pedsurg

Re the original 997 shifter, is it primarly plastic like the 996 or is it primarily machined metal. What about the short shifter kits, OEM and B and M, metal or plastic?
Thanks
Jack

Crazy Canuck

I ordered my 997 from the factory with the Sport Shifter. I like it. It is a little notchy when cold but when warmed up it is sweet.

MMD

I know the 996 original was "plastic" and the B&M short shift replacement was machined aluminum alloy.

Probably the same in 997.

Why?

Plastics nowadays are perhaps called something more grand-sounding, like composites. Very strong and versatile, they are lighter and do the certain jobs just as well as machined metal parts. Invoking the early prejudice against "plastics" is still used though as a marketing ploy.

Porsche wants you to believe "plastics" are better.

B&M wants you to believe machined metal parts are better.

Most guys want to buy a machined metal part if they DIY thinking they are improving the car when in fact they're just paying more for the part.

Something like that.

Hey, I'd PREFER the machined metal, but I "KNOW" the expert engineers are laughing at us!

texas911

On the short shifter review that someone posted, they stated that the plastic fits better because its molded into a complex shape, but the B&M was limited to being machined. I can see that being a factor.

pedsurg

I've read that the plastic shifter components provide a more pleasurable driving experience and are very cost effective. Purported reasons include plastics' ability to absorb/dampen vibrations and a slightly vague/sloppy action which is thought to appeal to a wider driving audience. While I don't know if any of this is true, it does seem true that plastic should be cheaper than machined metal. The 996 B&M SS kit is less sloppy but harder to actuate and "notchy" when cold.
What is the mechanism in still older 911s?
Thanks
Jack

DD694

I paid my dealer about $175 to install the Porsche Sport (short) Shifter. They quoted me 1.5 hours for installation. It actually took them about 3.5 hours because they had a very hard time getting the original shift **** off. Glad I did not attempt it myself. They still only charged me for 1.5 hours.

It is a great addition to the pleasure of driving this amazing car.

pedsurg

DD694: Did you inspect your original shifter after it was removed?
Jack

DD694

Yes, it appears to be fine.

Patriot

I just received my Porsche short (sport) shifter from Suncoast and it looks like just the picture below but also includes the blue wing-like looking tool that others on this board have spoken of. I'm looking forward to getting it installed and will post back results.

YoungTurk

gota911

Turk - The "blue wing-like looking tool" (a.k.a. the ching-ga-der-a thing-y) is the adjustment tool. Once you install the SSK, your attach the "thing-y" to keep the shifter in exact neutral and attach the shifter cables. The Shifter is then perfectly adjusted. Remove the "thing-y" and your all set to replace the center console. Are you going to install it yourself? It's a piece of cake, takes only 1 1/2 hours.

sboggs2

I just received the OEM kit from Brandywine for a 05 Boxster but didn't get any installation instructions. Does anyone have a set they could scan and email to me?
Thanks

MMD

I think the B&M shifter website has instructions for all their stuff. They make the Porsche aftermarket shifter. I heard somewhere they even make the OEM shifter???

Eitherway it's like 99% that the instructions will be the same.

jonquiljo

Are these short-shifers really that much improvement overall? I find my 997 has a long throw in general ... I would like to have the throw reduced appreciably.

Patriot

In a word - YES. I highly recommend the Porsche short shift kit for the 997.

YoungTurk
'05 Carrera 911 (Arctic Silver/Black)

DD694

Concur with this assessment.