Shift rod bushing --- where is it?
 

Finally opened up and looked into the shift rod tunnel of my 83 SC.

First of all, the shift coupler bushings definitely need to be replaced.

Q: what does a (approx) $200 Stomski/Wevo coupling get me that a $25 coupling bushing replacement will not? Worthwhile spending the money?

Also --- where is the shift rod bushing (see part link below)? Is it foward of the shift coupling or towards the rear of the coupling?

Thanks!


Pelican Parts - European Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche • BMW • Mercedes • Volkswagen • Audi • Saab • Volvo • MINI

It's under the shifter--just about eight inches to the rear of the car.
Ernie

Thanks for the 'geography' lesson Ernie. Sometimes pics on the forum here and even in Wayne's book are hard to decode, unless you really know what to look for, or what you're looking at.

Will be tacking the shifter ball/cup bushing and the rod coupling soon.

BTW --- any tip/suggestion on what gear to place car in before removing the shift console? Also, after servicing these two bushings, does the shifter/linkage need to be re-aligned?

Thanks!

It's a great idea to replace them all while you are in there. I also put a little white grease in the cup I placed mine in neutral. You will have to disconnect the coupler to get the shift rod bushing in, at least I did as I found it easier. I was quite surprised how great my car shifted after I replaced everything. As I recall the bushing was something like two bucks but shipping was about ten.
Ernie 81 SC

As for the coupler, there are bronze bushings that will do the same for you as the wevo or J-west coupler and save you a few bucks. You'll notice the difference, but it wasn't dramatic for me.

I don't think the gear your in matters, you'll move the shift lever around trying to get the console out. Mark your shift rod before disconnecting, it will save you time when you reassemble.

I recently replaced my shift coupler bushings. It made a significant difference in the shift quality. Here is a good post on this project.

Shift Coupler & shift lever bushings replacement tutorial made easy-step-by- step

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/613632-shift-coupler-shift-lever-bushings-replacement-tutorial-made-easy-step-step.html

Thanks for sharing your results --- and the link to Targa Guy's step-by-step. Very helpful. I wish that all of the instructions shared here are in that level of detail!!!

I took a couple good pics of the set up at the rear coupling before taking it all apart to help me rough set it on install. I just bought the replacement bushing kit and did the work myself. Some suggest the $200 complete unit. There is a pin to push out for the original part to be rebuilt so slightly more challenging but definately a good diy job. I haven't had it on the road yet to see how much of an improvement.

Before spending big bucks on the Wevo or Stomski couplers, do a search for The Coupler Whisperer. His bushings are cheap and far better than the stock bushing design. There is a long thread about them. I put them on one of my cars and it was a noticeable improvement in precision and smoothness.

You do not have to touch the coupler in order to change the cup and shift rod bushings in the tunnel. The shift rod bushing is attached to a bracket that you unscrew and remove from the shaft. Getting the new bushing into the bracket is a PITA and very difficult to do without mangling it a little. Boiling it to soften it helps. The ball cup is a piece of cake.

I put the brass coupler bushings in my car and have no regrets so far. I also have the Seine gate shift kit installed which really improved the feel of my shifts. I have driven my brother's car with Wevo shifter and Wevo coupler and don't think I'd spend the extra money.

I like my Wevo coupler. It has been in there 10 years and works very well. I put it in when we did a high end trans rebuild on my 1973.

Thanks P-nut --- I will be attempting a coupler bushing replacement soon.

Indeed The Coupler Whisperer is the way to go, and I've read many of the threads you've mentioned. However, as I understand, Ed The Coupler Whisperer is no longer providing this service, or is he still?

I do see that our host do sell a "Delrin" version of the bushings, but not sure that they are same as The Coupler Whisperer.

It's not a hard thing to swap the bushings out. Several videos, one by Ed IIRC on youtube showing how to replace. I did two couplers,One with brass and one with the delrin bushings just in case I didn't like the brass. Just buy the bushings and take your time. All will be well in the end. If you mess it up, let me know and I'll just sell you my spare if I can remember where I put it.

Cabmondo --- Thanks for sharing your experience, and offering your spare. I do have a set of the white plastic bushings that I bought from our host here (many years ago). Just never got to installing it. So will try to tackle that in the next few weekends.

BTW --- our host does sell now a black Delrin version. Do you know if that's the same as Ed's?
Part #: 911-424-223-03-DEL
1983 Porsche 911 SC Coupe - Shift Linkage - Page 5

As I understand it, the ones from PP are the same as the ones Ed used. Good luck and just take your time! Remember, it's not a race. Personally, as long as your white bushings have the round hole ( I think some actually came with more of an oval hole for the pin) I'd pop those in and be done with it.