Function First Shifter Cable Experiences?
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 961
From: CA and Taipei
Cool. Thanks for that.
I do wonder whether 996 vs 997 made a difference in this comparison.
Also, what I don't get is how the Numeric added to the notchiness, as I don't recall the shifter had anything special other than changing the materials to metal-only. Other than the re-centering spring pulling the shifter ever so slightly back to the middle, the shifter does not have any resistance when I was playing around with it before the install. Is it because of the plastic factory cradle that helped to provide a tiny bit of flex to help? Or did the very small change in throw length (at the longest throw setting) have such a big impact? This is more of a question in itself that I never really looked into or figured out.
This shifter thing is like the exhaust situation. So many combinations !
I do wonder whether 996 vs 997 made a difference in this comparison.
Also, what I don't get is how the Numeric added to the notchiness, as I don't recall the shifter had anything special other than changing the materials to metal-only. Other than the re-centering spring pulling the shifter ever so slightly back to the middle, the shifter does not have any resistance when I was playing around with it before the install. Is it because of the plastic factory cradle that helped to provide a tiny bit of flex to help? Or did the very small change in throw length (at the longest throw setting) have such a big impact? This is more of a question in itself that I never really looked into or figured out.
This shifter thing is like the exhaust situation. So many combinations !
Numeric is short even at the longest setting.
The 996 without any mods was really flappy and soft and had way too much play like an old pickup truck or something. The 996 with the FF mods has a long throw but quite smooth. My own personal preference is for a longer throw. The condition of your clutch itself also has a role in how smooth or how much effort you need to come out of gear.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 943
Likes: 374
From: Hong Kong
Well the 996 throw is definitely longer than the 997, so maybe that's what I'm feeling? My 7.2 GT3 was notchier and took more effort than the 996. That's not a critique, because I just think in general the 996/997 gearbox doesn't shift all that great compared to other cars. This is why we are all splitting hairs over these shifter mods. Other platforms don't have these type of debates over and over from what I've seen. But I completely understand - when you have a shifting experience that you like, the driving experience changes a lot.
Numeric is short even at the longest setting.
The 996 without any mods was really flappy and soft and had way too much play like an old pickup truck or something. The 996 with the FF mods has a long throw but quite smooth. My own personal preference is for a longer throw. The condition of your clutch itself also has a role in how smooth or how much effort you need to come out of gear.
Numeric is short even at the longest setting.
The 996 without any mods was really flappy and soft and had way too much play like an old pickup truck or something. The 996 with the FF mods has a long throw but quite smooth. My own personal preference is for a longer throw. The condition of your clutch itself also has a role in how smooth or how much effort you need to come out of gear.
But ya. Shifting is such an integral part of the driving experience. My guess is the Numeric at longest setup still shortened the throw by some 15% on a 997 GT3 shifter (I didn't measure this). I do feel it might help a little if the longest throw can be half a notch longer. Though that might make the shifter sit a bit too high ...
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 943
Likes: 374
From: Hong Kong
Two things I’d like to add:
1. I Shifting improved quite a bit after changing factory tranny and 964 RS engine mounts. Car had only 9000 miles and 14year old factory parts.
2. The notchiness from 2-3 improved further after gears were restacked during 3.888 R&P change — though 3-4 shift increased notchiness by a little.
#2 is particularly interesting I thought
1. I Shifting improved quite a bit after changing factory tranny and 964 RS engine mounts. Car had only 9000 miles and 14year old factory parts.
2. The notchiness from 2-3 improved further after gears were restacked during 3.888 R&P change — though 3-4 shift increased notchiness by a little.
#2 is particularly interesting I thought
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 560
Likes: 185
From: SF, CA
I thought I remember someone re drilling their Numeric to increase the throw length closer to stock. Might be worth searching around the forum some.
I am also still curious to see if others have tried the FF green cables.
I am also still curious to see if others have tried the FF green cables.
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 790
From: Minneapolis
Well the 996 throw is definitely longer than the 997, so maybe that's what I'm feeling? My 7.2 GT3 was notchier and took more effort than the 996. That's not a critique, because I just think in general the 996/997 gearbox doesn't shift all that great compared to other cars. This is why we are all splitting hairs over these shifter mods. Other platforms don't have these type of debates over and over from what I've seen. But I completely understand - when you have a shifting experience that you like, the driving experience changes a lot.
My car has cup car cables, I'll definitely look into the FF greens when these wear out.
Last edited by brontosaurus; Sep 12, 2025 at 11:45 AM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 761
Originally Posted by 00 Scrub;[url=tel:20227039
20227039[/url]]I thought I remember someone re drilling their Numeric to increase the throw length closer to stock. Might be worth searching around the forum some.
I am also still curious to see if others have tried the FF green cables.
