This Darned Shifter
 

I'm planning on replacing the torn up shifter knob and boot on my boxster, and I know that the shifter doesn't unscrew, but rather has to be pulled up. The problem I'm facing, is that despite my best efforts, that thing is on there. My question is, is there any way to get it to come off more easily, rather than just yanking on the knob until I inevitably hit myself in the face?

If you have the upgraded (real aluminum/leather knob), the knob doesn't just pull off...there's an Allen bolt on the underside that has to be unscrewed first. If you have the standard knob (vinyl/fake aluminum paint) that comes with the car, you pull it off. To make it easier to do so, put the gear knob in 2nd gear and pull it towards your chest.

Get it warm by parking inside or slowly and gently warming with a hair dryer, then twist it back and forth to loosen it before pulling. ;)

The knob underneath the leather is a solid hard rubber, so it's not going to give much if cold.

What both guys above say. And be careful or you'll pop yourself in the face when it finally releases.
Ask me how I know.:eek:

How do you know? :D

Almost did the same on the 911.

Okay I have the old black vinyl/fake leather style, just pull up on it right? I'll try taking a hair dryer to it and see if it loosens up

If you can lower the top and stand/straddle the console . Gives you a LOT more leverage just be careful not to hit your sack/johnson !!!

Definitely twist it back and forth before trying to pull it off. I took my buddies off for him. It came off pretty easy after I twisted it a few times.

Have you tried talking sweetly to it? If that doesn't work, start cursing at it. Works for me

Irresistible.....

You sweet talk another mans knob?!?

Please set up a video camera to record the shift knob to the face (or sack) action. Post video here! :D

That's what she said.

I have done this; take two larger size screwdrivers. Place one blade on one side of the bottom of the knob and the other blade on other side. And, have a handle in each hand. Now, pull up. And, when it breaks free and slaps you in the face.... you're done!

Ask him how he knows.

The folks in my office were looking at me like I was an idiot for laughing while reading these posts. Damn, this is a funny thread! BTW, how do you know???

Juveniles entertained by some sack/knob chatter. Reminds me of Beavis and Butthead!!!

Heh, heh, heh . . . . He said sack/knob.

Speaking of shifters, has anyone thought about trying to make a gated shifter "a la ferrari style" for the Boxster?

Gated shifter on sweet '85 5-speed - Rennlist Discussion Forums

I think there was some discussion on this in Ben006's ball bearing shifter thread.

Okay so I've got it off and now I'm going to order a new knob and boot, but have a couple questions. First of all, are aftermarket knobs a good decision? I don't personally care for the factory style. And second, if I do go for an aftermarket knob, will any boot fit if I cut it a little bit? Otherwise the only boot that I can find that fits the car is an ugly red/black combo from momo

I went with this one. Porsche Boxster 986 + 911 / 993 Pomello Cambio cuffia illuminato nuovo pelle | eBay I have had it for a couple years and it's holding up great.

Looks interesting! Can you please post a picture?

I love the look, just seems like kind of a lie for me to put a six speed knob on a 5 speed shifter

Oh I didn't notice that. You can choose 5 or 6 speed. There are also a few different styles. Just go to his ebay store to check them out. By the way my car is a 5 speed, so I know he has that option.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1484920105.jpg

This is the best thread ever!!

Balls, sack, Johnson....can we get a "shaft" in there too!

Great looking car btw....

Don't forget... "Woody" even replied to this thread! :D:D:D:D:D

Heh, heh, heh . . . . He said Woody.

*facepalm*

how about something from these guys?

FUNCTION-FIRST > Classic Shift Knob


i bought one two years ago that is slotted, i dont see it for sale anymore but it's the last one at the bottom of the page on pelicanparts:
2000 Porsche Boxster Base Convertible - Interior Accessories - Page 1

they prob dont make them anymore. i like the tactile feel of the slotted one, you get good grip.

i'm pretty happy with it, the quality is very good, it came with everything you need to install it and i could use the original boot, just had to trim a tiny bit. very straight forward. most aftermarket ones can be used with the original boot, you just have to cut it off the original one (cut as high as you can).

Okay, so to use the original boot, just cut it off the Shifter? And is there the possibility to order a new one? Mine is super worn out

i heard a lot of people buy an OEM shifter from ebay that has a decent boot and cut that up. or you can always ask woody, he might have some in decent shape.

I've got that exact one, I love it. I got one of the eBay boots, and while it had the slits and everything to fit on the tabs under the horseshoe, it was kind of short on top, and also I ripped it a little trying to install it. Also the threads are unravelling... Soaking the boot in warm water for a while before installing would have prevented my tear I think. I didn't want to cut my original boot because I was saving it in case I wanted to go back to stock.

haha! nice one steve! our cars are starting to be more and more alike. just for the record, i was the first with the fister exhaust of the two :D

I bought one from this company when they were having a preorder sale. They're pricey but super well made and very heavy (600grams+). I'm hoping that the extra weight combined with the 997 shifter I installed will really change the shifting feel of the car.

Raceseng Boxster 986-987 \ Cayman 987 - Porsche - By Make

I love the look! Just wish they came in 5 speed knobs

I have a 6 speed but I ordered one with no engraving. It's $30 cheaper with no engraving too :)

Okay I think I found one that I'm okay with. And Amazon doesn't really give a fitment idea, so I'm not sure if it's going to fit on the end of the flat blade of the 986 shifter, does anyone have any input on this?
Amazon Link

Rennline makes a nice one;

Rennline Aluminum Shift Knob - Porsche-Rennline, Inc.

http://www.rennline.com/images/i13.jpg

Most of those aftermarket knobs are made for threaded shift levers. They have different inserts for different thread patterns but I don't think you'll get it to fit our blade style lever without modifying it. How much you'd have to modify it I couldn't say.

I'd stick with something that is actually designed for our cars. Makers of knobs that will fit our cars that I found in my own search were Rennline, Blackforest Industries, Function First, and Raceseng. There's also the ebay one a few posts up.