B&M. So you might consider an upgrade to the 997 shifter assembly rather as an alternative to trying to fit the GT3 part.

SH || NC

I also can't speak to GT2/3 feel, but I really like the B&M in the 996 console. Made a significant difference to me on the street and track vs. the stock 996 shifter with ~41k on it. Here is my write up post with the options and prices. HTH

Optical TDI

For the same price, the 997 GT3. The 996 GT2 is priced at $82k and the 2007 GT3 a bit higher.

JReid

I agree with quickxotica to a point. Where I differ is that I think the biggest thing the B&M did was lessen the vagueness or lack of positive feel. While I can't say I ever had to guess what gear I was slotting with the stock shifter, the B&M definitely erased any doubt. A large part of this is probably down to the increased effort it takes to select a gear. Never tried a 997 setup.

Meister Fahrer

I've got my order in to Erik at bumperplugs for the B&M.

Funny that I was at the LA auto show and jumped in a new Corvette and was testing the shifter and gotta say that's a tight shifter..... made me want to drive it!

jrgordonsenior

I put the 997 GT3 short shifter in my 996 race car and it feels 100% better. I'm not convinced the short throw has any advantage, but the metal parts in the shifter are way more firm than the plastic bushings.

There are 2 997 GT3 shifters. The short throw which costs around $400, and the standard throw at $190 or so. I don't believe the standard throw has metal bushings....

jmla

The B&M is shorter and notchier than the GT3 unit. I've decided the 997 SSK (99742498300) is a good compromise. If I had more money for this project, I would do the CMS base with the Manthey shifter mechanism.

http://www.californiamotorsports.net...%20shifter.htm

buzztt

the best description i've heard about the b&m is that its like a bolt action rifle, ive had them them in 2 p'cars and love them, they take a little getting used to but i cant imagine having aything else now, some people prefer the 997 shifter because its not as 'notchy' but the precision shift is the best part for me, great mod for the money, should be standard from the factory

its a very personal preference type of thing, try and drive a car that has one before you buy it

Steven B

I put the B & M in my '03 996 and just loved the difference. It was a more "notchy" feel but much more sporty and direct. Would not go back to the standard shifter. Just traded my 996 for an '08 997 and after 3 weeks with the car would say that the 997 shifter is not as direct as the B & M but is smoother. Longer throws as well and I miss the more solid feel of the B & M. I might yet upgrade the 997, but will drive it as is for now.

Barn996

Congrats on your trade up Steven B to a 997. Do you have any pics to share?

Steven B

Thanks!
Actually, although I'd love to, I drove it home, put on my snows (17"ers from my 996, unfortunately, so the tire pressure monitor is NOT happy) and have been driving it since, so it is covered in salt and has the plain turbo-spoke wheels on it. Not so great for pics and I will have to wait until spring or until I get some new wheels/snows.

But....I do love it.....

Barn996

Nice to hear you drive it this time of year. My 99 is also covered with winter grime, but it doesn't matter because I plan to drive it this winter.