just installed a factory short shift kit

[tmctguer]

after installing a race seat, 5 point harnesses and a roll bar, i figured i would go ahead and spring for a short shift kit.

i started working on the installation at approx. 7:00 PM tonight. i was complete and on my way for a test drive by 10:30 PM, including a 30 minute break for pizza, and a 15 - 30 minute period required for cutting a small notch in my shift housing (see below for details).

while i don't know whether my time was good or bad, keep in mind that i was very familiar with the 915 shifter housing since i had previously installed a robotek unit and replaced all bushings and cups. i didn't have any times where i was lost, but as usual, i took my time while i worked.

it was a pretty straight forward installation. the only two tricky things were pounding out the pins that hold the metal piece that holds the shifter in place. the short shift kit uses a different one, so you must remove the metal pins to get the old one out, then drive them back in to hold the new one in place.

the 2nd tricky thing was compressing the 2 springs that are replaced. in order to bolt the top of the shifter gate in place, you've got to carefully compress these 2 springs while lining up 2 bolt holes. i've gotten my technique down pretty good, but if you aren't careful, you could easily have the 2 springs come loose and either hit the ceiling or get permanently lodged in your forehead.

in order to get the robotek unit to fit properly on a short shift kit, you must cut a small 1/2" x 1/2" notch out of the shifter housing. this allows for more travel for the spring loaded shifter pin. this wasn't too big a deal working with my dremel tool.

i decided to replace the stock shifter knob with a momo unit. this, too, was pretty straight forward. 3 small recessed hex nuts hold the knob in place.

it was obvious shortly after embarking on my test drive that the short shift kit gives a 915 a different feel. each gear shift takes slightly more pressure to put the tranny in gear, but there seems to be a very "positive" feel to the engagement. it feels a bit like the tranny in my '89 911 (a 950 tranny??). the shorter throw wasn't as big of a deal as i thought it would be, but it was indeed shortened.

the robotek will need another adjustment to get the spring loaded mechanism correct. it "sorta" feels right, but tomorrow i plan to fine tune that as well.

all in all, i am very happy with the results. the shortened throw allowed me to scoot my new race seat up another inch or two, which makes me more comfortable behind the wheel.
since i have already gone through my shifter, installed a robotek, adjusted the shift coupler, and replaced all bushings, this was the logical next step toward improving my 915 shifting.

[dickster]

nice piece. its one of the upgrades i have on the back burner. that combination of robotec and factory short shift was recommended to me. and your comments seem to support that.

any pics??

does it all fit under the std. gaitor??

does it make shifting easier/more pleasant??

your instructions/tips may come in useful very soon!!

[Jack Olsen]

I can't wait to see the car again. It's gone from being a street virgin to a track hussie in one winter.

[Craig Stevens]

I have noticed that after installing the short shift kit,robotek.new bushings & stomski coupler, shifting from 1st to 2nd I need a sideways pressure (twards the left)inorder to not shift from 1st to 4th. When I first assembled everything the shifting was way to tight.I had to back off the pressure on the coupler that holds the shifter to the tower. I also backed off on the spring pressure the robotek puts on the shifter pin. I think that I still need to further adjust the stomski. All three upgrades made a huge difference.If I had it to do again I would install the shifting upgrades 1 at a time inorder to see which one makes the biggest difference. The shift from 2nd to third is short & tight. The shifts from 3rd to 4th & 4th to 5th are shorter & thighter also.Next week I should complete the upgrade to my Suspension system ( t-bars,mono balls,shocks,bushings,smart racing bump steer kit,lowering,& ball joints) & have the SC back on the road.
Craig

[tmctguer]

ooooooooh.........jack............

i LOVE it when you talk dirty to me !!!

[dickster]

Next week I should complete the upgrade to my Suspension system ( t-bars,mono balls,shocks,bushings,smart racing bump steer kit,lowering,& ball joints) & have the SC back on the road.

craig, let us know how the mods go. i'm interested in thebump steer kit. i want to change to turbo tie rods and get the alignment done. but i want to change everything before the alignment - don't want to do it twice!! my car's real low and the arms are at a terrible angle, but i don't seem to notice it in the driving - so i wondered how yours felt??