One of the areas that sees wear over time is the shift linkage coupler but you may not really notice the degradation in feel as you unconsciously adjust your gear shifting for the increase in slop. Most 911 owners who do this replacement are amazed at what they've been missing - the enjoyment of rowing through the gears with ease and exactness.
Remember, the Luft rally car is an '85 and although it is in great shape, the opportunity arose to focus attention on the coupler. Want to check your coupler for excessive wear? Simply access the inspection plate on top of the tunnel just behind the front seats. Typically, there are four Phillips head screws you'll need to remove , then simply remove the plate. Now gently move the shift lever forward and back by just a small amount and watch the coupler. The bushings are worn if you see movement at the center section of the coupler without the shift tube moving.
The area you'll notice the excessive movement will be from the area highlighted by the red arrow:
The E-Motion team chose the stock Precision Shift Joint by WEVO for the Luft car. The PSJ is a gorgeous direct bolt-in replacement, feels solid as a rock and is built to endure any challenge. Here's a great shot of the PSJ (with billet clamp) next to the stock coupler and clamp:
The PSJ features the same OE style knurling on the stump end and can be used with the stock clamp or WEVO's stout billet clamp.
The tired coupler was removed by unfastening the M8 conical set screw on the transmission side, then by unfastening the 13mm hardware on the shift lever side. The shift lever is then positioned in the second gear spot freeing the coupler and clamp.
Here's a great shot of the PSJ with the rubber boot removed showing the pre-lubed joint:
Installation is the same as removal but reversed. The billet clamp slides over the tube first, then the PSJ is fitted to each end, knurled end goes into the tube. Place the shift lever back to the first gear position and fasten the conical screw and clamp hardware.
You may need to slightly adjust after a test drive but once dialed-in, the unit is set for life. No need to remove the clamp end again. For example, if removing the transmission at some point, remove the conical set screw and not the billet clamp. This way, the positioning will be saved and no need to adjust again.
You'll find WEVO's Precision Shift Joint in our catalog
here and the billet clamp
here.