Short shift kit opinions

[s_wilwerding]

I just bought an '81 911SC and am making a list of things I would like to replace when time and money allow. I was thinking about installing a short shift kit. What does everyone think of these? Which one should I buy? I see that you can buy a Porsche OEM kit or one from Weltmeister.

Thanks.

[thebondman]

A lot of the people slam the Weltmeister but I like mine. My arms are long and I have no problem reaching the shift knob. It does shorten the shift throw and its very simple to install. Hope this helps.BILL

[makaio]

I have the weltmiester one and it ROCKS!

[Wayne 962]

The factory kit is a much better kit. It's also useful because it replaces parts in your shifter that may have worn out. The factory kit is about $130, the Weltmeister one is $99. The Weltmeister one appears expensive to me. It also doesn't always fit all of the cars correctly. It also raises the whole shift mechanism up into the air about 1/2 inch...

-Wayne

[pbs911]

Do a search. There was a thread a week back about the Weltmeister SS. I love mine. Others think their cr@p.

I would strongly suggest the Gate Shifter kit too. Really gives you feel in shifiting to prevent that dreaded, and costly, 5-2 down shift.

[N11Porsche]

I am not an expert on short-shifter kits but here's my experience:
I had the transmission on my 1979 911SC rebuilt by a highly respected Porsche shop in the Bay Area. My tranny was toast, new syncros, bearings, gears, etc. I had a Weltmeister SS kit in the car. The shop recommended I either install the factory kit or go back to stock. The reason: they told me that the Weltmeister kit changes the leverage too much and puts major stress on the tranny when shifting, compared to the factory kit. The effects may not show up for awhile but I can tell you, when it does "it ain't cheap" Spend a few bucks more and get the kit that Porsche designed for their transmission. I opted for the factory kit, which does not shorten the shift throw as much as the Weltmeister but is still a big improvement over stock.

[chuckr]

This always stirrs up good posts. I have the Factory Shift Kit in my 83SC.I have driven cars with the Weltmeister kit.The info posted here by Wayne and N11Porsche is right on the money.I work at a Porsche shop and in the year I have worked there we have never installed a Weltmeister Shift Kit, we have installed three or four Factory Kits ! Like Wayne mentioned, while you are in there replace those bushings and fill it with Swepco.

[Victor]

s_wilwerding,

I know you have a 915 in your SC, but I have a g50 with the factory "short" shift kit. The throw is as short as the airconditioning is cold.

Assuming the 915 is worse than a G50, my tip is don't bother.

Cheers, VC
'89 3.2

[KTL]

Originally posted by Victor
s_wilwerding,

I know you have a 915 in your SC, but I have a g50 with the factory "short" shift kit. The throw is as short as the airconditioning is cold.

Assuming the 915 is worse than a G50, my tip is don't bother.

Cheers, VC
'89 3.2

Vic, so you're saying you have the Club Sport shift lever, correct?

I have one and i'd have to say that it's pretty amusing that Porsche installed this lever in the Club Sport. The lever is only 3/4 in. shorter!!!! The factory kit for the 915's is much much much more significant than just a slight shortening of the shift lever up near the knob. The G50 Club Sport lever is no shorter at the fulcrum/pivot of the shifter mechanicals. For anyone considering this "upgrade" to their G50, i'd pass (the lever is NOT cheap) as the benefits are slim to none. A more effective route would be to buy an aftermarket knob, get out the hacksaw and cut off a good bit of the factory G50 schoolbus shifter!

BTW, that last sentence was sarcasm. I'm not suggesting anyone should resort to ricer techniques in order to obtain a Miata-like shift action.

[tobluforu]

If you have the bucks, do the ultimate upgrade..
http://www.wevo.com/wevoshifter.htm

http://wevo.com/wwwboard/

[juanbenae]

factory

[Bill Verburg]

You guys should really read a great writeup on all of the available short shifters written by Russ Dickerson and Bob Gagnon. It's available in "Up~Fixen" vol VIII bottom line factory

[911pcars]

Page 52. It's the definitive article. Thorough research.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[Victor]

Hi Kevin,

I entered my option codes into the decoder page and low and behold, "short shift kit" came up. I really don't mind the shifter at all, I just can't help wondering what the "long" option would be like?