short shift gear change
 

Hi there
this is my first time on the forum, just changed my 1997 2.5l tiptronic boxster for a 2000 S and find gear change quite stiff and springy, even after clutch replacement
contemplating changing gear stick for short shift one, can anyone recommend a good trusted setup and company.

If you find the standard shifter stiff now and don't like it, then I don't recommend a short shift kit... it only makes it worse.

My 97's 5 speed tranny is very notchy and shift when it's cold. But when it's fully up to temp it's a lot better. I just work a little harder when the engine and transmission is cold.

When I complained about it after a transmission swap and new clutch, my mechanic popped up the base of the leather shift knob and sprayed some grease in the ball joints of the linkage and it was far easier to shift. No charge.

Should you do this, dig out any pocket change that fell into the area due to it being stored in the ash tray!

I too upgraded to an S and find the shifting notchier than my old car. I put in a B&M hoping that it will solve the problem, but it's actually stickier. I'm use to it now and does not bother me.

Having said that, I was in another S and felt that the shifter with the B&M was smoother and less effort than mine.

I dont' think it's the short shifter, but the original shift unit.
Anyone with any suggestions for adjustment?

I have an 00 S model with the Vertex Short Shift kit. Definitely a shorter, however Notchier shift than before. More effort is used and may not be the best. I would keep your OEM shifter, and change out the nob for a smaller (shorter) nob. The shift feels shorter without the notchiness. (So I've heard)

KRZ

this is exactly the same problem when cold very stiff and easier to change at higher rev and hotter engine, i ask my porsche specialist about changing the box oil but his response was that you never really change the oil apart when it reaches very high mileage, does anyone done an oil change or something different to make gear change smoother?

This might be apples and oranges, but when I put a B&M in my old Mustang, it was very notchy and stiff at first but it smoothed out quite a bit over time. The Break-in period lasted a few months/ thousand miles. How long ago did you make this mod? Maybe it will fix itself for you… :confused:

Dr. Kill

Had it for several months now and maybe it will solve itself. I am use to it and doesn't bother me. I do noticed that it's easier to shift when I'm on the track when the car is warm. In fact, I think it's great on the track.

I have the car in the shop right now to install an Evo air intake and asked them to look into the shifter. I let you know the outcome.

Please do, I am interested in this mod for myself.

I think you are right though, if the thing runs more stiff when cold, it is likely something happening below your short shift mod.

Dr. Kill

Just got the car back from the shop with the Evo Air intake. Couldn't tell if there was any difference at first, but once I stepped on the gas pass 3500, it sounded great! I turned my radio off the whole time heading home just the hear the roar behind me.

Also felt stronger on pick up. Evo's web site claims about 8-10 hp increase, but I don't really care since it does have more pull. I didn't really push the car since it was raining, dark and rush hour. Can't wait for a nice clear Sunday morning with the top off.

The Porsche shop also mentioned that it took about 5 hours to put in. Luckily, he quoted me 2 hours. Total cost was $700Cdn including parts, labour and taxes. Debated on whether to do it for about 2 months. Was it worth it? YES!

With regards to the shifter, they greased some joints and it is a little easier to shift.

This stiff shift when cold complaint is something you see with the 6 speeds, not 5 speeds, unless you live in Texas.

Some 6 speed guys have tried a mixture of gear oil and Redline gear oil and reported that it helps. I have no personal experience. Both are synthetic. If this Redline stuff was so great then I don't know why they don't put in 100% Redline and see what that does.

Olly, listen to what the other guys said. If you think the shifter is notchy/stiff now, just wait until you try a B&M. I got rid of that thing ASAP and went back to OEM.

I find it a bit stiff as well when cold. I just take it easy tell it warms up.
I'm going to be changeing my gear oil when I get it back from the shop.
I'm going to try Swepco(It helped the 5sp 928's with the same problem). I will post any results after.
Shop did say it would be at least a week before they have it ready.
I figure a bit longer since they have not even put it on a rack yet so I know they have not caught all the damaged parts yet(like the right hand radiator that was leaking that they did not know about yet).
Gear oil is supposed to be changed at 90K miles. Even without that many miles their should be a time limit as well, but I don't know how many years that would be. My guess would be some where around 3-5 years regardless of mile change it. But that is just a guess.

Richard

I have a MY04 5 sp and I have the stiff shift when cold. I never try to force a gear and there is night and day difference when hot and cold.

When cold I most times cannot downshift into second without coming to an almost complete stop.

When warm no issues at all.

I've got a similar issue with the 6 speed on my '03 S. Mine is particular to 2nd gear when the trans is cold/cool. What happens to me is you drop it down into gear and when you let out the clutch you find that it hasn't fully engage 2nd and pops back out. It acts like a slow syncro and I don't like the idea of the dealer getting inside the tranny if they don't have to (it's under warranty). I haven't taken it back to the dealer but I'm probably going to within the next month to have it looked at. Maybe a linkage adjustment and some good synthentic gear oil will do the trick. I switched form swepco to Mobil 1 gear oil in the G50 on my 930 and it did wonders.

hi mjw this is exactly the same problem that i have it feels like second is in then like a spring it shoots off, i don't think bringing the car back to the dealer will solve the problem, everyone seem to have the same problem and it goes away when the car is hot, a that stage just be cautious with second gear when car is cold, I am still waiting to hear if someone changed the box oil and if it helped but no one came up with an answer yet

did anyone tried that new schnell short shift kit advertise at the top of page for 159$ yet?
give us a feed back if you have
thanks

Yes please. I was looking at that and wondering.

Go to the "search" function in the above blue line and enter "schnell". You'll find a few threads from happy forum members.

I was also interested in the short shift option and looking for feedback. I don't mind a higher effort to shift, if it is crisp and precise.

I have the 5-speed in my 98 (non-S) and I do not have any issues when the tranny is cold vs warm as far as shifting being stiffer or not easily slipping into gear. I don't want to risk starting that kind of problem. Would installing a SSK possibly cause such problems?

Although I would also wonder why such problems are limited to certain gears...could it be a synchro problem not related to SSK's at all?



This stiff shift when cold complaint is something you see with the 6 speeds, not 5 speeds, unless you live in Texas.

May I ask what is "special" about Texass? :p

had a Miata with a very notchy shifter, especially when cold. Replaced the rubber boot (visible only when the shift knob and leather boot are removed) and it was a total transformation. The elasticity of the boot reduced the force needed to shift.