Do you guys recommend replacing the stock shifter with an aftermarket short throw shifter?

 

I went with the Porsche genuine unit. Real nice.

 

Depending on budget the numeric racing shifter (or cable bundles) are overwhelmingly recommended. The factory SSK or GT3 are likely good options as well. All factory units are polymer, (I mean..they can't be actual plastic I hope). Numeric is all metal.

 

​​Budgets aren't an issue, just trying to figure out if it's worth it and which brand?

 

Based on my research I would say grab the numeric bundle. 'rifle bolt' precision and 3 height/throw adjustments are what people seem to have about saying it is complete night and day difference and how it should be from the factory. Most say it feels like a gated shifter it's really good. I plan on getting one next year most likely. I don't have any issues with my stock shifter but the reviews are drawing me to try it.

Eric

 

I like the Numeric shifter I installed it a couple weeks ago, much more precise.

 

Is Numeric the brand ?

 

Yep.

 

I want to go short-throw, though I don't have huge issues with my OEM shifter right now, so I might go in baby-steps and evaluate after doing the following:

• Start with new motor mounts
• Add in Function-First cable ends or, possibly, Numeric cables...I just don't want to add any NVH

Having done all of that, if there still seems like another level that I want to go, THEN I'll install a Numeric shifter.

YMMV.

Bob

 

This was my thought. I actually like the stock shifter in my car. It just needs new fluid to help a notchy 1st. With so many great reviews I am interested to see the difference. I think it comes to preference.

Coming from an RSX type S many years ago that was my measure of a great MT (and I hear the S2000 is even better) I'd say this stock setup is very close to my RSX and I really like that. My car definitely needs other things in front of the shifter or any mods anyway so I get to think more mor

Eric

 

I had a private message discussion with another Rennlister the past couple days on this subject. I also came from an S2000 before my 997 (about six and a half years ago now). In my view, the S2000 still has the best shift feel ever. I've driven an early NSX as well, but the S2000 is very hard or impossible to beat because the shifter is directly on top of the trans, and the trans is right there under the trans tunnel with the car's traditional FR layout, and the trans tunnel of course is right under your right arm. There are no cables or rods to get to the trans in a remote location like with nearly every other car, rather your interaction with the trans is extremely direct.

Here's what I told the other Rennlister, who is contemplating a short shifter:

"Hi, thanks for the message. The S2000 is certainly the gold standard when it comes to shift feel. The only mod I did on my S2k for shift feel was a heavier ****, as I found it smoothed out the shifts a touch.

Anyway, my 997 came with the factory short shifter, which couldn't match the S2k's feel. I added the Numeric and set it to the middle setting, didn't touch the cables. I've been driving it that way for must be 3-4 seasons now and no complaints. I'd say it's maybe 90-95% of the S2k's feel. It is certainly much better than before (again, coming from the factory short shifter), but cannot completely match the S2k shift feel. I have some of the Function First ends on the way, but I'm at odds whether to install them or not. There are those Precision Werks shift cables on eBay that are not too much more, and a lot less than the Numeric cables, so I might be tempted to grab them and just flog the Function First ends.

I imagine if your 997 is with the regular factory shifter, you will love the Numeric shifter. It'd be night and day already, even with the stock cables. You can always add the full cables, whatever brand, or the Function First ends later on. If I left the shifter as is for now, I'd probably be fine forever, but I like to tinker!"

All of that said, no one has yet mentioned the CAE shifter. There is/was one for sale on one of the 997 or 911 Facebook groups I follow, US$1,000 which is about 50% off new. It's the most expensive, 'raciest' looking too, and is supposed to be better than the Numeric. It is however very obtrusive in the interior of the car, so might be a bit much if wanting to maintain a stock or stock-ish look and useability to the car (it's so tall it likely gets in the way of the HVAC and stereo controls). I've never driven a car with one, I haven't even seen one in the metal but it certainly looks cool!

 

So Saabo, does just replacing with the Numeric solve the first gear notchiness (and to second) sometimes? I have the Factory SS and changed to Ptx fluid and generally like the shifting except for the first gear issue. PTX did nothing to help the situation in my case. I would consider doing the Numeric shifter only if it solves the issue, maybe cables also, but I am very sensitive to any increase in NVH.

 

I'll be awaiting the results of your phased approach, Bob.

Agree re: S2000. Best I've driven.

 

I am not trying to talk you out of trying out a different shifters its your car and it reflects your personality.

Numeric is respected in the Porsche community. I currently have the Numeric shifter and cables installed.
My first step was to replace the shifter and kept OEM cables. I liked the set up but after a year wondered if I can
improve and so I bought the cables. After installing them the shifting was worse. I spoke to Numeric and they were kind enough to replace them for a slightly shorter set. You see the original cables were longer they are more suited for GT3 cars and Turbos. Once the shorter cables were installed the shifting improved.
As a Porsche addict I enjoy spirited street driving and I do a bunch of DE every year. Its not the shifter. I learned the issue is the way I drove.
Smooth is fast, no drama is safe. Practice, practice and practice...
If having some play in your shifter is distracting from all the other wonderful feedback the car is giving you then by all means.

 

I went OEM and love it! Had it for 7 or 8 years.

Tom