est8esq

I'm looking for a short shifter to replace my factory 6 spd. Aside from purchasing OEM, does anyone have any suggestions?

L Gancho

B&M... You can't go wrong and it's a definite MUST. These cars should have a shorter shift from factory (IMO).

est8esq

Thanks for the quick reply. After my initial post, I did a search and found there have been people from renntech's forums w/ problems.

I recently picked up my 4th 911 since 95. This is my first Turbo, an '04 Cabriolet. I have driven the car for 2 months unmodified. I tracked my first 2 993s with PCA driver's ed. I made many aftermarket performance modifications to those cars. One modification I never made was adding a short shifter.

When my local Porsche dealer offered me a Porsche short shifter kit for my new Turbo, I jumped on it. I drove it for the first time yesterday and was very surprised by the increased notchiness and effort now required to change gears. The notch causes a pause and a greatly increased effort is required overcome the notch and put the car into gear. At times, I feel like I will bruise my palm shifting gears. I thought the short shifter would increase performance by reducing the throw on the shifter for quicker gear changes. The pause caused by the notchiness and the effort required to overcome the notch makes me feels like there was zero benefit from the change, only negative consequences. At times, the notchiness wouldn't allow me to shift gears without backing off the shifter and reloading. The shift that is particularly disconcerting is 2nd to 3rd. This notchiness and effort is minimal when the car is not moving and at idle.

If you have had experience with a short shifter in your turbo, please help me with the following:

1) Is what I'm describing "normal" for a short shifter?

2) Will it loosen up over time or can some adjustment be made?

3) Could installation be at fault?

4) Or is it just a matter of learning the proper timing for shift changes to reduce time, notchiness and effort?

I have no intention of tracking this car.

Thanks for your comments...

It's basically talking about problems he's had. Love to know your thoughts if you get a chance.

Thanks.

Dock

Get the B&M...they make the Porsche shifter, and both units are exactly the same.

It's my take that the majority of "problems" people have with the SSK is due to improper installation and adjustment. I've never had a single problem with my B&M...

Woodster

Eric at Bumperplugs has had consistently the best price on B&M since this product
does not need alot of support, $price wins.

MK

www.bumperplugs.com

wross996tt

I agree 100% with DocK!

skideals

I installed my B & M last month and it was stiff/notchy 2-3 when 1st installed but it great now and I love it. My shift was not stiff enough to bruise my palm though.

tkerrmd

If car is under warranty get the porsche SSK (of course it costs more) and have the dealer do it. You will spend a few extra bucks but have the piece of mind that the dealer cant blame you for tranny problems possibly related to anything.
And yes they have given transmission warranty difficulties to people who have done what has been recommended above.

Dock

Dealers give owners transmission warranty difficulties only because those owners allow them to do so.

My dealer's service manager told me that they would not deny transmission warranty service just because the car had a B&M short shifter installed. He knows that B&M makes both shifters, and that the shifter alone will not damage the transmission.

My answer...buy the B&M, and stand up to the dealer if you ever have transmission warranty issues denied because of the shifter...

tkerrmd

Well Dock, certainly you are correct, but I was giving the path of least resistance and risk for such and expensive car and an inexpensive part.
Your way will certainly work, but others may not be as tenacious as you!!!

red993tt

I have a B&M SSK w/ the whole base assembly installed For Sale. That means that you can save your entire OEM assembly unruined.

phaedrus242

Dock,
It is my understanding that dealerships do not have any say over whether or not an engine/trans warranty claim is approved or not. These type of replacements require RSM approval in all cases. While the dealer service manager may not have an issue with some one's non-factory shifter, it seems the person that actually makes the decision does.

est8esq

Okay, I'm sorry I'm such a dunce! I went online to look at the recommendation of Bumberplugs and found the shifter, but then I saw EVO shifter links. Do I need that as well?

Fortunately, I found a local mechanic/techi who races and is doing me a favor of coming over to my winterized "baby" who will do the install for me, but I want to make sure I have everything for him.

Thanks to all for your responses.

Dock

The Dealer Service Manager has a huge impact on what the PCNA Regional Service Rep. decides to do about large-cost warranty issues.

Concerning what a Regional Service Rep does with a transmission warranty issue...he is allowed to assess many factors in determining the coverage that might be allowed. The dealer Service Manager becomes the advocate representing the customer. The customer is his own advocate to not only the Service Manager, but also to the Regional Service Rep.

Dock

Get the EVO ShiftLink.

Also, I'd suggest you do the entire install yourself...it's easy, there's plenty of expertise here to help you, and you learn something about your car and gain self satisfaction from accomplishing the job.