Short Shifter install tomorrow

After reading all the threads I could find on the short shifter, I decided to have them put on in my car tomorrow. It is being done by Porsche, and it expensive ($800), but I always feel a bit better knowing the people who are doing the work. I'm also getting an oil change (9,000 mi) while it's there. I can't wait to try it out. As usual, thanks to everyone who talked about this element.

You will love it. I think I was the first to order a Cayman S with it installed from the factory. It is favorite option. The throws are unbelievably short and precise. JHellow

WD, I think you'll be happy you spent the money on this option because it's much better than the standard gearbox. Good luck. jhellow, Out of curiosity, how would you actually know you were the first one that got this factory option? Just wondering. Somewhat on the same topic but I don't remember any concrete answers as to why Porsche did away with the factory short shifter option.

Early orders of the SS were blocked by Porsche. I had my dealer try to add the option every day in October 2005 until it went through. There is a very early thread on this in the forum. JHellow JHellow

WD: You will not regret this option. It came as an option on my 06 CS and I really enjoy it. Nice short shifts like a Mazda Miata that I once owned but better. Good luck and enjoy.

That must be one hell of a nice shifter because Miata's shift very nicely. Good to know.

Be glad your Porsche dealer is doing the install it is worth the money. I tried to go the cheap route with an independent for my short shift install and got a seatbelt warning light they could not clear. So I had to tuck my tail, head to the dealership and get them to reset it. Turns out that if you disconnect the center console without disconnecting the battery first the 987 throws up the seatbelt warning light? Who knew? It is the little things independent shops might not know about newer models that can cause a big headache. Enjoy your new shifter :cheers:

Yes, you will love it - one of the best options I got on the car. I ordered my CS in late Nov. '05 and they said it was one of the first at the dealership to clear though with the SS. I've owned a Miata, and yes, it's as good as that. brad

I can't help but wonder how many Caymans actually were able to get the factory installed SS.

Short shifter Not an available option when I ordered mine for October 06 build.

It was not available when I ordered mine as well, and it is just one more option I wish I had, but not worth adding to a leased vehicle, is it? Russ

The independent shop I used did a perfect job for only $65. This SS is the same part# that is used on 2005up 997, 987, 986. Shouldn't be a big deal.

It's worth it. You can find the OEM part on sale and have it installed for about the same price as ordering the option. Brandywine Porsche gave me a great price

I've got the SS so don't really know how it compares to the standard one. It is short enough, but I don't find it radically short. Ever shift a MG Midget? That thing had an incredibly short throw. WD, nice to hear of your next mod. From our conversation at the Turkey Run, I think it won't be long before you can't resist exhaust, etc.

You're right, next on my list is the exhaust, headers, and ECU. Perhaps mid- next year

Had this done on mine last month for 430GBP (Porsch part fitted at Official Porsche centre). Absolutely brilliant. Really glad I had it done. Much much better! Out of interest though, why are you having the oil changed at 9,000miles? Mine's on 11,500 and when I took it in and asked the same question the garage manager said if the car needed it before the 18,000 mark, the car would tell me. Thanks

You're right. I had intended to get the oil changed to get rid of what I thought would be "break-in" oil, but the guy who wrote up the ticket said it was unnecessary, and that the break-in oil was changed out at the factory, so I let it go. Saved myself a couple hundred dollars, and appreciated the Porsche guy explaining it to me. Ups my trust level.

After reading all the positive comments about the short shifter, I had to try it for myself on my Cayman S. I had it installed today (about $700 dealer installed). Wow what a difference. It should be on everyone's mod list.

I had the dealer install ($700) the SS after four months of driving with the std shift. The latter always felt a bit long for a precision sports car. NIGHT and DAY difference now my baby shifts so sweetly. Now it's the experience I expect from Porsche!

I'm leasing my CS, and I'm glad I got the B&M Short Shifter installed after the fact. If you shop around you can probably find an installer that will put it in for you for cheap. I paid $199 for the B&M at Bumperplugs (still on sale there!) and then $150 for the install from a local place here in Los Angeles. I initially called several Porsche dealerships to inquire about installation cost, and about 50% of them outright refused to do it. The other 50% wanted $300 or more for labor.

I ordered the SS on mine 07 CS as well...Love it!! :banana:

I too did not get the short shifter when I got my Cayman, but bought the Porsche Short Shifter from Carlsen Porsche for $399 (same price at Brandywine when they had it on sale). It retails for about $475 at most Porsche dealers. Or you can go with a B&M SS, who probably makes the SS for Porsche anyway, for a lot less. Installation was less than an hour (~$80 at a Porshce shop, but not dealer where the rates are now $140/hr). So the aftermarket is just as good as factory and quite a bit less expensive. You will really like the crisp smoothness of the noticably shorter throws!

my short shifter did not come from the factory, however when i was purchasing the CS, they allow me add it, it took them one day to install. cost me $1000, but it was worth every dollar... cant put a price on a passion that you love.

Contrary to some popular belief - this is not the first time I've read this - the Porsche OEM sport shifter is not made by B&M. brad