B&M Short Shift Clunk - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Stunin_Stud · 01-09-2009, 02:32 PM

Hey so Im happy overall with my short shifter, except it makes a clunk sound like it is hitting something when i shift to the top row or gears ( 1,3,5) and shifts are really hard and stiff. Im thinking this is because its an aftermarket unit and has metal components, but maybe theres a way to make it feel better. The bottom gears go in smooth. anyone have this problem? I tried adjusting the cables but besides making the throws slightly longer it didnt take the clunking out. I was thinking of trying the undercar application. I would appreciate everyones feedback.

thanks

blue2000s · 01-09-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stunin_Stud

Hey so Im happy overall with my short shifter, except it makes a clunk sound like it is hitting something when i shift to the top row or gears ( 1,3,5) and shifts are really hard and stiff. Im thinking this is because its an aftermarket unit and has metal components, but maybe theres a way to make it feel better. The bottom gears go in smooth. anyone have this problem? I tried adjusting the cables but besides making the throws slightly longer it didnt take the clunking out. I was thinking of trying the undercar application. I would appreciate everyones feedback.

thanks

Did you check to make sure that the lower joint is definitely not running into the support frame?

Adam · 01-10-2009, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stunin_Stud

Hey so Im happy overall with my short shifter, except it makes a clunk sound like it is hitting something when i shift to the top row or gears ( 1,3,5) and shifts are really hard and stiff. Im thinking this is because its an aftermarket unit and has metal components, but maybe theres a way to make it feel better. The bottom gears go in smooth. anyone have this problem? I tried adjusting the cables but besides making the throws slightly longer it didnt take the clunking out. I was thinking of trying the undercar application. I would appreciate everyones feedback.

thanks

The B&M I had felt exactly the same, that's why I ditched it. I don't think what you're experienceing is abnormal.

Dai · 01-10-2009, 06:52 AM

I have one and it does not do that for me, however, I do have Evo aluminum shift link on top of my B&M short shift. I used to have grinding problem when going into 2nd gear if the car is cold and now, the 2nd gear does not grind at all even when temperature at -30F. I'm very happy with the shifter/shift link combo. Adjusting shift link to cable is crucial.

Burg Boxster · 01-10-2009, 07:50 AM

I too have a B&M shifter in mine and it does not do it. Your shift cable needs adjusted at the base or your may have forgotten to remove the Boxster's appendix (the green plate on the bottom if a non S).

As you recall while installing there are 2 shift cables... facing forward in the car, the right one is for forward and aft movement, the other is lateral. If you did remove the appendix, then the fore/aft one needs pulled back a thread or two (or more) on the lock mechanism at the base of the shifter.

I recommend adjusting it and take your car for a drive to run thru all gears to ensure smooth shifting before you reinstall the center console

Good luck

jmatta · 01-10-2009, 08:08 AM

I installed a B&M in my car three years ago...shifts are slightly notchy, but precise; exactly what I wanted. The improvement over stock is tremendous...as, others have mentioned, go back and check your cables, as we do not have the problems you are experiencing.

jaykay · 09-26-2009, 08:58 PM

i definately get the clunk for 1, 3, and 5. 2 to 3 is often pretty notchy...enough to making shift times slower! this is on a 6-speed

i would be interested in knowing where to position the cables with resect to stock so as to get a smoother action

blinkwatt · 09-26-2009, 10:18 PM

It's a known annoyance with the 6-spd trannies. It was never an issue on my 99's 5-spd. Same exact shifter as well. That's why I'm rocking the new 9x7 shifter on my 6-spd.

jaykay · 09-27-2009, 09:41 AM

Yes starting to realize this ....I am new so 9x7 is the 997 shifter?

blinkwatt · 09-27-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaykay

Yes starting to realize this ....I am new so 9x7 is the 997 shifter?

Yes or 987.

KevinH1990 · 09-27-2009, 10:45 AM

How did you acquire your 9X7 shifter? Is it plug and play. I would appreciate more information.

If it is a relatively inexpensive and trouble-free mod, I would like to give it a try.

clickman · 09-28-2009, 04:23 PM

Another subject covered ad nauseum if you search.

Just remember there are two stock shifters made for the 997 and 987 (hence 9x7) that also fit the 9x6's. One is the basic shifter and the other is the short shifter.

Both come from Porsche as a complete tower unit, including the alignment tool. The short shifter is more expensive. I bought my short shifter from Suncoast on special.

The process of swapping the shift towers is about an hour's job, most of which is taking the console off. The B&M instructions are great for that.

I love my new shifter. It feels much more like a sports car now.