Just installed... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

IceBox · 03-20-2005, 01:36 PM

...B&M's Short Shifter, Eibach springs and a cored S exhaust. I highly recommend doing the shifter swap, the car has a whole new feel to it. The flimsy long throw of the shifter has been replaced by a notchy, precise feeling that is purportedly 20% shorter and feels more like 50. It's literally a quantum shift...umm...from the original. A huge and satisfying difference. The springs have reduced the ride hieght by roughly an inch and, while firming up the car, have not created a harsh ride. The stock struts were retained and adequate to the task. The look especially is pleasing as the car seems wider, more hunched to pounce. It's amazing what a small measurment of adjustment can look like. I was concerned going in that the springs might make for a bouncy uncomfortable ride. I am happy to say this is not so. I'm not as positive about the new camber and toe setting, as they may be a bit aggressive for my needs, but I'll live with them for awhile and see if they grow on me. As for the exhaust...well I like it but my wife has vowed not to ride in the car as long as it's like it is. She also has declared she will not drive it as is...so it'll be staying this way for a loooooong time! It IS extremely loud now. And sounds like an ALMS 911RS. It's hairy! The cops may harbour a different opinion, however so we'll see. This is a mod I would not recommend for just anyone. If you want a rip-snorting cacophony of Boxster growl then it's a way to go...if you like your neighbours, there are probably better solutions available. I also swapped out the rear deck logo for a 986 badge. I told the salesman at Pfaff I was gonna do it, and now I have! It looks real tight, very clean and 'Porschey'. It was a 15 minute job, using a hair dryer, floss, and Go-Be-Gone. Afterwards, some spray detailer and there's no sign of the old logo. All in all, a good, if expensive, weekend! Pictures to follow as soon as a sunny day shows up!

Lux · 03-20-2005, 02:27 PM

Yep. The B&M is a great upgrade. I've had mine for over a year and still enjoy it everyday. I HIGHLY recommend it also.

-

RavenFan_94 · 03-20-2005, 04:09 PM

Did you do this yourself? Was it major surgery?

Adam · 03-20-2005, 04:26 PM

I heard it only takes on hour to an hour and a half with simple tools. Instructions are included. I plan on doing it this spring. Best bang for the buck upgrade I guess.

Doug · 03-20-2005, 06:04 PM

What's involved with the "cored" S exaust?
Does it reduce back pressure and add horsepower, or is it just for sound?

(I installed the B&M this weekend and agree that it is a huge improvement.)

Perfectlap · 03-20-2005, 07:05 PM

see I like the the idea of a shorter throw,
BUT....
I REALLY dobn't like the idea of a notchy shifter AT ALL.

My stock S shifter does feel long and not all 'tight' like the
gates in an S2000 but my shifter feels like their is no ressistance.
Long but smooth.
This was the first thing I noticed when I drove it off the dealer lot and
I liked it ALLOT. Once I figured out how to get a flawless shift I forgot
all about the long Shift.

IceBox · 03-20-2005, 10:41 PM

The shifter now no longer possesses that 'nostalgic' feeling but I certainly prefer this. I didn't do this myself, but I've seen a step-by-step on another site. It doesn't look too tough, but I break stuff so left it to the experts. The cored exhaust is primarily for sound. If it increases hp, all to the good. Now all I need is sun!

Lux · 03-21-2005, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenFan_94

Did you do this yourself? Was it major surgery?

It was a piece of cake to install, minus having to pop the plastic tabs that hold the original bushings. The instructions that come with the shifter are pretty detailed. Using that along with some instruction/pics from the web, it took me about 1.5 hours. I think it could be done in about 45 minutes but I was taking a bunch of time checking things out.

-

wetstuff · 03-21-2005, 10:07 AM

Different strokes... I pulled the B&M out and replaced it with the OEM 6-sp. A longer throw for sure, but easier and smoother. I felt as if I was yanking and shoving the B&M. My wife finds reverse easier to find.

...maybe if I was up in the powerbands all the time it would have been more useful.

Jim

IceBox · 03-21-2005, 01:15 PM

That's true Wetstuff, there is more effort involved with this shifter, though not much. I can see the point of leaving the stock shifter alone to maintain the 'civility' of s the car. If that's what you want.
At any rate, the sun came out and so did my camera....time to show off...

IceBox · 03-21-2005, 01:16 PM

Here's a view of the drop from the Eibachs.

IceBox · 03-21-2005, 01:18 PM

...and another...

IceBox · 03-21-2005, 01:19 PM

...and my brushed aluminum gauge bezels...

IceBox · 03-21-2005, 01:20 PM

...and finally, the '986' logo on the back...(hope it's clear...and straight!...)

IceBox · 03-21-2005, 01:23 PM

BTW, the 9 in 986 is not as off as it looks in the pic...really...it's not...

Adam · 03-21-2005, 02:25 PM

Lookin good!

phrankandbeanz · 03-21-2005, 04:57 PM

tasteful modding!

IceBox · 03-21-2005, 07:01 PM

Thank you!

Adam · 03-22-2005, 07:17 AM

I have a quick question for B&M SSK ussers. Since there is a slight increase in notchiness/effort does it reduce the ability to engage gears during super quick shifts?

Lux · 03-22-2005, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam

I have a quick question for B&M SSK ussers. Since there is a slight increase in notchiness/effort does it reduce the ability to engage gears during super quick shifts?

No. It feels quite a bit notchier and does require more effort. But that is only relative to the stock shifter. After a week or two you'll be used to it and going back to the stock shifter feels like trying to shift a car with a wet noodle.

What I hated about the stock shifter is the insanely long throw from 1st to 2nd. It actually slowed me down because I always had to "make sure" 2nd was fully engaged. Now, 2nd feels like where it's "supposed to be".

Think of it this way...it's like getting used to a clutch in a new car. Your first week might be weird because you're used to your old car. But you'll adapt.

-