997 GT3 Shift Knob
 

Per the norm I am again bored with what I have and am interested in tinkering with the interior bits. With that said, I am in the process of ordering the 996 GT3 alcantara steering wheel or the 997 GT3 alcantara shift knob pending fitment issues, if not I will opt for the 996/986 alcantara version. My question to you fine folks is whether or not a 997 GT3 Alcantara shift knob will fit my '03 S?

996/986 Alcantara Shift Knob

http://www.****************************************************.com/product/996Alcanta.html?Category_Code=996gt3knobs

997 GT3 Alcantara Shift Knob

http://www.****************************************************.com/product/997GT3KNOB.html?Category_Code=997gt3_Knobs

The 987/997 type knob itself would fit onto your shifter shaft, but the boot trim would not since it is a different shape. Therefore, you would have to modify it by mating the 987/997 type knob with a 986/996 type boot trim. This is what I did, and fitted a 987 knob to a 986 boot to put in my car:
http://i43.tinypic.com/ogz2j4.jpg

Alternatively, you can buy them like this from a European retailer who does this for you at www.carnewal.com. Just click on their 996 section and interior page, and then you'll see all the different shifter knobs they offer. Or, you can even buy their 986 boot with the silver horseshoe trim and mate it to the 997 knob. That will work too.

Boxtaboy:

So how did you mate them together? I assume you have to re-use your 986 boot trim and remove the 987 boot trim off the 987 shifter. :confused: Nice looking console as well.

Cartel:

I would strongly suggest you to get the padded steering wheel unless the alcantara version is also padded (ie. thicker than stock). It's a big difference for sure.

Great information and thank you for your timely response! After a bit of research this morning, it appears your recommendation is the way to go. I sent the folks over at Carnewal an email and am awaiting their response. Again, thank you.

Wow carnewal is expensive. $500+ for a shift knob and boot with an aluminum horseshoe trim ring!

I think I'd rather by another SET of Hankook tires for the track!

This is the steering wheel I was contemplating purchasing, it appears to be the same unit as the stock unit minus the alcantara.

http://www.****************************************************.com/product/gt3rs996whe.html?Category_Code=996gt3knobs

By padded steering wheels, are you by chance speaking of the one below?

http://www.****************************************************.com/product/CarbonWheel986996.html?Category_Code=996gt3knobs

Sure, it's easy... The 987 shift knob is connected to the boot by way of a nifty little 2 piece circular clip that screws on. It is much better than the simple zip tie used underneath the upgraded 986 shifter/boots. Just reuse the 2 piece clip from the 987 boot, and use it to attach the 986 leather boot/silver horseshoe trim (the boot from the basic 986 shifter boot will not work because it is attached permanently to the knob), and you're good to go.

Oh, and thx for the compliment on the console. Got it from Bumperplugs.com like 6 years ago, and it still looks new.

I got my 987 shifter with boot from eBay for $60 bucks, and the horseshoe 986 boot for $80, so $140 total.

EDIT: oops, I forgot I also ended up selling the 987 boot that was left over from my swap for $40 bucks on 6speedonline, so total I spent $100 for the mod. :)

It's this one:

http://www.****************************************************.com/product/0000444002XX.html?Category_Code=996gt3knobs

Glad to help. I like the feel of the 987/97 ball shift knobs a lot more than the pistol grip joystick shaped ones that come with the 986. I'm sure you'll like the one you get from Carnewal.

Yes, the ones carnewal sells are pricey, but not even Suncoast offers the newer knobs on the older boots, so you'll have somethin unique on your 986! ;)

Excellent. Do you have any photographs of the above steering wheel installed in your vehicle? If so, I would certainly be interested in viewing them. Thank you!

I could not agree more. Mine is on the verge of being worn out and I would rather fork over more now when needed versus impulsively. The price we pay for individuality!

The 997 GT3 shift knob and steering wheel both feel fantastic, and I'd love to work those into my Boxster interior.

In alcantara or wrapped in leather? The 997 GT3 steering wheel is solid in my books but I am unsure as to whether or not it is a plug and play install. Any insight? Also, are you meaning the 997.1 GT3 or the new 2010 GT3 steering wheel?

The 997 version steering wheel will not fit your 986, so you'll have to use the 996 GT3 wheel instead.

Btw, I think this guy did a terrific job on his interior...
http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/album.php?albumid=400&pictureid=3402

I was referencing the 997.1 car, though I do not know how plug and play this is to a 986 car.

Certainly a happy medium I can live with! Onto the fellas interior, now that is a piece of work. Tastefully done in the highest respects. One day, one day!

Great news!

The kind folks at Carnewal responded to me this morning and notified me of their 997 GT3 Alcantara shift knob mated to a 996 leather boot/horse shoe for our vehicles. Suprisingly, they are not asking much for it. For those whom are interested in the unit I am including a link below.

http://www.carnewal-europe.com/cpx_p96191.htm

Looks nice. Enjoy, and post a pic after installing it!