977 short shifter installed .. some questions - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

jaykay · 01-16-2011, 06:37 PM

My 997 SSK seemed to be set-up as is. I used my stock marks on the cables. I don't even know how to use the green alignment tool if that is what it is. I had no instructions. Perhaps my shifter adjustment is not optimized as such. My B+M was another story.....was not able to set that up properly for a 6-speed going across the gate..

nefarious986 · 01-17-2011, 12:22 AM

JayKay, did you have any of the issues I had? The two I noticed most was feeling like it didn't go COMPLETELY forward into 1/3/5 gear ( though this might be the short in short shift ), and the slight change in gear position ( 3rd gear is most noticable for me, and even that is a slight change ).

The car is definitely drivable right now, even with the cable 'stretched' to where the original marks was, but I am a bit anal about getting it perfect as not to cause more wear / tear than absolutely necessary.

sb01box · 01-18-2011, 05:44 AM

I opted for standard 997 shifter 3 years ago and had similar "shortness" of the left cable. I felt that with the transmission in neutral and with the shifter held in it's neutral position by the green clip, that each cable should be attached at this position. any other setting would move the shift lever to the left or the right from "nominal"
3 years of daily use. no problem engaging all 5 plus reverse gears

jaykay · 01-18-2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nefarious986

JayKay, did you have any of the issues I had? The two I noticed most was feeling like it didn't go COMPLETELY forward into 1/3/5 gear ( though this might be the short in short shift ), and the slight change in gear position ( 3rd gear is most noticable for me, and even that is a slight change ).

The car is definitely drivable right now, even with the cable 'stretched' to where the original marks was, but I am a bit anal about getting it perfect as not to cause more wear / tear than absolutely necessary.

I went from a B+M to the 997 ssk. The latter had no set up issues; shifts smoothly; of course shift effort is higher and forward throws are shorter; resolution does not suffer too badly. Second to third there still seems to be a slight control issue. I used the stock markings to install it and no green plate; this is why I said I may not have it completely right although it drives fine. On the whole the 997 ssk is the one to get.

The B+M was more vague across the gate and I had trouble going from 2 to 3 and maintaining clearance for reverse on my 6-speed. It had much shorter forward throws; a function of it's cable side lever arm and fulcrum point.

An ssk will give you different shift knob positions especially fore and aft. I cannot speak to your cable stretching issue. Normally the cable sheaths should be in place and there will be enough cable movement for any adjustment you need.

clickman · 01-18-2011, 07:42 AM

I still think the cable connections at the tranny should be looked at by someone that knows what they're doing.

nefarious986 · 01-18-2011, 09:21 AM

I reconnected the shift cables today with the alignment tool on. The black cable dropped straight in, and tried to stretched the cable a little as little as possible to drop it in. I ended up having to pull it the 1/4" ( about 3 grooves ). Took it for a short test drive, and still noticed the position change issue a little bit though definitely not as bad as last time when I stretched to cable to where the original mark is. All gears engage without issues, even reverse.

Though I'm still missing the 2nd to 3rd shift sometimes, I think its more 'driver error' until I get used to the new position.

Overall, I still LOVE LOVE the much shorter throw and the 'gated' feel. Porsche really should have added the extra $100 or $200 ( difference in cost for this shifter vs the OEM 986 shifter ) and sold this as a stock 986 part.

Clickman, thanks for your advice. I have to take the car in for service soon ( need new starter, old one is making noise on cold starts ) so I'll have the mechanic take a look at the connection on the tranny side too.

clickman · 01-18-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nefarious986

All gears engage without issues, even reverse.

Though I'm still missing the 2nd to 3rd shift sometimes, I think its more 'driver error' until I get used to the new position.

I find I also have some issues at some times going 2-3 and 4-5, but as I've said, I need a new front motor mount. I'd asked earlier in this thread for your car's age/mileage, but didn't see an answer, so you might also be due.

sb01box · 01-18-2011, 06:43 PM

I have a question."Is this shift linkage mis-match on 6 speed boxster as well?
If it is more of an issue with 5 speed cars, doesn't a typical shifter rests at the 3-4 gear location when in neutral?" And if so, is it possible that the green clip is designed for the 6 speed transmission application where there are four left/right "gates" versus 5 speed with three - left/right alignment is more critical for the 6 speed.

The shortness in the left cable during installation may be due to the basic design focusing on ensuring that there is sufficient movement to engage reverse to the left of the 1st & 2nd gear position.

Has anyone measured the left cable motion for all three (5 speed) or 4 left/right "gate" position and see if the delta is equal to the first to reverse positions on the 6 speed? I am interest but not enough to fight and wrestle the shift knob off of the shaft.

just a thought

nefarious986 · 01-19-2011, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clickman

I find I also have some issues at some times going 2-3 and 4-5, but as I've said, I need a new front motor mount. I'd asked earlier in this thread for your car's age/mileage, but didn't see an answer, so you might also be due.

Whoops, sorry I missed that question. She's an 01 with 52k miles. Got her 3 years ago at 36k.