For those that have upgraded shifting parts

[Pup]

I have read lots of threads, never really got a full answer. My shifter (99 Boxster) feels sloppy and has lots of play. I am going to go for the BAD Uniwerks short shifter and aluminum side shifter upgrade..

I read lots of folks saying this is shifter cable ends are worn and various other issue.

I don't want to get into this and have to order more parts. Do I need to replace cables ? What else should be done at the same time. Here is a pic for referencing parts.

Thanks

[S50Sinner]

Good news is it's not hard to find out. You can test this by lifting the center console out and looking under your shifter. There are a couple good videos on the console removal process, it's pretty easy.

Push and pull on the cables directly, if there's any slop, then you need either cables or a linkage. The shift linkage that you need to look out for is mounted on the outside of the transmission, Tarett makes a replacement/solution if that's worn out. Hopefully, this yields no play and you can solve this with the B.A.D. shifter.

[redpepperracing]

If it is the linkage on the transmission, you can make one yourself with about $20 in parts, there is a thread here somewhere on how to do it. You just need a couple of ball cup ends and some threaded rod.

[986andmx5]

I installed a 987 shifter in my 1999 986. It is a world of difference from the stock floppy shifter after 150k. It feels amazing in comparison, very smooth and precise shift action. They can be picked up for cheap used. At 150k I had no other wear that needed to be addressed re cables or otherwise.

[Wret]

I may have one of highet milage cars on the forum (currently about (295K) and I obsess about shifter play. I have never found any significant amount of play associated with the cable ends. I have a short shifter and keep the main pivot greased, shimmed and tight. That helps but most of the play observed in my case is from the side lever with the plastic slot. The tolerences open up with time and wear. There is a kit that replaces the plastic slotted piece and also a DIY or two showing how to shim the ball or the slot to eliminate the slop. I haven't addressed this myself but I have a pack of brass shim stock of different thickessess for that purpose.

[ecruz]

Originally Posted by Pup

I have read lots of threads, never really got a full answer. My shifter (99 Boxster) feels sloppy and has lots of play. I am going to go for the BAD Uniwerks short shifter and aluminum side shifter upgrade..

I've recently (past couple of weeks) installed the BAD Uniwerks short shifter and aluminum side shifter upgrade. I used the stock ends, cables, etc. The difference is huge! All slop is gone. Shifting is now shorter, but not too short, precise, but not notchy, it's not too heavy or stiff. For me it's about perfect, and I'm coming from an NC Miata, which was the best shifting car I had ever driven.

[Richterman]

Originally Posted by ecruz

I've recently (past couple of weeks) installed the BAD Uniwerks short shifter and aluminum side shifter upgrade. I used the stock ends, cables, etc. The difference is huge! All slop is gone. Shifting is now shorter, but not too short, precise, but not notchy, it's not too heavy or stiff. For me it's about perfect, and I'm coming from an NC Miata, which was the best shifting car I had ever driven.

I second the BAD shifter. So much better

[LoneWolfGal]

I looked at economical short-shift kits on Amazon, but I've decided to go for the the BAD Uniwerks shifter, even though with the aluminum side shifter upgrade it's three times as expensive. Some things, it's smart to pay more for better quality.

[Richterman]

You won't go wrong with the BAD short shifter. It's awesome