Modifying gear shift lever--what steps did you take?

[JonT]

I purchased a gear lever extension for my 915 from Seine Systems. 5". I may have to bend the lever towards me a bit and was asking is this as simple as removing it from the shifter housing and heating the bend a bit with a torch and bending 10-15 degrees? Thanks

[911pcars]

Jon,
Trial fit the extension first, then see if additional angle is needed. Yes, determine the proper angle and bend location, remove the shift housing, support the lever in a vise (or equivalent), then apply OxyAcetylene heat. Have a fire extinguisher nearby. Careful, our extensions are aluminum and will melt at steel bending temperature.

Weltmeister SS vs WM with 5.5 extension:



Sherwood

[JonT]

Thanks Sherwood appreciate the response. Jon

[911 Rod]

Is that an OEM Porsche hose clamp?

[dicklague]

I love Sherwoods products......I am a bit baffled. You would need really short arm sto need and extrension.....but I guess we are all built differently.

I have a factory short shifter that works for me. I have a Wevo internal gate shifter in the very healthy 915 and I love it. I have a Wevo coupler too.

[911pcars]

The shift knob location and the travel from gear to gear should be ergonomic. That is, comfortably within reach. Those with 35” and beyond shirt sleeves are usually fine with the factory length. If using a Weltmeister, 38” (see photo with and without extension above).

i think closer to the steering wheel is ideal, but everyone has their own personal “YMMV”.

Sherwood

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Is that an OEM Porsche hose clamp?

Au contrare, it’s an OEM Seine Systems stainless steel lever screw clamp, part no. 915 2000 564 89 9988 90039 areacode323. $149.95 + shipping (miscellaneous hardware included).

[KTL]

I have a similar setup I cobbled together on my shift lever by cutting up a Weltmeister shift lever and welding it onto my existing lever. Be sure to sufficiently heat up the lever when you adjust the bend of it. If you don’t hear it enough, the fairly thin metal tubing will crack

The long extension takes some getting used to. At first I found myself always reaching too low for the extended shifter. After a while it becomes more natural. But it’s still odd to see the shift knob sitting up so high. Regardless, I like how it feels in terms of proximity to the steering wheel

[911pcars]

As for how close that shift lever should be, maybe take a lead from drivers who need all controls close at hand:



I estimate the shift knob/handle is no more than 5" from the gloved hand. If available, paddle shifters would be a step up. The next level might be mind or voice control. Think "up", "down one", "down two", etc.

Sherwood