shifter decisions

I've got a 2004 996 with the factory shifter. Not bad, but getting slightly sloppy (68,000 miles). I have had bad experiences with short shifters(BMW) and therefore not interested in going that route. Street use only. What about Ben's Shifter Side Lever along with new bushings. Will this tighten up the "feel" of the shifter? Side lever is $150 at uniWerks Design, plus I need to price the replacement bushings if the consensus show they are worthwhile. Anyone have any experience (or opinion) with this method. Thanks, David

No experience with the product you are seeking info for but since it is trying to improve upon the existing plastic OEM shifter I would look for something different. My 996 has under 60k miles. I went with the Numeric short shifter and although pricy it is ridiculous on the improvement from stock IMO.

You could see if Ben or Uniworks could connect you with some satisfied customers. I think Ben recently said that part was a new product. FunctionFirst has a similar upgraded shifter guts product. I've always been pleased with FF products. My money is on going straight to the Numeric, but it is lot of money and not worth it for some folks. I personally wasted a lot of iterations and dollars trying to improve on the stock setup when I would have been better off going straight to the Numeric to begin with.

I recently went through this on my 996. I first looked at upgrading the stock shift console with parts from FF, B&M, etc. After much reading, I decided I would stay with factory parts and purchase a plug and play unit. I was at that time between two options... the standard 997 shift console and 997 SSK. I actually ended up buying the 997.2 GT3 shift console and I couldn't be happier. Shorter shifts without being too short and zero play whatsoever. Shortly after I installed that, I upgraded to RSS semi solid engine mounts and it got even better. It just glides into each gear and I haven't had a single issue.

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^^This^^ I have a 2003 and at 50, 000 replaced stock shifter with a 997SSK factory shifter @$450. Two years later, took it out and replaced it with a Numeric shifter and cables. When I was a teenager trying to add performance modifications to my 1970s muscle car, the guy add the local Speed Shop said to me, " If you can't afford to do it right, you certainly can't afford to do it twice" I must have forgot that lesson, only to be reminded

I have read a ton of threads from the forum, There are many options and a lot of questions still remain. I would perfectly fit into the group who would try numerous options and end up with the Numeric! I have sent a note to Ben soliciting his opinion as this is a new product. Will pass his comments along when he replies. It's fun trying to save a few bucks and own a Porsche, especially one 15 years old! Thanks for the replies. David

I installed 2 weeks ago a $60.00 short shifter bought on amazon and found a great improvement. The numeric looks very nice but I don't track my car and this less expensive shifter is OK for my commuting use. https://www.amazon.com/PQYRACING-Short-Shifter-Porsche-Boxster/dp/B07HG21BR6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=PQYRACING+Short+Shifter+Quick+Gear+Shifter+Kit+for+Porsche+911%2F996+Turbo+AWD+Boxster&qid=1565738724&s=automotive&sr=1-1 https://www.amazon.com/PQYRACING-Short-Shifter-Porsche-Boxster/dp/B07HG21BR6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=PQYRACING+Short+Shifter+Quick+Gear+Shifter+Kit+for+Porsche+911%2F996+Turbo+AWD+Boxster&qid=1565738724&s=automotive&sr=1-1

I recently replaced the shifter bushings and shift cables on my MY99 (106k miles), which is a daily driver. I purchased the front and rear metal bushings from Phenix engineering and shifter cables from Numeric. The difference is night-and-day, especially considering that it appeared the shifter and components were factory original. Play is all but eliminated and shifting is very pleasurable (definitely has a bolt-action rifle quality). I imagine--depending on the state of the bushings--that just installing new bushings and new cable-shifter ends ($20 ea at pelican) will be a considerable improvement.

997 short throw. direct bolt in reduces travel est 25%

Just get the numeric. A lot of those kits are well done. But lets be honestly here they charge 65% of a Numeric for a bag of bushings and seals. With the numeric you have a full solution. Doing it once is better than spending the time and energy having to deal with a lever upgrade later or messing with those cheap kits later imho

I'm very happy with my Function First 997 shifter. An easy swap, much better mechanism, slightly shorter throw. Paired with semi solid engine mounts totally changed the shifting experience.

