SSK installed

Had my SSK and a few things installed at the dealership for around $300. I provided the parts so the $300 was labor. Expensive, but worth it to me as I rarely have the time to do the install myself. In addition, I had a CF rear center console and CF e-brake handle installed. These items go with my newly installed CF wheel and existing CF shifter. Looks great, imo. I will post pix this weekend if possible. Okay, the SSK, I had misgivings about it at first impression. The shifts were more accurate, albeit, at the expensive of more shifting effort. I had the OEM unit installed and has really surprised on the reduction in throw, but this is offset by the increased effort to shift. The shift mechanism is less rubbery with a distinct "snick-snick" shift. Much more direct and accurate feel. Despite my inital reservations on my decision to the SSK, I find myself appreciating the directness of my shifts. The increased effort will dissipate with familiarness I'm sure. But, I would recommend one try out a vehicle with the SSk before purchase. It's a very personal preference.

$300 is way expensive considering it can be done (all 3 things) in under 1 hour. But, if you are comfortable paying that then that is all that counts since you have to put a dollar figure on your time. Oh yeah, what about pics????

The shifter will loosen up with time. Mine feels perfect, much more direct and accurate than the stock unit.

I totally agree with you that $300 is high for what amounts to 1-1.5 hrs of work, but it'll be warranteed and that's important to me. I've read about some people having issues with SSK kits. I just wanted to be covered. Plus, I think I got a fairly good deal for the all the parts to begin with. Hopefully, the pix will be on this weekend. Days are getting shorter and it's pretty dark by the time I get home from work.

I am constantly amazed how folks just throw money at someone else to do what they can do themselves. But on the other side of the coin, I have lots of clients that pay me outrageous amounts to do this same sort of stuff. So in the end, if they feel good about it, then so do I. ($300 for an hours work? Gotta love it.)

Drive it a week and try a non-short. You will be amazed at how much better the new shifter throws!! Enjoy!

Throw money at us, we have SSK's, haha

I just got my B&M SSK installed today. I've had the part for a while but never got around to installing it. Since I was bringing the car in for the yearly service I asked about the SSK. When the shop said they would install it for $120 I figured that it was worth it. I was surprised how much shorter the throws are. I wasn't expecting them to be that short -- especially REVERSE. I've only driven with the SSK for 2 hours but I really like it. Definitely worth the $199 for the shifter and $120 for installation.

The SSK is an option Porsche should have included as standard, it completes the driving experience in you 996. I say next to a nicely toned exhaust, this upgrade is a must.

Absolutely! SSK and PSE are 2 of the 3 best mods you can do to your 996/997, with an ROW 030 kit (if you have a 996) being the 3rd.

I have always wondered how a metal shift lever in greased plastic bushings can loosen up over time. Maybe it is the thing on the other end of the lever that just adapts to something new over time. I would not let Kirby near my shift.

OE, if you think 300/hr is expensive, then you definately can't afford me! Seriously, while a lot of us have the ability, we don't all have the time to wrench on a car. I do a lot on mine(shifter/brakes/suspension, etc), but I still let the dealer do the routine maint. Nothing wrong with protecting your warranty and having the dealer do a little work for you.

Thanks C4S Surgeon. My time off is spent with my two little kids. That's their time with me. No offense, but we all value our times differently. It was nice to drop the car off before work, drive a Boxster for the day then pick it up done and warranteed. I would be really upset if I'd screwed up something on my precious p-car. I am looking to upgrade the exhaust with a PSE sometime in the future. The weather is getting cool enough here to lower the windows and turn off the A/C. Perfect compliment to the PSE I think.

is the SSK that goes under the car better? I hear it has no notchiness....