911 Short Shift Kit

Lobsterseats · 01-24-2010, 10:54 AM

I am replacing my shift coupler and associated bushings, and am looking at the short shift kit (factory). Is it worth putting in at the same time? I hear that the shift effort and reach issues may make it undesireable. Any comments?

1978 911 SC

Jesset100 · Jesset100's Garage

In my opinion, if your syncros aren't up to snuff the effort to upshift and downshift will be frustrating. Do a search on the subject and you'll see.
Welcome to the Pelican parts forum, good place to learn.

Lobsterseats · 01-24-2010, 11:10 AM

The transmission is fine, with no shifting issues. Are you saying that you wouldn't go for it? I was after correcting the slop in the linkage primarily.

robertmark · 01-24-2010, 11:16 AM

I had an after market short shift kit on my 911 the previous owner had installed. I removed it. First and third gear were way to close together for my liking.

Jesset100 · Jesset100's Garage

Replacing the worn parts will get some of the slop out but not all as I think some play was engineered into the shifting mechanism. I believe the some of the shifter bushing hole's are oval instead of being round.
I had a Wevo shifter installed in my car for about 6 months and had to take it out because of the syncros in my trans were trying to engage to fast making upshifting and downshifting no fun at all. Mind you, my trans has about 200,000 miles on it.
you say your trans has no issues then give it a go and see how it works.

Oh Haha · 01-24-2010, 12:11 PM

The factory short shifter a good piece compared to the Welmeister version. For about $125.00 it's a great upgrade.

It DOES NOT make the shifting feel like a new car. It shortens the throws

Adding a different shifter or any of the "home-made" devices will get you a better feel but they will not eliminate the "slop" or sometimes balky nature of the trans.

Replace all of the bushings with new and then decide if you need/want more.

jcunning · 01-24-2010, 05:20 PM

I put in a short shift in my car and I regretted it. I also replaced all of the bushings at the same time, and was constantly adjusting it trying to get the shifting perfect. It was a gamble to get the 5->4 shift to go without nicking reverse gear. With worn syncros, I was having issues shifting into second especially on a downshift. I was worrying so much about the shifting process it took away some of the fun of driving.

I put the stock shifter back in and the longer shifts definitely helps with the worn synchros. Also the 5->4 shift is much smoother and I never knick reverse. Overall, the driving experience has been improved as I'm not thinking about the shifting as much as before.