I have a tequipment short shifter and I am satisfied with the throw and action. The only part that bugs me is the side to side play or "wiggle". Other than replacing everything, is there a partial solution to eliminate the lateral play? Is this what this side lever thing is meant to do?

I bought a B&M short shifter from a guy who works for a Porsche and sold his car because he was transferred back to Germany. I have a 2002 Carrera 2 cabrio. Stayed with stock cables but the improvement is huge for the street and the cost was reasonable. I also don�t track my car. FWIW the install was also pretty easy.

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Given the amount of money spent for odds and ends around here, the Numeric isn't relatively that expensive. I've had mine for about 5 weeks now and I can't say that I regret the purchase.

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I purchased that one as well. It was a huge upgrade from the stock setup.The Numeric I am running now is better, but is it $620.00 better? .... I dunno.

I had a B&M shifter and wouldn't recommend it. A sloppy stock shifter is better than a notchy aftermarket shifter.

+1 on the 997.2 gt3 Shift Console

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^^^ Until it's not...

Numeric does not fit under the console right?

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Yes it does fit under the stock console. Once installed, there is no visual indication that there is anything other than a stock shifter. Sort of sad, since it is a mechanical work of art, but it preserves the original equipment appearance.

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I agree it does look like a work of art but I didn't like the look of it exposed (only pics I've seen) for a street car, now my interest is peaked.

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You can buy mounting extensions that lift the shifter unit up. If you use those, it will not fit under the console.

This topic is timely as the short shifter is next on my mod list. I was thinking of doing Ben's short shifter with new cables. Now after all this Numeric talk, I'm second guessing myself. This is just my daily driver so I'm not really looking to spend $700 on just getting some improved shifting. Those with the Numeric, did you also replace the cables? Kyle

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That is true if any shifter if you use the risers, not unique to the Numeric. I have the best of both worlds in my 02: FunctionFirst used to make a console riser that raises the whole shift console and has the same center stack delete style that the gt3 console delete offers, and it has carpeted sides that blend in with the factory carpets. I got the last one Luka had, unfortunately. It is a great product! http://www.function-first.com/produc...-riser-kit-996

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I have the cables but have not put them on yet. I just installed the shifter last weekend and that was a three hour job due to my first time removing the console. Numeric has pretty good instruction on there website so when I get a free weekend I will install the cables. I hear that the addition of the cables make the shifter even better.

I sent Ben a private msg regarding his side shift lever on a standard 996 shifter, plus new bushings. His reply: "For now, the side lever does not work with the factory shifter. I am working on a retrofit but for now it only works with aftermarket short shifters. On a 996 a short shifter is a must, even on the street and it will really help tighten the play on the shifter without making shifts harder. I don't have the bushings available separately, the ball bearings system I use only fit the short shifters they are mounted on. Regards, Ben" Looks as if I'm down to 1) Function First $295, 2) Ben's shifter plus side lever $305 or 3) Numeric $700. No racing involved, but a very strong dislike for "notchy" short shifters. Are any of these options "notchy" in daily operation? My BMW short shifter (Dinan) was not something I care to repeat. Maybe just stay put, but the Porsche needs some improvement! David

If you like stock, but just want it smoother, look into a 997 or 997 GT3 shifter. Just getting new bushing wear surfaces makes a huge difference. Even the base 997 shifter is a nice upgrade to the 996 unit. These are worthwhile upgrades - most everything else is designed with shorter throws in mind.

I have about reached the same decision. I'll wait a bit and see what the responses are regarding the "notchy" shifter concerns!? Thanks David

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If u dont want "notchy" shifts then u dont want the numeric. I wanted my shifts to feel notchy with a very positive engagement feel thats why i went numeric w/ cables. My car did have an agency power ss kit installed and it did feel good but i just wanted better.

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David The Numeric is not as smooth as a factory Porsche shifter. It is a very firm engage/disengage. The difference is the steel and aluminum vs. plastic and nylon. I personally have driven standard shift for 45+ years, I could not stand the sloppy side to side play of the Porsche shifter and the soft mushy feeling of engagement, especially going to 3rd gear. It is a matter of choice Try and get with your local PCA club and see if someone has a car with a Numeric, you feel the difference immediately. -David

Another vote for the 997ssk and Function First bushings. Very smooth, positive shifts, not notchy but very sure engagement. I coupled that with the Function First transmission mount insert and Wevo semi solid engine mounts and the result is awesome.

Maybe I am using the word notchy wrong (as in my comment above). I find notchy to be a negative comment (it sounds like others may find it positive). To clarify, I did not like the feel of the B&M shifter at all. I find the Numeric amazing. The Numeric smoothly and cleanly slips into gear with a mechanical precision and absence of slop. I've both read and used the term bolt action to describe the feel. It is completely different than any other shifter that I've personally driven in a little over 30 years in manual cars, including a fair share of race cars. Pfran has made a good point in the past - this difference may be subtle to some people, but it is the extra bit that moves the shifting experience from a 9/10 to a 10/10 for me. That being said, the OP doesn't sound like he wants a short shifter, or is trying for that last tenth. In that case, a new 997 (or even better 997 gt3) stock shifter, would probably meet their needs, and save a few bucks in the process. There is a ready market for these, should they decide to upgrade later to something else, so there isn't much downside. In my opinion. At the moment, I have a Numeric in the 996 ('02) that I drive regularly, and a stock 997 shifter in the 996 ('00) that mostly sits on the storage lift. The '00 drives and shifts well, but I vastly prefer the '02, not just because of the Numeric shifter, but it is a feature that puts icing on the cake. It is one of the little things that refined the 996 (much like the Rennline accelerator pedal) and improve on areas that it feels like the factory cut corners on.

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Let us know what you end up with when you decide. I'm waiting to complete items on the list, struts, springs, trans mount, exhaust...

http://www.function-first.com/produc...right-solution It is worth checking out. Sounds like it would be a good way to tighten things up. Luka makes the good stuff.

OK everyone, first thank you for your comments and suggestions. I am going with a new 997 mechanism. Looked for used 997 assembly to upgrade with a Function First kit, but none available a price I was willing to pay. I am confident the Numeric is not for me, but a lot of people prefer not to have a black on black car! I may have to eat my words and upgrade again down the road. See you at the VIR IMSA race. Regards, David

I too have the Numeric shifter and cables for a 996 C4s. It's next level. I went from a 997 short shift kit to the numeric. I actually have my 997 shifter collecting dust so if you want to buy it off me make a reasonable offer.

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Will this shorten up the 2-3 shift by much?

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It shortens all the shifts... It's got 3 available settings (I use mine on the middle setting) It's more about the feel and ease of shifting for me. The stock shifter(s) just felt rubbery to me (partially due to the shift ****, which is...made of hard rubber - I used the stock shift **** with all the shifters prior to the Numeric.

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Sorry, I meant the 997 shifter.

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I Like it, my original had 37K miles on it when replaced. it didn't have sloppiness, but now have consistent shorter throws for all gears selected. Great bang for the buck.

" Sorry, I meant the 997 shifter." Ah... I had one of them too! Yes the shifts were shorter, and better than the 996 shifter.

I got a 997 shifter on eBay mislabeled as a 996 shifter for $100. Just need to be a savvy shopper.

Yeah, the 997 short shifter is a step up from the 996 (maybe 20-30% shorter throws) but not as a big a step as to the Numeric.

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I couldn't agree more, I have the 997 shifter in the car I rarely drive (my wife likes to drive it occasionally) and a Numeric in the one I drive regularly.

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Same here, I have the 997 Shifter with FF upgrade, FF Tran inserts and FF engine mounts. Overall, very happy! Very high quality products!

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So just to confirm, the stock 997 shifter will fit the 996?

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Yes. Bolts in with no modification. You would be hard pressed to notice a difference visually.

Agree, 100% on the Numeric shifter. I just had one installed on my 02' C4S and it completely changed the feel and my entire perception of the car. Numeric FTW!

