Shifter advice - 915

[SFR]

I’m so disappointed with my shifter; it still feels loose and going into gears is not smooth (transmission has been rebuilt).

I have replaced every bushing from the shifter to the shifter rod coupler.

Decided to change the shifter, considering:

Rennline ExactShift Billet Short Shifter:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/RENTR04BLKBLK.htm?pn=REN-TR04-BLK-BLK&fc=Y

Or

JWest Engineering Rennshift Performance Shifter:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/JWSTRSOREXBL.htm?pn=JWST-RSOR-EX-BL&fc=Y

Please help me decide.

[Sbj67]

It's best you go for the Rennline exactshift billet short shifter. I used it during my 915 rebuild and it runs smoothly. Never experienced any issue since then

[Locker537]

How do you define best?

I have had great customer experiences with both Rennline and JWest.

I have a JWest shifter in my track car and James was exceptionally helpful. If I had to purchase another shifter it would be a JWest based on his support and help.

[SFR]

I am leaning towards the JWest. Better price, but don’t want to “cheap out” over a few hundred bucks.

The shifter is so easy to replace, it would be great if I had the option to test each one before buying it…

[Locker537]

James has a bunch of videos on his YouTube that may also help you decide.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCehZ25kfRB8F8uL3A7t3y0g

[shoooo32]

SFR - it would be helpful to have more background. Is this a car you've owned for a while and is now worn out, or is this a newer purchase you're sorting?

Have you driven a "good" 901 or 915 gearbox car and are looking to replicate that feeling?

I ask because quite often folks drive these old cars with the expectation that they can shift them like a modern car. In all honesty, there's only so much lipstick that can be applied to this pig, and in my opinion there are some "short shifters" that have significant drawbacks. With that being said, I love 915s and believe they can offer a very rewarding driving experience.

[Matthew_VA]

this right here!

https://stellasautogarage.com/products/915-shifter-spring

It's cheap and simple and does wonders. removes the play/slop and sets the shifter into the 3-4 plane, to make shifting more precise.

[H-viken]

I wouldn’t use a short shift on a 915. Does it no good, it needs time to shift

[s2k9k]

Originally Posted by Matthew_VA

this right here!

https://stellasautogarage.com/products/915-shifter-spring

It's cheap and simple and does wonders. removes the play/slop and sets the shifter into the 3-4 plane, to make shifting more precise.

This. I installed this on my 915 shifter and it made a huge difference in feel and love that it returns back to 3-4 plane.

[SlowSpeedMAN]

The stellas garage spring, new shift linkage bushings everywhere, the "ultimate shift rod bushing", and NEW MOTOR and TRANS mounts!! my mounts were soooo worn that when i put in new mounts, the driveline raised like half an inch and brought it all back into alignment. then adjust shifter properly and it shifts like a dream. My cat too was abysmally bad to shift before I did this refresh

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by SlowSpeedMAN

The stellas garage spring, new bushings everywhere, the extra long slider bushing thing, and NEW MOTOR and TRANS mounts!! my mounts were soooo worn that when i put in new mounts, the driveline raised like half an inch and brought it all back into alignment. then adjust shifter properly and it shifts like a dream

Motor and trans mounts really make a difference. Great suggestion.

I am keen on installing the Stella's Garage spring. After decades of 915 rowing, I don't fear a mishap but it seems like a good idea. Might take a while to adapt to the 3-4 plane default since I'm so used to the 915 as-is lol.

[rwel]

Another owner endorsement of the Stella's Garage spring. Made a world of difference in the feel of my 915 shifter. The gentle but positive centering into the 3-4 plane makes shifting much more confident, and missed shifts harder (never impossible of course). You still can't shift "fast"....915 requires precise, deliberate movement...but centering to the 3-4 plane makes it much easier. Absolutely the best $50 I ever spent on this or any other car.

[lindbhr]

Is the Stella's Garage spring the same as Karsten's spring? I see that she gives credit to Karsten on their website.

[Winter]

Originally Posted by lindbhr

Is the Stella's Garage spring the same as Karsten's spring? I see that she gives credit to Karsten on their website.

Yeah, Karsten no longer makes them and the torch has passed to Stella’s.

I’m a convert, like the others who have posted above. I would also suggest combining this inexpensive and simple upgrade with the “ultimate shift rod bushing “ (search this forum). A great combo!

[A930Rocket]

She gave credit to Karsten’s design, so it must be the same?

Are they the same price?

[porschedude996]

I have a JWest and didn’t configure for their short shift configuration. The short shift really doesn’t make you any faster. The limitation on the shift speed (gear to gear) is 915 itself in my opinion. There is no comparison to a later transmission like a G50 and beyond. My 996TT 6-speed was phenomenal. The 915 is an old design, more finesse is required.

I do like the JWest shifter I put in my ‘83 911 SC, it is may better than the stock shifter, but be real on your expectations.

[Sbj67]

Originally Posted by Locker537

How do you define best?

I have had great customer experiences with both Rennline and JWest.

I have a JWest shifter in my track car and James was exceptionally helpful. If I had to purchase another shifter it would be a JWest based on his support and help.

Don't quote me wrong, I'm not saying Jwest is not good. I have had good experience with Rennline and that's why I can speak for that. I haven't tried Jwest before. I hope you understand me better now

[AG81]

I tried the Numeric for my brand new 915 installed in my 72. I had difficulty getting it adjusted. I switched to the JWest shifter and was extremely happy with the result.

[Locker537]

Originally Posted by Sbj67

Don't quote me wrong, I'm not saying Jwest is not good. I have had good experience with Rennline and that's why I can speak for that. I haven't tried Jwest before. I hope you understand me better now

There was no misunderstanding! All good!

[jac1976]

I’m glad someone gave credit where it’s due regarding the spring.