Can one returns to OEM after installing a short shifter? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

CDNIcecube · 05-02-2018, 04:51 PM

Hi all!

As per the title. I have a short shifter purchased from eBay (there is a post about these $50 further down) I didn’t install. I might do so soon but as wondering, should I or the wifey no like it, can it be reversed? Or is install now permanent for some reasons?

Thanks

BoxsterSteve · 05-02-2018, 04:59 PM

Would be as easy to reverse as to install in the first place.
Let us know what you think, you might convince me to pick one up too.

78F350 · 05-02-2018, 06:20 PM

Installation of most short shifters involved breaking the plastic cups that hold the stock lever in. The easy way to undo the installation is to install a complete shifter assembly. Woody probably has some used ones at a good price. ...Install your short shift in a used one and keep the old stock one handy.
Here's Ben's install video:

oldskool73 · 05-02-2018, 10:30 PM

...wonder if you can install the old shifter again with the new bushes/nuts though, or are they different sizes?

The last entry (figure 11) on this pages makes it look like it might be possible? https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/42-TRANS-Short_Shift_Kit/42-TRANS-Short_Shift_Kit.htm

JBauer · 05-03-2018, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskool73

...wonder if you can install the old shifter again with the new bushes/nuts though, or are they different sizes?

The last entry (figure 11) on this pages makes it look like it might be possible? https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/42-TRANS-Short_Shift_Kit/42-TRANS-Short_Shift_Kit.htm

Not a problem to switch back using the new bushings/nuts thingys, I did.

NewArt · 05-03-2018, 09:46 AM

I installed a short shifter and didn’t like it. After a couple of months I bought a 987 shifter in it’s cradle which is perfect for me.

Finnegan · 05-03-2018, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewArt

I installed a short shifter and didn’t like it. After a couple of months I bought a 987 shifter in it’s cradle which is perfect for me.

Which one did you try? What didn't you like about it?

NewArt · 05-03-2018, 01:24 PM

Actually, it was Ben’s. It’s really a matter of taste. The shifter worked flawlessly but it takes a fair bit more force and the shifts are quite short (duh) and mechanical. Even though I track, I found that the 987 shifter landed in a happy place between the 986 and the short shifters. I know that many others have raved about the ssk.

Geof3 · 05-03-2018, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewArt

I installed a short shifter and didn’t like it. After a couple of months I bought a 987 shifter in it’s cradle which is perfect for me.

I was just going to suggest that. I went with the 987 and it's great. Slightly shorter, much better than my sloppy, worn stocker. The up side is you can swap the console, sell the short shifter, and basically break even. No harm, no foul, short of a couple hours labor.

CDNIcecube · 05-03-2018, 03:54 PM

Ok guys, you worrying me! I am fine with my current shifter but just wondered about all that excitement with short shifters, so got myself one. I don’t track my 986 1999. I just drive it normal, cruising along. Will I regret installing my short shifter? And more importantly, will my wife? She’s game, but still if I can’t easy go back to OEM, not cool.

Thanks

tommy583 · 05-03-2018, 04:29 PM

Just buy a used shifter from Woody. That way you can use the cradle from that one to put the short shifter in. If you don't like it, you can put your old one back in. I have a short shifter from Ben006. I would never go back to the stock one.

Stroked & Blown · 05-03-2018, 04:40 PM

I have a stock shifter for sale - $50+ shipping.

Geof3 · 05-03-2018, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDNIcecube

Ok guys, you worrying me! I am fine with my current shifter but just wondered about all that excitement with short shifters, so got myself one. I don’t track my 986 1999. I just drive it normal, cruising along. Will I regret installing my short shifter? And more importantly, will my wife? She’s game, but still if I can’t easy go back to OEM, not cool.

Thanks

Kind of depends. If your overall system is trashed a short shifter will only exacerbate problems. Things like motor mount, possible trans mounts, cables, overall condition of your trans will all play out and be very telling with a short shifter. All things being equal, it is simply a matter of preference. Now, going big and swapping in a sequential gearbox... now we are talking.

Finnegan · 05-04-2018, 10:25 AM

Approximately how much would an indy shop charge to install a short shift kit? Is the job labor-intensive?

Geof3 · 05-04-2018, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Approximately how much would an indy shop charge to install a short shift kit? Is the job labor-intensive?

Are you handy at all? It really is a fairly simple procedure. There are plenty of online instruction pdf’s as well. If you want factory, it is a very simple console swap. If you use your existing shifter as a donor it’s a bit more labor but still very doable. Probably the hardest part is just getting the console out and back in! Swapping the shifter is easy.