how to remove shift knob on 2000 996 six speed?
 

Need to refinish paint work on my scratched up shifter knob on my 996 any tips on removal?

Pelican Technical Article: Installing a Boxster Short Shift Kit (SSK) and Replacing Boxster Shift Bushings - 986 / 987

There is a section in the 996/Boxster section that has a host of Technical articles. This is one of them and tells and shows you what to do. They 986 and 996 share the shifter assembly so the procedure is the same.

thanks for the help Tony

The stock knob just yanks off, the Tequipment knob has a bolt (I think on the front) that holds it on the shifter. If you don't have it already, install the short shift kit, it's not that expensive and makes a world of difference.

Tom

Yea, if yours doesn't have a set screw, then it's a press fit. A suggestion I followed was to take two screwdrivers, go sit in your drivers seat, put each screwdriver side by side head to tail and underneath the shift knob. Squeeze them together with both of your hands, and PULL HARD! Just be sure to watch your face, because you'll punch yourself if you're not careful when it comes off. Worked for me.

Get a set of these for $6 from Harbor Freight. They have saved me many a gouged interior part. Much more gentle than a screwdriver. Cheap too, so when you break one just go get a new set.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-nylon-pry-bar-installer-kit-95214.html

dont break the windshield - I am not kidding, it happens

Is it worth it to just replace the bushings instead of buying the entire short shift kit? How would it effect shifting performance?

Somewhat off topic but there are several short shift options. The stock 996 and B&M are very similar (might be the same) and make shifting very short and notchy, especially when cold. Stock 997 fits right in and makes it shorter but not as notchy, I think the 997 short shifter fits in as well. We started with the B&M and it was too hard to shift. Changed to stock 997 and think it's perfect, shorter but no real additional effort required.