shift short in a 356 Porsche

[onassisporsches]

Just would like to show what we have finished our new shifter. What do you guys think?

Best, Tom

[89826]

Looks slick. It seems the shift lock is the smaller, T-5 style. Is that correct? Are you making one for the T-6 also?

[wdfifteen]

Fancy! We used to just put an extension on the bottom end of the shifter.

[Daves911L]

It is a work of art. But, I have to protest against the notion of a "short shifter" in a 356, or really any Porsche. The Porsche transmission appreciates the firm yet gentle motion of an experienced hand on the lever. The 356 transmission will live a long and productive life if you treat it properly. The syncromesh components are clever, effective, and sturdy; but they require time to do their task. Performance is not compromised by a patient gear change, as the art of driving the 356 includes timing, smoothness, and forethought. This device I would characterize as a solution creating a problem.

No doubt this is not the comment you were looking for, but it is my philosophy after having owned and driven these cars for 38 years.

DG

[Zed.]

DG,
You captured the essence of driving vintage Porsches perfectly in this phrase-
"Performance is not compromised by a patient gear change, as the art of driving the 356 includes timing, smoothness, and forethought."

This is the nature of sportscar driving I hope the next generations will cherish and preserve.

Now back to my PDK for errands. 😀

[trak ratt]

It looks real nice. I've thought that every Porsche I've owned benefited by a more positive shift mechanism witch generally means "short" shifter. Our 911 equipped '71 targa certainly did, as did our '82, '84, and, '87.

[Miguel Antonett]

I want one sooooo what should I do...?

[Les Paul]

The Wilhoit ss is 495. Is your product in that ballpark? I'm getting one in the next 2 weeks let me know.

[ignatzcatz]

This looks the dogs, awesome in an outlaw. Let us know when you may have them for sale, I'll be first in the queue.

[HiWind]

Originally Posted by Les Paul

The Wilhoit ss is 495. Is your product in that ballpark? I'm getting one in the next 2 weeks let me know.

ditto

[craig richter]

Beautiful piece, but not really needed for B/C 356's. Porsche kept evolving more and more comfortable touring cars, and they like to be driven as such. Now if you really want to be of service, make something like that for A cars, where less shift lever throw would be greatly appreciated. But it would probably have to look pretty stock since those guys are all into "authenticity" these days. Kinda kills the point of all that cool work...never mind.

[roarmac]

Hi
I would also like one. It would fit well into an outlaw, and bring the 356 alive👍

[ensys]

That's quite an impressive piece of work; it would look great mounted on the wall.

Being a Geezer, I just went Olde School and like Mr.wdfifteen, I welded an inch or so extension to my T1 A's shift lever. Shortened the throws enough to notice, but re-curving the lever (think Corvair) completed the effect.

Of course, the slop is still there (in spades in the T1), but as I'm not much of a speed shifter, I've never found it to be much of a problem.

Instead, I like to think of shifting as one of several symbiotic links between man and this very particular machine. Call it one of the many ways I always know I'm driving an old Porsche.

[89826]

How would lengthening the shift rod shorten the throws?

[R K T]

Originally Posted by 89826

How would lengthening the shift rod shorten the throws?

Exactly! Cutting the lever down an inch or so would shorten the throw a little, lengthening it would extend it.

[craig richter]

Not exactly... Ensys lengthened the shift lever BELOW the pivot ball, which shortens the throw.

[Daves911L]

Yup, and curving the upper portion of the lever further shortens the distance between force (your hand) and action (the pivot). Plus, it gets the T1 knob close enough for a reasonably normal sized driver to reach.

Patience is a virtue, when it comes to selecting gears in a Porsche.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Daves911L

It is a work of art. But, I have to protest against the notion of a "short shifter" in a 356, or really any Porsche. The Porsche transmission appreciates the firm yet gentle motion of an experienced hand on the lever. The 356 transmission will live a long and productive life if you treat it properly. The syncromesh components are clever, effective, and sturdy; but they require time to do their task. Performance is not compromised by a patient gear change, as the art of driving the 356 includes timing, smoothness, and forethought. This device I would characterize as a solution creating a problem.
DG

I have a short shifter in my 56 coupe. I didn't install it so I could shift fast. I'm nearly 6'3 and with the seat pushed back far enough to accommodate my legs I had to lean out of the seat to reach 3rd gear. The short shifter allows me to drive more comfortably and more smoothly.