Shift Light

[DMAN2002]

I need to install a shift light on my 2002 S.
I recently ran my car at a track day at Thunderhill raceway and had a blast!!!!!
But one problem I had was i overreved the thing 4 times. I know some of you will say why don't you look at the tach, but with everything going on I just did not.
So if anyone can stir me in the direction of a shift light that they have installed or a DIY instrustions that would be great.

[rick3000]

I don't know about installing a light to tell you when to shift.
Personally, I think looking at another gauge would be more disracting than using your ears. I normally shift based on the sound of the engine.

You need to become one with your car!

[ekam]

I see why you need a shift light if your car can do 1/4 mile in 12 seconds or faster, otherwise it's just plain silly.

[944boy]

I know what you mean DMAN! Unfortunately I do not know how to wire up a shift light to a multi-coil system. A single shift light is OK, but if you ever use a multi-stage shift light, you'll never want to go back. They can be expensive, but worth it IMHO.

For those who don't get it, its good to know RPM's without having to look at gauges. If your not racing for money its good to shift a few RPM's earlier to help motor longevity. Also with a multi-stage you can gauge your speed into or out of a corner by what light is on. All while your eyes are still focused on the next corner. You should not be checking gauges in corners. That's why oil pressure warning lights are HUGE and in your face on most race cars.

Shift lights can be single bulbs that light when a desired RPM is reached (drag race type) or multi-stage 3-9 LED of varying colors (a la super-cars) These can be mounted on the dash, in your helmet or on a data-acquisition system.

Both my dad's 944 race cars have shift lights (AIM & RacePack) and so will my 944 racer.

Good luck!

[renzop]

A shift light will only help you with up shifts. If you overrevved because you down shifted at too high of a speed for the gear you were going into then a shift light will not help.

Also, for a track day, why in the world would you be upshifting at redline anyway? You are not competing, give the engine a break! Our cars do not produce max HP at redline. By the time you get to redline the power curve has started to fall off.

You said you did not have time to look at the tach. Then something is really wrong. This is NOT A RACE. Slow down until you can calmly do whatever you need to do, like look at the tach when its approaching shift time. Your car and your instructor will thank you.

Do yourself and your car a favor, forget the shiftlight and try to shift earlier. If you lose a few tenths of a second so what?

[pinzgo]

I have Boxster s year 2000 with 6 psi supercharger, intercooler and methanol injection. Last drag, i made 12.7 with 107 mph. Huge experience. To do so I had to add shift light to help me keeping concentrate on the road. I removed cluster from dash board and unplugged RPM. It is a long white plug. If I remember, the rpm signal is the second lower pin. Anyway, just take voltmeter on 12 volts mode, put black on ground, start engine and search pin that send signal by playing with pedal. After that, just plug your remote RPM with shift light. If you have separate shift light, just stick it in front of you on the dash. I set mine at 6200. I saved close to 1 second on performance
Bests
Jacques