Short Shift Kit - Pros and Cons
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 14
From: Wellington. FL
Short Shift Kit - Pros and Cons
I am thinking of adding the short shift kit to my '08 Carrera S I called Champion Motors and they said $650 installed was the quoted price. Is this a decent price?, as I have ZERO technical skills. Or, am I better off buying the shift kit independently and then finding a good mechanic to install it.
Second, can someone please tell me the pros and cons of installing something like this? I have read some disjointed posts that seem to indicate that at times, shifting into certain gears is harder with the SS. Thanks
Cole
Second, can someone please tell me the pros and cons of installing something like this? I have read some disjointed posts that seem to indicate that at times, shifting into certain gears is harder with the SS. Thanks
Cole
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Texas
Allow me to offer a post that only serves to muddy the waters. Yesterday, I traded in my '06 C2S Cab for an '08 T4S.
The C2S had the short-shift installed at the factory. I liked it when it was warm, but it was very notchy and sometimes even resistant when it was cold.
The T4S comes with the standard shifter. After my 125 mile drive home, I find myself really liking the feel of the gears. No doubt that the throws are a bit longer, but it has none of the notchiness, even when cold.
Not sure I'll retrofit the short-shifter now?
The C2S had the short-shift installed at the factory. I liked it when it was warm, but it was very notchy and sometimes even resistant when it was cold.
The T4S comes with the standard shifter. After my 125 mile drive home, I find myself really liking the feel of the gears. No doubt that the throws are a bit longer, but it has none of the notchiness, even when cold.
Not sure I'll retrofit the short-shifter now?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 373
Likes: 5
From: Ottawa, Canada
I have a OEM and rather enjoy it.. my rule is..any upgrade under 1K and you want it.. get it !..good luck
CBejbl : make sure you post a comparison on the 2 cars.. being a bad winter already and C2S stored.. I'm really wondering how a 4S would handle .. and were talk'in Ottawa here..
CBejbl : make sure you post a comparison on the 2 cars.. being a bad winter already and C2S stored.. I'm really wondering how a 4S would handle .. and were talk'in Ottawa here..
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Texas
Certainly will. Have got to put some miles on it and I also need to find a good wheel/snow tire combo. Any help from the site would be most appreciated.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 324
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From: Julian, CA
I dont think you can say there are all pros and no cons. All a short shift kit does is move the pivot point of the shift lever. With the pivot point relocated the motion of the hand decreases and the movement of the shift linkage increases with consequences for the gearbox.
With the shortened movement of your hand you need to apply more force to select gears, particularly when cold. Due to the decrease in leverage and increase in linkage movement short shift kits put more strain on the synchros and guide sleeves as the operator normally will not make the requisite momentary pause before engaging the next gear (with the shortened hand movement the gear shift now becomes one continuous motion), with the short shift kit your hand motion had better be more precise or you will grab the wrong gear and your gearbox still wont shift any faster.
With the shortened movement of your hand you need to apply more force to select gears, particularly when cold. Due to the decrease in leverage and increase in linkage movement short shift kits put more strain on the synchros and guide sleeves as the operator normally will not make the requisite momentary pause before engaging the next gear (with the shortened hand movement the gear shift now becomes one continuous motion), with the short shift kit your hand motion had better be more precise or you will grab the wrong gear and your gearbox still wont shift any faster.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Winston-Salem, NC
Cole - I put a B&M SSK on my 996 and love it. $650 inistalled is a rip off! Just make sure they use a little of the grease supplied with the SSK on your backside before they bend you over. 
As far as installing the SSK, can you turn a screwdriver left and right? Can you operate a socket/ratchet set? If so, you CAN do this install yourself. It is not, I repeat, NOT as difficult to do as the B&M instructions "appear" to make it look. They are very good instructions and are very complete, which is why there are 50+ steps.
Eric ar BumperPlugs has B&M short shifters for $199. If you want to go OEM Sport SHifter, check with Sunset Imports (Porsche dealer) in Oregon. They sell OEM parts for cost +15%. If you buy an OEM sport shifter, it comes pre-installed in the shift tower, which makes instillation even easier. It eliminates Steps 21 through 30. Here is a link to the B&M instructions.
B&M SSK Install
As far as installing the SSK, can you turn a screwdriver left and right? Can you operate a socket/ratchet set? If so, you CAN do this install yourself. It is not, I repeat, NOT as difficult to do as the B&M instructions "appear" to make it look. They are very good instructions and are very complete, which is why there are 50+ steps.
Eric ar BumperPlugs has B&M short shifters for $199. If you want to go OEM Sport SHifter, check with Sunset Imports (Porsche dealer) in Oregon. They sell OEM parts for cost +15%. If you buy an OEM sport shifter, it comes pre-installed in the shift tower, which makes instillation even easier. It eliminates Steps 21 through 30. Here is a link to the B&M instructions.
B&M SSK Install
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Connecticut
All cons, no pros. Alternative view as reflected by some others here...
The oem shifter is already a short shift compared to the 996. It's crisp, precise, well balanced, fast, etc. I've logged about 3600 street miles and 3500 track miles on mine - it's a beautiful shifter.
I tested the oem ssk before purchasing and didn't care for it - too notchy and I really didn't see what the fuss was about. The dealer thought I'd be interested - another marketing bonus for Porsche...
Cons: Price (paying for something you don't need), time (the dealer or mechanic will have your car for a while), performance (notchy, especially when cold), etc.
The oem shifter is already a short shift compared to the 996. It's crisp, precise, well balanced, fast, etc. I've logged about 3600 street miles and 3500 track miles on mine - it's a beautiful shifter.
I tested the oem ssk before purchasing and didn't care for it - too notchy and I really didn't see what the fuss was about. The dealer thought I'd be interested - another marketing bonus for Porsche...
Cons: Price (paying for something you don't need), time (the dealer or mechanic will have your car for a while), performance (notchy, especially when cold), etc.
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 14
From: Wellington. FL
As always, great and balanced feedback on here. After reading all of the posts, I think I will get the Lowering Springs from Champion and forego the short shoft kit. Seems like there are more opportunities to enjoy the better handling, and the SS Kit does not seem that appealing after reading the posts. Thanks guys
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 602
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From: Panama City Beach, Florida
The stock shift on a 997 has a long throw & increases the time needed to shift. It is also somewhat vague. The short shift has a much reduced travel & increases the required effort. Even after break-in it is sometimes stiff going into first, particularly when cold.
With due consideration of all this, it should be standard equipment or a no cost option.
With due consideration of all this, it should be standard equipment or a no cost option.