1st hard to engage only sometimes
 

I recently installed a 997 shifter in my 02 Boxster S.
Although it seemed fine dry testing it before re-installing the center console (never did not go into 1st or any other gear), I occasionally am not able to put it in 1st after being in neutral when engine running. This happens when I'm at a red light, not when cold/hot. I'll sometimes try to rev the engine up to make it engage, but I fin that I just have to try a couple times until it goes into 1st. Not a show stopper, but it has happened at the track when I'm trying to pull out of grid and is somewhat embarrassing:(

I noticed that when installing the new 997 shifter, that the centering tool was worthless as I did not have enough adjustment on the cable for left/right when I used the tool. I'm assuming my problem has something to do with this. All other gears have not really changed, even after drain/refill with Porsche fluid, and are fine. Do I just need to make an adjustment somewhere else? Seems like the adjustment was bottomed out.

When I installed my 987 shifter (same as 997 I believe), I had no problem using the tool. I never really figured out what it was supposed to do, maybe since I didn’t change the cable ends which is the recommended procedure, I think.

Have you replaced your front engine mount yet? After I did, mine was noticeably easier to slide into 1st.

Hmm? Ideally, the cables should have been in the exact same position with the new shifter as the old. Mine were, no issues with centering tool either. As mentioned, your MM might (probably is) shot if original, but I would guess your overall shift linkage adjustment is out of whack. It may require a full adjustment to include the trans side. Might be worth looking at your cables and see if they are giving it up at the trans. Again, you should have literally been able to drop in the new shifter and not adjusted anything and been fine.