Installed 997 shifter today..a few questions - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

ScottAZ · 08-09-2018, 03:09 PM

The install was pretty easy once I located all the torx screws holding the center console on and then figured out how to remove it around the shifter and e-brake. It's a noticeable improvement, but not as precise as I had hoped it would be. The shifts are shorter and feel better, but I still get quite a bit of play in gear, it doesn't spring back to neutral and can be tough getting into 3rd. I foolishly thought the new shift mechanism would solve this. Any suggestions for remedies? Thank you!

If it matters the shifter came out of a 21k mile 987 S.

Thanks!

steved0x · 08-09-2018, 05:34 PM

I can tell you that Ben's ball bearing shifter does go back intro neutral/center more easily than my Original shifter or the 9x7 shifter I installed.

The play/slop between gears and side to side... I think that might be just the nature of the beast for us...

Ben's is quite a bit shorter, if you like the throws of the 9x7 shifter and want to center more easily and make it smoother, the function first kit modifies your current shifter to use ball bearings, but is quite a bit more $$$.

Others may have more tips on how to reduce the slop.

Geof3 · 08-09-2018, 11:27 PM

Did you install it with the locator tool? 3rd should literally be straight up. I find if I am a little over zealous and try to move the shifter to find 3rd vs just letting the lever find center, I miss at times. Especially at the track. Porsche shifters require a light touch to get them where they need to be, otherwise they will balk.

husker boxster · 08-10-2018, 06:51 PM

I used the Function First solution to eliminate the slope from the 987 shifter in my CSS. Really cut down on missing shifts during track days.

FUNCTION-FIRST > Shift-Right Solution

jaykay · 08-18-2018, 09:16 PM

Yes the stock shifters all need work....I have an idea for all those seeking 997 shifter throws along with metal bushings and reduced assembly slop.

Does anyone have the dimensions of the 9X7 shift lever on hand or able to measure pivot point to ball centre on the bottom and pivot to handle tip on the top?