DIY shift gate centering mechanism

tbitz · 03-30-2002, 08:54 PM

I thought I'd try and come up with a way to keep the shifter centered between 3rd and 4th using some springs. I had read that someone had done this, but never saw how.

My idea was to tie a spring between the two nuts that hold the shift box top down. The idea seems to work. The return force is not great. I need to find bigger springs.

Here are some pics:

Before:

tbitz · 03-30-2002, 08:56 PM

After pics:

tbitz · 03-30-2002, 08:57 PM

after pic:

tbitz · 03-30-2002, 08:59 PM

Is it just me or is the "attach multiple" function not working?

another after pic:

PorscheDV · 03:18 PM

nice..DIY is always cool..

but help me understand the pics a bit better...

is the shifter centered by the spring 'balancing the shaft in the center...it looks to me you'd get a better 'feel' and more efficient centering if the shaft was fixed to the center of the spring (where they touch in the pics)

as it sits now...doesnt it slightly 'slid around'?

EDIT!! ahhhh..ok...i cocked my head to the side and realized what angle i was looking at....

good job!

BoxsterGT · 11-22-2018, 03:15 PM

Hey Tony,

Post up some new photos, will you plase? Very interested in this.

Len

tbitz · 11-22-2018, 06:14 PM

Hey Len,

Wow, this thread is a blast from the past! Originally posted back in 2002. That's like 16 years ago! So hard to believe, I had to check my math with calculator

Dunno if I have that spring in my shift gate anymore, but I do still have the same 911

I may have to re-visit this shift gate now that I have better fabrication tools.

Cheers,

Tony

mcv1954 · 11-22-2018, 10:36 PM

offroader1006 · offroader1006's Garage

I am interested in the longevity of the transmission with the side load and no gate to rest on.

16 years should be a good test.

Jack Stands · Jack Stands's Garage

I wish someone could recreate the Secret Shifter that was developed by a member (Ed Mitchell) years ago as it seemed like the nicest solution. I understand he discontinued producing it when a family member got ill and Porsche parts had to take a back seat to more pressing concerns.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

the seine (sp?) unit really was simplicity at it's best for the 915 shifter housing spring centered gate. as I recall that was a member here's design and production effort that took off. ive had them in two cars now and are a great value at <$300.

it's not like you can just throw it at the car to install, or that it's even a secret..... it requires some minor DIY work including hogging out an existing opening in the shifter assembly base unit.