B&M Short Shifter Install

I just installed a B&M short shifter bought from Brandywine Porsche via eBay. Shipping was fast and cheap. Instructions were pretty clear. Only a few points to add: 1) I had to pull the gear shift **** off (there is no instruction to do this -> if you don't have a screw holding the ****, just pull hard) This actually took the longest to figure out, and unfortunately, was only step one. lol. I was a bit discouraged. The rest went pretty smoothly though. 2) I didn't use a utility knife or a chisel to get the old bushings off. I used pointed wire cutters, took about 1 minute to cut all the prongs off. 3) There isn't an instruction on how much to Lube the ball joints. I just covered the parts completely white. Seemed like a good idea. 4) There isn't really a perfect way to be sure your cables are set properly after you reattach. You can test all the gears, but there is still a piece of you that is a bit leery. I just reassembled and hoped for the best. 2 mile test drive. Definitely feels different. I assume it will get better with time. Anyone in the Dallas area have one installed or thinking about it? PM or post and we'll set up a time to compare shifters. -td

Does that mean that you're not necessarily sold on the shifter?

It's nice, but definitely different. I need some time behind the wheel before I can make a real assessment of how it suits my driving style. I don't mind the notchiness, but I need some time to acclimate to the short throws. One thing I do note: vertical shifts are AWESOMELY fast (i.e., 1-2, 3-4, 5-6), but those with horizontal components take substantially more effort than stock (i.e., 2-3, 3-5), as does moving from reverse to N. I may be trying to force horizontal movement though. Also, since this was a DIY, I wanted to compare to other installs, to see if my cable adjustments are off. -td

That sounds like the hex set screw was tightend up too much, which would increase the "horozontal" shift effort. - Ahsai

Ah, makes sense. Thanks! I used the recommended 1/4 turn, but apparently when I locked it with the nut, it tightened the whole thing. Good thing I can adjust by removing just the boot. Thanks again! -td

Yours may be different but mine (an '03) can't be adjusted w/o removing the console. Some people just cut a notch on the console to avoid removing it. - Ahsai

I have one installed in my Carrera with an Evolution Motorsport coupler. It tends to be stiff until the car warms up then gets very tight and smooth. I'll be at the DE at MSR all weekend and at the PCA lunch in Addison next week. If you make it to the DE and club race, I'll be in the Gray Carrera Coupe #984.

Sounds like something is not right. Mine was installed recently by my Porsche agent and its as smooth as silk but way way shorter. It's great.

1) After reading loads of posts, I understand that the B&M is inherently notchy. RUF and OEM seem to be smoother, but more expensive. 2) I can adjust the "end play" without removing the entire console. This part should be added to the instructions and flagged in bold / underline / italics : Attach the Thread Set Screw (ee) and Jam Nut (ff) on the front bushing (it will fit on both ends) if you want to be able to access the Set Screw (ee) without removing the whole console. By placing it in the front bushing, you can adjust it using an "L" shaped hex wrench by removing only the leather boot. 3) The alignment tabs on my base were *very* small (these are the tabs that "tell" the bushing which direction is up), so when I tried to adjust the set screw the whole bushing rotated. I thought I would be smart and hold the nice polished blue bushing with some channel locks when I was adjusting the set screw. Bad idea. I now have scratches all over the bushing. doh. Good thing it's the "unimportant" part of the bushing AND hidden from view... -td

just installed mine, with the agency power alum linkage.. shifts are much shorter & precice!! I like it! I tightened the set screw then turned it back 1/4 turn, which made it loose, so then I hand tightened it & then used the locking nut.. the bearing does spin with the locking nut, but I dont see how that matters at all. The shifting is not super smooth, but I think I have it installed correctly, I like it and recommend it! B&M + AP Linkage!

Does the shifter make any noise? My STi SS rattled and I lost the smooth shift. I think I'll get the OEM SS. to avoid any loss of flow.

No noise & it is smooth.. however, there are still some notchy points.

I installed the set screw to the front bushing, and it looks like I can adjust the screw w/o removing the entire console, however, i think I will need to shave down a plastic piece that is blocking the screw. It is not ahuge deal, but I dont think a hex srench will fit in there unless i file down the plastic piece inside the shift boot area.