987 CS -- The Dreaded 2nd Gear Synchro

[CJFusco]

Good morning all: on my 2007 987 Cayman S, I've been experiencing the dreaded 2nd-gear synchro issues that sometimes pop up on 986/996/987/997 cars. In my case, it sometimes grinds going into 2nd, will sometimes pop out of 2nd upon deceleration, but seems fine (no popout) once in-gear and accelerating. This to me sounds like a classic case of the 2nd-gear synchro failing, but I am having my local Porsche specialist look at other possibilities just in case: bent fork, cable wear, motor mounts, maybe change the gearbox oil to see if that helps a little. But I'm pretty convinced it's just the synchro failing.

There's frustratingly little info on this problem specifically on 987 6-speed cars (Getrag G87.20, I believe). I've been told that "Porsche doesn't make these parts available", but they're repurposed Audi parts, and it seems that California Motor Sports has some version available. I also see that there's a detent available for 986 and 996 boxes, but that the 987 version doesn't seem to have that option.

Obviously I will wait until the car is given a closer look before I make any decision$, but I want to make sure I'm educated and have explored my options. It seems to me that the most cost-effective option is to simply source a used transmission, but of course you run the risk of the same thing happening again (to that end, would only the G87.20 gearbox fit? It seems as though the G86 units are a bit less expensive, but I'm not sure about fitment). Sometimes you'll see them pop up for <$2K, but the going rate seems to be more in the $2500-3K range. (if you're parting a CS or BS, get in touch with me!)

What are other options? Is there a Porsche specialist who would rebuild such a gearbox in the northeast for a reasonable fee? What other options might I have?

Until then, I'll just have to live with the somewhat awkward first-to-third upshift and try to avoid downshifting to 2nd for turns...

Thanks in advance!