Adjusting the Stock Shifter?
 

My new 1999 Boxster is great to drive.....except for the sloppy shifter. I know you can't buy new bushings, and I don't want a short shifter. If I recall correctly from my 996, the shift cables had threaded ends that can be adjusted to take up slack, right? I'm just looking for confirmation before I tear out my center console.

I don't think you can change the shifter cables without getting them out of position. The B&M shifter was one of the best upgrades I made to the car - why are you against installing a short shifter?

I'm not against shorter throws, but the increased effort is a concern. I've read enough negative feedback on the various shift kits that it's made me hesitant. Honestly I just want the shifter to be more precise.

I've read a 997 shifter can be used as an 'upgrade' but I have no personal experience.

I only have the 5-speed, I thought the 997 shifter was 6-speed only. When I had my 996 I know the 997 shifter was a upgrade option.

There are two stock shifters for the 987 and 997, a "regular" shifter and a short shifter, both of which retrofit perfectly into the 986 5 and 6 speed.

They're an easy exchange as you're replacing the entire tower rather than rebuilding your existing tower like with the BM&M.

I have the short shifter, which is more expensive, but I like it. Others have sworn by the regular 9x7 shifter, which is also cheaper.

Do a search on 986forum and renntech.org for details.

Excellent information, thanks clickman. So the 987 and 997 shifters are identical?

Yes. Note below that the part numbers for the stock units both start with 997.


In order of shift distance, shortest to longest:

Porsche / B&M / knockoff short shifter for 986 35% reduction
Agency Power 35% reduction
Schnell 30% reduction
Porsche 987/997 short shifter 997-424-983-00 25% reduction
Evo Swift Shift 20% reduction
Porsche 987/997 standard shifter 997-424-010-00 15% reduction

Normally the shorter the shift throw, the notchier the action. But I don't find my 9x7 short shifter on my 5 spd that notchy, esp compared to the B&M I tried on a 6 spd. And I need my motor mount replaced, which also affects shift feel big time.

I've got the short shift kit on my "super Boxster", and I like it. The shifting is tight with no slop. We renewed the cable linkage connectors at the shifter when we installed it, although as mentioned previously, you can't replace the rear shifter bushings (until someone makes replacements - we're looking into it).

Here's the article I have on installing the shifter and renewing the bushings: Pelican Technical Article: Installing a Boxster Short Shift Kit (SSK) and Replacing Boxster Shift Bushings - 986 / 987

-Wayne

What kind of lube should I use when installing the SSK? The photos in 101projects appear to be white lithium, but wanted to be sure.

Also, the instructions I got (very poor quality, must be a photocopy to the nth degree) says to remove the green inner floor plate, but never mentions reinstalling it. (the green plate in pictures 5 and 6 for the SSK project #42 in the link above from Wayne) And 101projects doesn't mention it. Should it not go back into the car? During assembly, I noticed the shift linkages would bind on that green plate.

My short throw shift kit came with bushings and is a thirty% shorter travel,I love it.

I upgraded to the 997 shifter on my 99 and it is night and day better than stock. Plus it takes all of 20 minutes to put in.