Boxster S 2nd gear experiences

[landrovered]

Second gear synchro has been an issue as long as I have owned my Boxster.

I have not been able to downshift from third to second for two and a half years. It has actually taught me to be a better driver. I can shift from first to second normally except for the occasional crunch. The whole thing is quite usable even in its compromised condition.

The biggest reason I have not repaired it is $3000 for rebuilt gearbox + $1500 labor + $800 IMS Retrokit + $800 new clutch

So for $6100 I can live with it just fine until the clutch needs to be replaced and then I will do it all.

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by landrovered

Second gear synchro has been an issue as long as I have owned my Boxster.

I have not been able to downshift from third to second for two and a half years. It has actually taught me to be a better driver. I can shift from first to second normally except for the occasional crunch. The whole thing is quite usable even in its compromised condition.

Funny, for me it is the exact opposite. If I shift too quickly from 1-2, I might get a grind out of the box (heart drop and a wince every time), but it's pretty rare that it does happen, as I usually just force myself to take my time going from 1-2. Going from 3-2 I've never had a problem no matter how fast I try to go through the gear change.

I've never had the shifter come out of gear, the only thing I've noticed is that when coming on/off the accelerator, the shifter displays its greatest amount of movement in 2nd gear. Linkages, maybe?

[2003S]

ditto Overdrive's experience. Occasionally grind going into 2nd if I do it too quickly, or come off the clutch a smidge too soon. Otherwise no 2nd gear issues.

[san rensho]

Originally Posted by landrovered

Second gear synchro has been an issue as long as I have owned my Boxster.

I have not been able to downshift from third to second for two and a half years. It has actually taught me to be a better driver. I can shift from first to second normally except for the occasional crunch. The whole thing is quite usable even in its compromised condition.

The biggest reason I have not repaired it is $3000 for rebuilt gearbox + $1500 labor + $800 IMS Retrokit + $800 new clutch

So for $6100 I can live with it just fine until the clutch needs to be replaced and then I will do it all.

Try double clutching. Put it in neutral from third, then let the clutch OUT. With the clutch out, give the throttle a big blip then quickly put the clutch in and downshift to second. I had Alfas which have notoriously bad synchros and i learned well. Stll catch myself doing sometimes in the Boxster.

[stateofidleness]

is this a "manual" transmission issue only? I love my Tip! ..i'd sure hate to have to drop $4k on tranny work.

[Overdrive]

I think the Tips have their own set of issues unrelated to this, so don't worry, this isn't one of them. Usually things like this only happen due to the almost inevitable additional wear and tear that can happen to a manual tranny when you don't shift properly/beat on it A LOT...or when the previous owner does it and you simply inherit it in some cases.

[landrovered]

Originally Posted by san rensho

Try double clutching. Put it in neutral from third, then let the clutch OUT. With the clutch out, give the throttle a big blip then quickly put the clutch in and downshift to second. I had Alfas which have notoriously bad synchros and i learned well. Stll catch myself doing sometimes in the Boxster.

I'll give double de-clutching a whirl. I can sometimes push on the first gear gate and then come back into second and get in that way but it is not very often. The only time it is a pain is when traffic slows down and then speeds up again without getting down into first gear speeds.

[Stiletto Pat]

I had the same kind of problem with my 03 S - it would pop out, or not fully engage in 2nd gear, often when cold, but usually as a result of not really firmly pulling it completely into 2nd gear. So long as I consciously thought about it when shifting up or down into 2nd, I'd be alright, but it's get me when I was thinking about other stuff and not paying complete attention.

Anyway, I just bought and installed the GBox 2nd gear detent upgrade, and it's completely taken care of the problem. I had no way of knowing if my tranny had any kinds of serious issues, but I took a chance, and it feels perfect, and I haven't had a problem since the install. Everything seems perfect - knock on wood.

Just wanted to let you guys know...

Pat

[ohhh my]

Originally Posted by Stiletto Pat

I had the same kind of problem with my 03 S - it would pop out, or not fully engage in 2nd gear, often when cold, but usually as a result of not really firmly pulling it completely into 2nd gear. So long as I consciously thought about it when shifting up or down into 2nd, I'd be alright, but it's get me when I was thinking about other stuff and not paying complete attention.

Anyway, I just bought and installed the GBox 2nd gear detent upgrade, and it's completely taken care of the problem. I had no way of knowing if my tranny had any kinds of serious issues, but I took a chance, and it feels perfect, and I haven't had a problem since the install. Everything seems perfect - knock on wood.

Just wanted to let you guys know...

Pat

Very cool!

I was debating on getting this i hear it works very well for the 996 as well!

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by landrovered

Second gear synchro has been an issue as long as I have owned my Boxster.

I have not been able to downshift from third to second for two and a half years. It has actually taught me to be a better driver. I can shift from first to second normally except for the occasional crunch. The whole thing is quite usable even in its compromised condition.

The biggest reason I have not repaired it is $3000 for rebuilt gearbox + $1500 labor + $800 IMS Retrokit + $800 new clutch

So for $6100 I can live with it just fine until the clutch needs to be replaced and then I will do it all.

Why would you waste $800 on a IMS bearing when you already have 1?? :dance: