Short Shifter Question

My '04 C4S has virtually everything I'd like (at least for now), except for a short shifter. I know this has been asked before, but can anyone give me an idea of pricing (parts and labor) for an OEM unit installed by the dealer? Yeah, I know it's DIY, but I'd rather have it done professionally. Coming from an S4, the throws feel similar - I'm hearing consensus that the short shifter really makes a difference and is worth the $$. Who makes it, or is it simply listed as a Porsche part? Thanks - Phil '04 C4S Atlas/Black 6sp, technics, alu-look console, full/supple, upgraded Bose, CD changer.

Recently ordered and had installed independently. Called the dealership, figuring if it was close I'd let them do it. Price from dealer $860.00 installed. Price from Brandywine $270+ $90 install by performance mechanic. It's in and it's awesome, and at a reasonable price. Dealer is going to get you for top dollar and then some!!

Is the OEM short shifter any better or worse than the B&M version? I have heard that the OEM model shifts more smoothly than the B&M version. I don't intend to track the vehicle but would like a shorter throw when shifting. Anyone have any experience with this?

I would gues around $90 per hour plus the cost of the part. I should take no more than 2 hours the and that is even on th ehigh side.

The onyu differences between the OEM Short Shofter and the B&M are 1) the OEM is black & the B&M is blue, and 2) B&M is $100 to $200 cheaper than the OEM. DIY is an easy install, 2 to 2.5 hours max.

Hi Phil, B&M's are on sale rite now at our store. i'll shoot you a pm with some details.

David, if I do this I would likely have Brandywine do the work - as they're nearby and I do have a history with them. Was the cost for the B&M or OEM shifter?? Can you post a pic of it? Thanks - Phil

Braman Porsche had them on special for $300 including complete housing

Phil, I just installed today the Porsche OEM SSK in my C4S. I bought it from Brandywine. If they will do it for $90, it's not a bad deal. It took me about 2 hours. By the way, I came from an A4 and installed 3 short shift kits in A4s previously. By comparison, they were about the same in difficulty. The Porsche requires more trim removal. The Audi is set deeper, which makes screws harder to get to when reinstalling them. Overall I'd say the Audi shift system is a better system. The good Audi short shift kits remove all plastic, and there are less moving parts. In addition, they are throw and height adjustable. However, the Porsche kit is a definite improvement over stock.

I only bought it(OEM) from them. Install was done independently. Unfortunately, no photo capabality at the present time.

is it true that the OEM SS kit reduces the throw by 25%, while the B&M SS kit reduces the throw by 30%??

my advice is to buy B&M from karfiesta with the power agency upgrade. See other threads on this. They will give you a good package deal.

By the way, B&M makes the OEM shifter for Porsche. This has been discussed quite a bit over on the Renntech.org board.

I got my B&M in car SSK from Vivid Racing. I also put in the Agency Power shift linkage which replaces the OEM plastic one. The plastic linkages tend to wear and get loose very quickly which contributes to the sloppy feel of the stock shifter. The combination of the shorter throw and the tighter linkage is great. I recommend both if you are going to have the consle apart for the SSK.

I take it the OEM SSK does not include a new shift linkage? How hard is it to install compared to the rest of the SSK?

no its an extra cost (see karfiesta site) and easy to fit.

The agency Power shift linkage I used is an easy install. the only trick is the adjustment. The B&M instructions talk about marking the old linkage so that on reassembly you put it into the same postiion. With the new linkage you lose this marking. I just eyeballed it and it turned out fine. There is also a positioning tool I have seen in thread but I have not used it. Again, I think the linkage is a great addition to the SSK. Even with the SSK, with the old linkage there is still some sloppy feeling. I know there are a couple of different manufacturers for replacment linkages.