I am also still curious to see if others have tried the FF green cables.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 560
Likes: 185
From: SF, CA
I'll also echo what Chris Cervelli told me about improving shifter feel/effort on these boxes. He said it's really a function of of the clutch/flywheel inertia more than anything else. I think making the throws longer slows the whole shift down some to help. He mentioned his favorite option is the 996 cup or 996 shifter with the FF bearing kit.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 152
Likes: 41
From: PNW
I run the FF cable ends and the FF shifter kit (I chose the middle throw of the 3 options, supposed to be longer than the Porsche or Numeric short shift kits).
I also have the FF trans insert (orange, medium) which made a significant difference in vehicle feel and shifting.
This is on a 2008 C4, stock flywheel and clutch.
Feels good to me and no increased NVH other than a little bit of "tightening up"" from the trans insert. Shifter is precise and direct, but not too "short" and not to "rifle bolt-ey", but much more precise than stock.
I also have the FF trans insert (orange, medium) which made a significant difference in vehicle feel and shifting.
This is on a 2008 C4, stock flywheel and clutch.
Feels good to me and no increased NVH other than a little bit of "tightening up"" from the trans insert. Shifter is precise and direct, but not too "short" and not to "rifle bolt-ey", but much more precise than stock.
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile
Joe Kucinski
10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap
Joe Kucinski
Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes
Verdad Gallardo
This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917
Verdad Gallardo
Is This Convertible Cayenne A Steal, Or A Returnless Investment?
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Non-Flat Six Porsches You Can Buy For Under $100K
Joe Kucinski
Porsche's Top 5 Most Questionable Naming Decisions
Verdad Gallardo
Pogea Racing's 964 Porsche 911 Reimagination Stands Out in a Crowded Field
Verdad Gallardo
6 Convertible Top MYTHS Most People Don't Understand!
Michael S. Palmer
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 961
From: CA and Taipei
I run the FF cable ends and the FF shifter kit (I chose the middle throw of the 3 options, supposed to be longer than the Porsche or Numeric short shift kits).
I also have the FF trans insert (orange, medium) which made a significant difference in vehicle feel and shifting.
This is on a 2008 C4, stock flywheel and clutch.
Feels good to me and no increased NVH other than a little bit of "tightening up"" from the trans insert. Shifter is precise and direct, but not too "short" and not to "rifle bolt-ey", but much more precise than stock.
I also have the FF trans insert (orange, medium) which made a significant difference in vehicle feel and shifting.
This is on a 2008 C4, stock flywheel and clutch.
Feels good to me and no increased NVH other than a little bit of "tightening up"" from the trans insert. Shifter is precise and direct, but not too "short" and not to "rifle bolt-ey", but much more precise than stock.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 961
From: CA and Taipei
Here's a quick video I recorded just now to see if you guys can get a sense of the shifting. This is at idle with the clutch in. When driving it's the same as this as long as you aren't shifting at 2500rpm or something stupid like that.
996 shifter, FF bearings only without the FF shifter, FF green cables, FF trans insert, 964 RS engine mount, 4.0RS clutch/SMFW. It's smooth, fast, and effortless.
996 shifter, FF bearings only without the FF shifter, FF green cables, FF trans insert, 964 RS engine mount, 4.0RS clutch/SMFW. It's smooth, fast, and effortless.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 52
Likes: 14
Here's a quick video I recorded just now to see if you guys can get a sense of the shifting. This is at idle with the clutch in. When driving it's the same as this as long as you aren't shifting at 2500rpm or something stupid like that.
996 shifter, FF bearings only without the FF shifter, FF green cables, FF trans insert, 964 RS engine mount, 4.0RS clutch/SMFW. It's smooth, fast, and effortless.
https://youtube.com/shorts/svNF9e9OEN4
996 shifter, FF bearings only without the FF shifter, FF green cables, FF trans insert, 964 RS engine mount, 4.0RS clutch/SMFW. It's smooth, fast, and effortless.
https://youtube.com/shorts/svNF9e9OEN4
Wow, I have 997 porsche original SSK+FF besrings + ff ends+ ff insert + 964rs mounts. Only difference is ssk and cables. Second gear I have not really like you, so probably will do the cables.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 961
From: CA and Taipei
I got a chance to test drive a friend's 992.1 GT3 Touring today and wanted to make the same video as above. To my surprise, the shift is also long but it's just the stick itself doesn't stick out as tall. You can tell from the video comparing with my 996 video that when it engages the next gear it doesn't have a "clicking into place" type of sound. It's a soft and smooth engagement, whereas my 996 (with all the mods) would be like a smooth with a bit of a better "clicking into place" engagement feel.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 943
Likes: 374
From: Hong Kong
My Numeric cables were well insulated with all the necessary grommets and insulators. The problem with Numeric cables is it's transmitting the noise rather than producing the noise itself.
Anyway. I guess when I could spare the cash and time to do the parts + install, this is worth a shot ...