Just installed Sherwoods shift gate..
 

Just now finished up the installation. It was pretty easy, as far as Porsche projects go :) Of course, I had to dork with other stuff while I was in there.

It is a well made and well thought out product, and should pretty much cure the 5th -> 2nd and 4th -> 1st missed shifts. I am wondering if a slightly stiffer spring would be an improvement to create additional resistance.

In my experience, the shift coupler adjustments, new bushings, and well lubricated components are even more important with this gate installed since it adds a level of precision to the shifts,
especially 1st -> 2nd.

I have only two picks on the product, one being the fact that a small bit of tack welding is required (or highly recommended), the other is the price. I cheated and used JB Weld along with the clamp provided to satify the first pick. As far as cost, well, it's easy to justify when you consider the savings over a blown tranny!

I give this a two thumbs up.

More info here -> http://www.seinesystems.com/

The Robotek variation on this device has cost $300 for a very long while, and the manufacturer was resolutely opposed to group buys for enthusiasts.

With the hose clamp around the shifter, I just hopped over to the local muffler shop with the shift rod, where they arc welded the tab onto the shifter for me. It was so quick and simple for the guy, he didn't even charge me. I highly recommend welding it, as a hard bang of the tab against the lockout gate will throw the tab out of alignment, and block your shift into the opposite gate.

Looks like something I need! Time to tell the girlfriend about this as a potential christmas present. But since I've got the '72 shifter, that presents an issue.

What's involved when upgrading to a '73+ shifter? Any recommendations here (are one of the later ones compatible and better than other versions)?

Brad, do you have a rubber shift boot? If so, is there is enough clearance for the tension bolt...or did you slice the boot?

I sliced the boot, seems to work better and it's not that visible from the drivers side.. My boot was old anyway so that made the decision easier.

I really like this product. I'm also waiting for the girlfriend "Santa present".
Has anyone thought of using a leather shift boot? I'm not opposed to changing the rubber one out and IMHO I think it would look cleaner.

FWIW, I used epoxy w/ the clamp and it has held fine. I really think the welding was absolutly necessary with the first tab. I believe Sherwood refined the tab before I received mine to give a better fit around the shifter.

Rich, yes, and yes, I had to cut a little slit just for the top portion of the bolt where the nut is.

Jack, you are absolutely correct, plus, I'd rather support a fellow lister as well.

When it came time to re-install my shift boot I decided to experiment and I polished up my shift housing and left it exposed, I feel it gives the kind of "no frills" performance look I am after.

In fact, this last weekend Sherwood himself was checking out my install and complimented me on it.

cheers.

John,
You should snap a pic of the polished shift housing and post it. It does look nice.

Sherwood

Thx Sherwood, maybe I'll do that.

I don't have the Sherwood kit installed, but I did get a leather shift boot for Christmas last year. AFTER I removed the rubber boot and went to install the leather cover, I saw on the instructions to leave the rubber boot intact, and install the leather cover over it. Not to ignore instructions, I reinstalled the rubber boot...I guess it protects the leather boot from collapsing and rubbing against the shift lever housing.

John R.

Can you email me a pic too! I was so jealous of the sound your car made that I didn't bother to look at your gear shift. Thanks

Rob

10-4 Rob.

Thx for the nice words. Everyone makes comments about my exhaust notes...the car that is...;)