Best Short Shifter

LowKey · 03-25-2008, 05:00 PM

Hey all! I am ready now to pick up a short shifter but I am not sure which one is the best out there. I'm thinking Kokeln, Autothority or the mod from Tim@Speedforce. I am leaning towards Tims mod simply because he says his shortens your throw by 40%. Not sure how true this is........ shikzachaser if you are out there ring in let me know what you think about yours and everyone else who may know a thing or too. I am looking for the actual shifter lever and not the trans linkage.

lovemy924S · lovemy924S's Garage

i have a schnell (sp?) short shifter in my 87 and i really like the tight feel of it...it's nice

944 boy · 03-25-2008, 05:36 PM

The Koklen one if iirc only shortens the shifter itself and is expensive. I really like the weltmeister (maybe autothority I can't remember) piece that bolts the the transmission itself. It tightens feel and crispness. The older version (not schnell) is adjustable and has slightly better build quality but is a tad more expensive. Or you can do both and never find a gear!

944 boy · 03-25-2008, 05:37 PM

haha, nvm. I just read the part about the trans linkage. Then the koklen part may be the way to go due to all out quality. You do have to go with an aftermarket knob.

88BlueTSiQuest · 03-25-2008, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 944 boy

The Koklen one if iirc only shortens the shifter itself and is expensive. I really like the weltmeister (maybe autothority I can't remember) piece that bolts the the transmission itself. It tightens feel and crispness. The older version (not schnell) is adjustable and has slightly better build quality but is a tad more expensive. Or you can do both and never find a gear!

The Kokeln one actually does change the fulcrum point, which shortens the shift. I just don't know how much you can shorten it at the shifter due to clearance of the shift rod and the shifter opening.

http://www.stableenergies.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KL-R66

You can see the threaded ball end, which is how you'd adjust the shift throw.

I personally run the Shnell style, I can't remember the name brand though, it's the older one with the 2 different shift points(short and shorter).

88BlueTSiQuest · 03-25-2008, 05:50 PM

Lindsey also has a version of the Kokeln: http://www.lindseyracing.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LR&Product_Code=LR-944-SSL&Category_Code=

lovemy924S · lovemy924S's Garage

i have a schnell (sp?) short shifter in my 87 and i really like the tight feel of it...it's nice
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what the heck? i went away from this page in a different tab, came back and what i typed was still up so i hit submit again thinking it hadn't submitted and it had...WEIRD!!!

LowKey · 07:27 PM

[QUOTE=88BlueTSiQuest;3849522]The Kokeln one actually does change the fulcrum point, which shortens the shift. I just don't know how much you can shorten it at the shifter due to clearance of the shift rod and the shifter opening.

88BlueTSiQuest............. am I understanding correctly? If the shift levers height can't be adjusted then it doesn't shorten the throw? So the other shifters that cut and inch off the top of the factory shifter, only shorten the height and not the throw?

http://www.speedforceracing.com/productsporsche_shortshift.php

troppo · 03-25-2008, 09:25 PM

another vote for schnell

88BlueTSiQuest · 03-26-2008, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowKey

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88BlueTSiQuest

The Kokeln one actually does change the fulcrum point, which shortens the shift. I just don't know how much you can shorten it at the shifter due to clearance of the shift rod and the shifter opening.

88BlueTSiQuest............. am I understanding correctly? If the shift levers height can't be adjusted then it doesn't shorten the throw? So the other shifters that cut and inch off the top of the factory shifter, only shorten the height and not the throw?

http://www.speedforceracing.com/productsporsche_shortshift.php

Yes. You have to change the fulcrum point to actually change the throw.

If I'm reading SSR's site correctly, it actually sounds like they might be cutting the lower end off, and extending it to change the fulcrum. Then they are also cutting the top off to shorten it 1" lower than stock.

You might email Tim to verify this, but that sounds like what he might be doing.

Changing nothing but the height has the same effect as just putting your hand below the knob to shift. The throw is still pretty large, the only real change is the effort needed to shift. This can actually be done for free. Just pull out your stock shifter, and cut an inch off it. You'd have to re-notch it so that the factory knob will work, but it's easily done with a grinder.

I modified my shifter, cut 2" off the height, then ground it down to accept a piece of copper pipe that has the correct O.D. for a Momo Shift knob. Bonded the copper pipe to the lever with some 2 part epoxy, and put it all together. The only real benefit is that I can now use any shift knob I want, and it's got a short look.

I rely on my Shnell style linkage for my short throw though.

Here's the prepped rod in the '83 waiting for me to finish putting it back together.

Here's the 951:

LowKey · 03-26-2008, 03:54 PM

Thanks for the explanation, it shed some light on the situation. Cool pic's, I like what you have done with your shifter. That is an excellent idea which I never thought of. It looks likes an option I will be considering.

shikzachaser · shikzachaser's Garage

I initially went w/ the Schnell and like a few others that were sent out the set pin point was in the wrong location. I got it from Eagle Day and they were great about exchanging it. It was however a pain as I had to do it twice, actually 4-5 times as I was sure I had done something wrong with the first one. Basicly the pin set was such that you could not engage 1st or 2nd gear. After that one was done it definately shifted tighter but I wanted to feel more at the shifter.

Fortunately this is not my only car as I have learned that these "basic" projects can turn into a couple weeks pretty easily with wrong parts and shipping times.

I bought Tim's along w/ a Momo knob and it is really good. My bushings were worn so using both really makes a difference. The throw is about 3 inchs now and very tight.

If I was making a single choice I would go w/ the shortning of the front fulcrum point ala Tim's or a similar piece.

Good luck with whichever way you go

Steve

LowKey · 03-27-2008, 02:26 PM

WOW, the throw is about 3"............... I think it is time to give Tim a call. That sounds crazy short. Thanks for the pics, I will share mine when the upgrade is complete.

88BlueTSiQuest · 03-27-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowKey

WOW, the throw is about 3"............... I think it is time to give Tim a call. That sounds crazy short. Thanks for the pics, I will share mine when the upgrade is complete.

I think he stated that that is using both Tim's lever and the Schnell in the back.

LowKey · 03-27-2008, 02:59 PM

Ahhhh gotcha. I need both to attain the 3 inches.

shikzachaser · shikzachaser's Garage

Indeed you need both. It's amazing how all of us "real men" are looking for a reduction to the 3" range. What's even better is the way that the shifting takes more force. Between that and the "stiff ride that I can't stand" I get to be the only driver, my wife can't stand it.

Steve

88BlueTSiQuest · 03-27-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shikzachaser

Indeed you need both. It's amazing how all of us "real men" are looking for a reduction to the 3" range. What's even better is the way that the shifting takes more force. Between that and the "stiff ride that I can't stand" I get to be the only driver, my wife can't stand it.

Steve

Heheh, I have the same issues with my wife and the 951.

"I hate that shifter."

"I hate that little steering wheel." (Grant Corsa D shape).

"I hate how stiff it rides." Koni's all the way around.

Soon, it should be loud and obnoxious enough to really keep her away. Lindsey just emailed me stating my 3" exhaust with wastegate dump is on the way

New chips and a MAF go in at the same time, for even more obnoxicity (I made up a new word

).

bigdeano88 · 03-27-2008, 07:37 PM

"Obnoxicity" is the best car insurance money can buy... keeps the double X chromosomers away from our most prized toys ;-)

LowKey · 04-12-2008, 08:08 PM

Well all done. Short shifter from speed force and a schell short shifter and I now have a 3' shift. What a difference! I love how it shifts........ it's like a brand new car! O.K maybe not brand new but you know what I mean. There are a few pics check em out. Thanks again for all the info everyone.