To Short shift or not to short shift...
 

this is the question I am now considering

I've read lots of posts about this mod, and it is entirely unclear to me whether this is worth it.

What are the advantages, and how does the short shift change the driving experience?

Disadvantages?

What about one of those spring loaded self centering shifters? Do these help reduce the occasional catching of the wrong gear?

SmileWavy

I've got two 914's (both 75's) and one has a short shift kit installed by the PO. I can tell you that the difference is making me seriously consider installing a short shift on the other one. The shift throws aren't just shorter, I swear they do seem less effortless too. However, besides the short shift kit that one also has tighter springs and probably new bushings as well. If you do install the kit you might as well upgrade everything in there while it's apart.

I'd go for the rennshift. It has an inproved shifter with all kinds of goodies and can be adjusted in the amount of shift-throw reduction. Also, be sure to have all the bushings in good shape. A sloppy long-throw makes for a sloppier short-throw.
http://www.jwesteng.com/rennshift/rennshift_temp.htm

if it's not a rennshift, do not shorten the throw... period

So far, I have heard nothing but rants and raves about how great the Rennshift is. (Well, except for the weld that failed on one of the early units--but that was replaced, no muss no fuss.) Most people are saying that the 33% reduction is the way to go, even those who got the 20% reduction version.

We will supposedly be carrying the Rennshift next month...
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/9144/POR_9144_pedals_pg1.htm#item5

I personally would not bother with a short-shift kit in an otherwise-stock 914. Though some people feel the throws are too long, so a short-shift would be appropriate for them. I'm not sure I like the "cut it apart and epoxy it together" kits at all, though.

Umm... There are reasons each way, but I don't think I'd do it. Unless I was replacing the whole shifter, then I would bow to the experience of others and get the 33% reduction.

--DD

James' Rennshift is what you need. I use one and I can shift the race car into 1st gear at 25MPH such as I have to do when racing in Mexico and it NEVER fails! As a matter of fact he has my testimonial on his web site!

I think the thing about James' shifter isn't so much the shorter throw, as much as it is the "gated" design