Vertex / Schell short shifter review

[D.L.]

I'm surprised. To start, I own a 98 box. I installed the Vertex short shift kit about 4 months ago and it about 2 hours (and took my sweet ass time reading the directions a couple times before diving in!). I called Vertex in the middle of my installation to make sure I was doing it correctly when removing the cables and making sure to mark the location of the threads. They were VERY helpful and from talking to the guy on the phone, it sounded like he had done the install a thousand times and he walked me through it like he was standing next to me!

Anyways, if you understand basic physics and the concept of leverage, you can expect the shift effort to increase. That shouldn't be a surprise. I noticed on my kit that there was added shift effort, but nothing to be concerned about or worth complaining about. It was still very smooth also. Not as smooth as stock, but still a very smooth shift overall. The difference in shift distance was well worth it. It just about cut the shift distance in half! I like that the shift is firm and positive. I don't feel that it is hard or rough at all.

I really like my kit, and I feel that this mod is the best bang for your buck. I compared it to the Porsche OEM kit that was installed on a demo car at my local Porsche dealer. They felt identical. If you search Vertex and B&M and look closely at both products, you will also noticed that they are almost identical also. The Vertex Kit is much cheaper however. It's unfortunate you had a bad experience with your Vertex kit. I really like mine though, and if you do a search on this site, you will find that most people love their short shift kits! Good luck to all!

[mjw930]

One important thing to note is the difference between the 5 speed and the 6 speed gearbox. I think there are enough differences between the 2 that what might be acceptable with one is not with the other.

Another thing to note is that I wasn't surprised by what I felt, I undertand all of the physics involved, I simply isn't the feel I was looking for. Perhaps it's too much of a good thing

Remember that I'm not the average guy. As an example, I don't like Michelin PS2's either (in the 18" size on a Boxster).........

[mjw930]

As promised here's my review of the EVO Swift Shift kit:

The installation of the EVO kit is a breeze. The aluminum / roller bearing bushings fit perfectly and hold the stock shifter in place with authority without adding any additional stiffness.

There are 2 issues with the kit but they are extremely minor:

1. The lower connector, the part that goes from the bottom of the shifter and connects to the shift cable can hit the shifter housing if care is not taken with the installation. It has 3 recessed allen screws and if you orient them wrong and have any one of them pointed down it will rub on the bottom plastic part of the shifter frame.

2. When shifting into reverse the right edge of the heim joint will make contact with the side of the shifter housing. It doesn't impede the shifter action but you can feel it. I tried to adjust the gate cable to prevent this but that places the shifter too far to the right and makes the 5/6 gate a reach.

My overall impressions of the kit are very good. The shift throws are reduced about 20% and they are much more positive than the stock system. It's very easy to find the proper gate and the effort required to engage a gear is harldy more than with the stock unit. In all it's exactly what I was looking for. I can highly recomment this kit for anyone who wants to add a little more precision to the 986/996 shifter.

BTW, Schnell (via EagleDay where I purchased the kit) are taking the Schnell unit back, no questions asked.