Spec Boxster Build

[thstone]

Here are some pics of the prototype rally-style shifter that I printed.

This prototype was made from PLA so its fairly light but feels very strong/stiff. I would like a little more weight so I will print another prototype using thicker exterior walls along with a thicker interior honeycomb structure to see if that gives it a beefier feeling.

I will have to use ABS for the final part since PLA may start to deform at temps (~130F) that are likely to be experienced in a hot race car.

As you can see, it is quite a bit longer/taller than the carbon fiber shifter that I have been using. My initial impression is that I think that it needs to mount deeper on the shift lever like the carbon fiber shifter does.

I am going to drive it a bit like this and see what I think. Then I’ll drill the mounting hole 1” deeper and drive it again. And then drill it so it fits flush at the bottom and drive it again.

The final version can be printed in any of 40 different ABS-available colors. The cost is about $1.65 in material. It takes about 4 hrs to print but its completely automated so I start it and just come back when its done.

Note: My car has the 997 shifter which has a shorter throw than the stock 986/996 shifter, but not as short as an aftermarket short shifter.

And no, you weren't the first to think that it looks like a big blue dild...

Existing carbon fiber shifter...


Prototype shifter...


To give you an idea of the size/dimensions...


Side by side comparison...

[Cunningr]

Been interested in 3D printing, which printer are you using? I was check8ng out some software that you can use your camera to make several photos and convert into a 3D model for printing.

[seningen]

Originally Posted by Cunningr

Been interested in 3D printing, which printer are you using? I was check8ng out some software that you can use your camera to make several photos and convert into a 3D model for printing.

Very cool!

I talked to a racer who mentioned that if you want to prevent a money shift
force your shifting pattern to not be Thumb on top, but on the side.

might consider building a shifter that promotes that grip as opposed to the thumbs up.

It has to do with the elbow bending direction, thumbs up it is easy to pull towards you, sideways thumb will make that movement more difficult -- and therefore less likely to be done unintentionally.

I also had issues with a non-rounded top as it dug into my palm.

M

[thstone]

Originally Posted by seningen

I talked to a racer who mentioned that if you want to prevent a money shift
force your shifting pattern to not be Thumb on top, but on the side.

might consider building a shifter that promotes that grip as opposed to the thumbs up.

It has to do with the elbow bending direction, thumbs up it is easy to pull towards you, sideways thumb will make that movement more difficult -- and therefore less likely to be done unintentionally.

I also had issues with a non-rounded top as it dug into my palm.

I'll have to think about the hand positioning - avoiding the money shift is always a good thing!

And yes, I might have to play around with the top edge to find a shape that is comfortable in my palm.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Cunningr

Been interested in 3D printing, which printer are you using?

I'm using a Flashforge Creator Pro: Creator Pro 3D Printer – FlashForge 3D Printers

I am still a novice but its pretty easy to set up/use and thus far has been super reliable. There is a lot of help online in forums but I mostly use the default settings and have had good results.

[Cunningr]

Originally Posted by thstone

I'm using a Flashforge Creator Pro: Creator Pro 3D Printer – FlashForge 3D Printers

I am still a novice but its pretty easy to set up/use and thus far has been super reliable. There is a lot of help online in forums but I mostly use the default settings and have had good results.

I was looking at the software just the other day, trying to see how we could apply its use inside our company. I am the IT Manager for this site, we have a engineering design section that might could use this technology. But other than wanting to just print car parts in my office I can not come up with a valid reason for the company to spend the money so I can learn how to use one!