B&M Short Throw Shifter

[Eric-986]

I am considering a B&M short throw shifter for my 2001 Boxster. I installed one in a Jeep Wrangler and it really made a difference (~33% reduction). Has anyone here installed one in their Boxster and, if so, did it make a noticable difference? Thanks.

[Imcoz]

Eric,
I'm thinking about a short throw shifter too, did you ever go with it... what's you're opinion?

[Porsche_Daddy]

I installed it and I cursed that thing to no end. All I could think about was how crappy it felt. It does decrease the shift throw by about 30%, but it increases the shift effort by 60%. You have to "show the shifter who is boss" and slam that sucker into gears(particulary 1st and reverse). I marked the rods just as stated nn the instructions and I am very meticulous about putting parts on the car. So, It was definately installed correctly and I was not particulary happy that the OEM shifter bushings must be broken. Or the fact that some of the instructions are incorrect. The directions had me pulling my shifter knob apart looking for a 5mm bolt or set screw and what do you know(it's a friction fit). If you buy the B&M and don't like it, you will eat the cost of the unit because the OEM bushings are shot. I have put back in my OEM shifter and joined it with the B&M bushings(only way it will now work). Works much better now....200+ dollars later. I have a B&M shifter with no bushings for sale! Guess how much it is worth? Definately try before you buy.

[Imcoz]

Man! Sounds like it's definitely worth getting to try one before I buy... Thanks for the advice! I love the way my car shifts now... extremely smooth and firm, not short, but I don't want to lose that to a $250 rat hole component. Thanks agian!

[Duffs4]

I just put a B&M in last week and I am extremely happy with it. It is a bit notchy but the throw is significantly shorter, they advertise 40% and by the feel it's problably close. However, I let my wife drive the car and she was not overly impressed with it du to the added effort, I'm hoping this will adjust over time. Install took about an hour and was relatively straight forward.

[PWells]

I have ths B&M in my 2001S and I agree it is more trouble than it is worth. Shifts harder, etc. I wish I had the OEM back and installed every day I drive.
But, I guess if I was wanting to shift hard and fast, it would be as advertised.
My only advice is to know what you want before you change.

[Porsche_Daddy]

^ You can mate the oem shifter to the B&M bushings like I did if you want the old shift feel back. You just cant send back the B&M.

[PWells]

I was not smart enough to keep the OEM shifter. The mechanic who installed it no longer has it.
I may very well check with one of the dismantlers out West to see what they want for one. Does not seem there would be that much demand for them so maybe I can pick up one reasonable.
Thanks for the info.

[Duffs4]

I've had mine in now for a few weeks and the notchiness is subsiding. The throws are short, direct, and solid. I only wish i had repalced the plastic shifter link with the bilit one from evo, I can see that being a weak link.

[Imcoz]

Is there anyway to get the OEM bushings off without breaking them?

[Porsche_Daddy]

Nope, they must be broken unfortunatley.