Putting 987 shift box in 986?

[PeterBleakney]

Hi, I have a 2001 Boxster S (136,000 km) with a fairly ropey shift action. I'd like to tighten things up and I hear replacing my shifter mechanism with one from a Boxster 987 is a worthwhile swap. I'll probably replace the cables too. Anybody out there have experience with this? Thanks!

[steved0x]

Yeah, lots of folks do it, I ran one for a while too. It is a worthwhile swap. Currently I am running a Ben's ball bearing short shifter.

[PeterBleakney]

Thanks! I also have the opportunity to buy a Porsche 997 Short Shifter 997-424-983-00 which I know gives shorter shifts but I'm concerned about shift quality/stiffness. Anybody have experience putting these in a 986 Boxster S? I'm not a racer, just want to tighten things up, so I'm not sure if a stock 987 shift box will be good enough, as I have one of those available too. The 987 shift box is $250 while the Porsche 997 Short Shifter 997-424-983-00 is $300. Thoughts?

[swmic]

I have a shifter from my 986 track car you might be interested in. I believe it has a B&M shifter in it. It was installed in the 08 time frame and has has very little use since then. I'd be looking for $100 plus shipping. Let me know if you are interested and I can send photos.

[NewArt]

I guess it's a matter of taste. I had a short shifter for a while then I changed to the 987 shifter, which I liked better. YMMV

[bcrdukes]

Any reports the short shifters end up damaging or shortening the lifespan of the syncros in the transmissions?

[JayG]

The 987 shifter is a simple and easy DIY. Its about halfway between a stock 986 shifter and a true short shifter in throw.

[PeterBleakney]

I went with the 987 shifter. I'll install it next week and report back!

[hotdawwgman]

This is something I am interested in. Are you sourcing new units, or used, low mileage units?

[edc]

Whilst you have the shifter out it is worth adding the metal roller bearing bushes and checking the play in the **************** nylon block and shimming that were needed. Gives a tighter more precis feel.

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Any reports the short shifters end up damaging or shortening the lifespan of the syncros in the transmissions?

Nope - none.

However, slamming gears, short shifter or not will cause damages you describe. One of the things you teach a new track student (once you let them begin shifting - LOL) is to be exaggerated and extra gentle w/ the shifter. Mostly from a physics perspective. Regardless, it's a much harder task with all the adrenaline and trying to drink through a fire hose...

Good luck

[PeterBleakney]

Originally Posted by hotdawwgman

This is something I am interested in. Are you sourcing new units, or used, low mileage units?

I sourced a used unit for $250. The weather has been crap here (Toronto), but this Wed looks good so I'll install and report back.

[PeterBleakney]

Originally Posted by edc

Whilst you have the shifter out it is worth adding the metal roller bearing bushes and checking the play in the **************** nylon block and shimming that were needed. Gives a tighter more precis feel.

Thanks! Are these aftermarket parts?

[Gilles]

I have a standard OEM 987CS shifter with very low miles as I replace it with a short throw shifter, if somebody needs one PLMK and I can take a pic or two.

Does $100 shipped seems reasonable?

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Does $100 shipped seems reasonable?

Maybe too reasonable

[edc]

Originally Posted by PeterBleakney

Thanks! Are these aftermarket parts?

Yes. I'm sure there are companies your side of the water making similar.

[PeterBleakney]

Originally Posted by PeterBleakney

I sourced a used unit for $250. The weather has been crap here (Toronto), but this Wed looks good so I'll install and report back.

The 987 shifter went in without a hitch and it is definitely an improvement. Still a bit sticky getting into first and third sometimes. Next job is changing the transmission oil.

[Eric-986]

Does the 987 shifter work with a 986 shift knob/boot?

-Eric

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by Burg Boxster

Maybe too reasonable

Burg, you may be right as it will not be such a small box after all

Ok, $100 plus postage..?

[hotdawwgman]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Burg, you may be right as it will not be such a small box after all

Ok, $100 plus postage..?

I’ll buy it. I am local too