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How was the install on this shifter? I purchased the same one and am planning on installing it this weekend.

I have the same one pretty straight forward easy install. The hardest part is the center console removal if you have never done it before. Use ziplock baggies and sharpie for all the screws so you don't lose them or forget where they go. The shifter is a very easy quick install. Just make sure you clip the cables on correctly and test it before you reinstall the console.

After all the options discussed and "mulled" over, I put a 997 shifter in my 996. I like it! I can see where the Numeric is a complete overhaul of the original shifter and as a consequence a totally different feel and operation. Just was not worth the additional coins for my needs. Drive safely, David

Bookmarked for future reference.

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Thanks to JB001! I found it on ebay for even less (he pointed me in right direction). https://www.ebay.com/itm/Short-Shift...53.m2749.l2649 I decided to have my Indy install rather than me stroke out in my driveway, lol. Still, under $200 for the whole thing (shifter $40 and 2 hours labor) and I am super happy. Nice and tight and my Indy pointed out that this one has some red Teflon washers in between the gear shift so there is absolutely no play--apparently earlier models shown on YouTube look the same but this is an improved version. I don't race and this is my first short shifter experience but I gotta say I like it! The stock shifter, which was working ok, is boxed up and all I need to do is order the 2 plastic plugs that keep the original shifter in place if I need to go back to original. Doubt that will happen.

I have Ben's short shifter on my 02 C4s, It was a great improvement over the 997 shifter the PO had installed. It is very precise and the shifts are short. It takes a couple of drives to get use to the short shifts and it feels a bit harder when the car is cold, but this is somewhat expected since there is less leverage. Also at a $155.00 it is very reasonable when compared to others. https://uniwerksdesign.com/product/b...short-shifter/

What's different in these two that could justify the cost difference? https://www.ebay.com/itm/323795687116 https://uniwerksdesign.com/product/b...short-shifter/ They look the same to me.

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I've been wondering the same thing since this thread started. Both look pretty similar. The price difference is big. Kyle

I recently switched out the B&M short shift that came with my car when I bought it for a brand new 997 unit. Nowwww the car feels like a joy to drive. Never was a fan of short shifters, and the B&M one made it way too heavy and clunky. Made the car "feel" the same way. Now the lighter and crisper throws of a new OEM unit makes the car feel lighter and more playful. Anyone want to buy a B&M?

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Yeah, I'm not sure, but my indy said my $40 kit was well made and solid so that works for me He was really surprised.

IIRC from the thread,, the Uniworks is a blueprinted, worked over version over the import, another set of bearings, and tightened up?

Worth noting that both Numeric and Porsche Cup cables will buzz from vibration....would be annoying on a street car. I have tried a Numeric shifter and did not like the feel, it's very mechanical and notchy to me, not smooth. The best bang for your buck IMO is the Function First shift-rite solution. It's the closest to the Cup shifter you can get. Behind that a 997.2 GT3 shifter w/ it's all metal bushings is good too, just more costly.

Recently I was reminded that I not only have to read the forums but also follow the advice given. I tried going the cheap route and purchased a short shifter off of Amazon for $60. During the instal one of the plastic pieces on the stock shifter broke and I had to McGyver a fix until my GT3 shifter arrived. The short shifter felt like a notchy POS that reminded me of my buddies RSX he had in high school. I�ll try and be smarter next time.... now I have a GT3 shifter that I love. Second times a charm!

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Might be interested in the B&M just for comparison's sake. PM me and let me know what you want!

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THAT is the exact part that broke on mine! HOW did you get the screw between the white part and the housing?

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I took the whole thing apart by pushing the plastic keeper out. The keeper is made of the same off white plastic. Once that was out I found a screw that had a smaller profile head and ran it through and secured it with loc-tite and a bolt. I wouldnt advise this as I was constantly worried that it would not hold and would leave me stranded somewhere!

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Bought 996 yesterday... hooray! interested in your old 997 shifted if you could pm me sometime. It�s fun to join the club!