Function First Solid Shifter Cable Ends Review

I haven't seen a "review" thread for the Function First Solid Shifter Cable Ends in the 996 Forum, so I thought I'd start one. Link to product in question: https://www.function-first.com/produ...42746783957145 My pre-install setup: 2002 C2 Cabriolet 997 OEM shifter (swap). NOT the Short shift kit. Function First Shift Right Solution Original 996 shift cables Solid Cable Ends Installation. The instructions needed a more clear picture of how much metal to cut. I didn't realize at first that I had to cut through both the rubber tab of the old bushing and the metal circular tab of the old bushing. Once I understood that, then pulling the bushing was possible. So yes, you cut through a little rubber and the 1 mm thick metal tab, which will fall off when finished. The replacement metal bushings were too big to fit in the cable end ring. I had to use a Dremel with a barrel attachment to grind away a little bit of material on all sides of the the new bushing to get it to fit. Maybe I was sent the bushings for a different model of Porsche with a slightly larger diameter? Keep the rubber washers that are installed underneath the cable end bushings. I reinstalled them before attaching the new bushings. They help keep the cable end bushing perpendicular to the ball joint. The bushing puller is a little difficult to line up while under the car. Bring a good torch/light. Make sure the small end of the bushing puller is centered within the cable end ring. Do not over tighten the bushing puller, or else you'll strip the threads. If the bushing puller requires a lot of force, do not continue tightening and re-assess your setup. Post-install review: I'm glad I did this upgrade. There is no more "flex" in the shift gates. If I "lean" on the shift stick when in gear, there is no more elasticity (note that I also have an upgraded shifter). Warm weather shifting feels a little better. I doubt cold weather shifting will be more difficult because changing bushings doesn't change the force required to shift. I enjoy how the shift gates are more solid and well defined. Since I'm using original OEM cables that come with sound insulation, there is no additional NVH. I'm young and my ears are still good - so I would have heard gear whine. However 996's are inherently noisy on the inside and more-so my cabriolet. Completed cable end. Note the rubber washer installed between the solid cable and and the ball joint. Completed cable end. Note the rubber washer installed between the solid cable and and the ball joint. Old bushings. Note how the tabs had to be cut all the way through ​​​​​​​

worth $165? ill highly consider this now.

$165 is a lot of money, so it�s tough to say whether it�s worth it. I bought these with the goal of �firming up� my shifts and improving shift precision, and can happily say that it was worth it because they certainly met my expectations. It may not be worth it to someone who is currently happy with their shifts. However, another benefit of these cable ends is that they�re damn near impossible to fall off. You won�t be stranded because your car cannot get into (or out of) gear. So that in itself may be of value - it saves yourself a headache and a tow fee.

I also agree that �worth it� is subjective here. But I can definitively say that in my opinion, I�m glad I installed the solid cable ends. I didn�t want race cables like what Numeric sells. This is a happy medium for me.

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Hey Chris, how are you liking the FF cable ends now that you've lived with them for quite a while? Also, how do you like the Shift Right Kit? I see you also have the cable ends? @996love 😁 Thanks, Bradley

Hey, yeah I still have my FF cable ends. Since my last post in this thread, I have also installed a Numeric short shifter. Lately I have been thinking about removing the Numeric and returning back to my 996 shifter assembly, because I�m starting to grow tired of the additional effort to shift - even though my Numeric is at its tallest setting (longest throw). The FF cable end, however, is something I would keep forever due to its indestructible nature. Because the Numeric does not improve the reliability of my car, it will be the first to go. But I guess I�ve grown wimpy, because I loved this combination when I completed it about a year ago. You may not have this problem! My apologies for going off on a tangent� my FF cable end has remained completely reliable since installation.

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Hello thanks for sharing. Everything I've read about numeric shifters/cables leads me to think it's not for me- your experience confirms that too. Have you considered a 997 shifter with the SRS? Personally really like the nature of the existing factory setup, it's the right amount of vintage/classic feel. Very much would like to restore any lost sharpness in the linkage though, sounds like the shift ends + SRS can do that.

Yes, I initially thought about the 997 shifter with the SRS, but it was more expensive than the Numeric when I snagged it at holiday sale pricing. The reviews of the Numeric on Rennlist made me feel like I would regret forgoing it for the 997+SRS. Although I�d still like to try the 997+SRS in the future, I�m currently not very interested in spending more time and money on my 996, so most of �unnecessary� stuff has been prioritized quite low. (I�ve been thinking about returning to the 996 shifter for over a month now, but I have been dreading the idea of removing and installing the center console!) One thing I considered upgrading while I was installing the Numeric was a billet shifter linkage . I originally wanted the one by EVOMS, but they didn�t have any so I settled for a new Porsche part . If you�re after a crisper shifting response, then a billet linkage may give you what you�re looking for. Or if your current linkage is as old as your car, then a new plastic one could bring some life back into your shift experience. Here is another billet linkage, but much more expensive .

I went to the 997 shifter with the SRS a few years ago and really like it. It does incrementally tighten up the shift from the all plastic 996 shifter, but not too much as to make it notchy which increases the risk of missing a shift on the track. Still a very smooth shift, but a slightly tighter shift. But many guys don't track their cars and are looking for a more rifle like, tight and notchy feel for the street which you wont get from the 997 shifter w/SRS. Haven't tried the FF solid shifter cable ends or shifter cables yet but probably will just for the heck of it.

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Thank you both🙏 Looks like I have some options here. @GC996 Seems even replacing an original 996 shifter with a 997 shifter would freshen things up? With the reduced throw of the 997 shifter, that wouldn't have a negative effect on the gearbox/synchros over time correct? @996love Those are awesome shares, I expect these will be my next project. Aside from the plastic ball sockets/cable ends, I wonder what the expected life of original shift cables really is. This post by @Atgani definitely resonates with me for my needs/expectations.

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I dont think the 997 shifter would have any effect on the gearbox/synchros. Its a small reduction in throw of ~15% which imho is perfect. The key is to develop a good rythym with guiding the shift versus forcing a shift which is easy to do with the 996 and 997 shifter. Nevertheless, i can shift pretty fast and accurately with either the stock 996 shifter or the 997 shifter w/ the FF kit on the track. I have found that the challenge in shifting in the 996 is downshifting from 3rd to 2nd or 2 to 1st. All it takes is a throttle blip and it gets everything aligned. Trans fluid also has a say in the shifting experience.

For what it�s worth. My dad drove my stock 996 shifter with the function first upgrades and the cable shifter ends, he said it felt just like his 997 shifter.

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Yeah, all you really get with the 997 shifter is a slightly shorter throw and a metal plate in the plastic parts of the shifter shaft. With all of the metal kits that FF makes today, you can save the money on the 997 shifter and replace all your plastic bits in the 996 shifter and get the same feel.

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I would assume that it should last a lifetime unless corrosion sets in. The rest of it is pretty much metal.

@Ocean Blue yes I still drive this shifter setup. 997 shifter + SRS + Solid cable ends. I still think it�s a balanced setup. When I drive my 996 after commuting a couple days in my manual Subaru, I am pleasantly surprised how balanced it feels between the reduced throw and solid bushings. By the way, the reason I chose the 997 plus SRS in the first place was because the inventor of the SRS recommends pairing it with the 997 shifter in this video at 1:36. https://youtu.be/7LRl2-SQPNw?si=pISXSoYMjpPIfNtM After install, I found after the fact about the EVOMS billet shift linkage. Maybe if I got them on discount I would have added them.

Thanks for your updates and insights Chris.

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Appreciate your reply Chris, I'm definitely going to go for the SRS after hearing all the great reviews. 😁 Bradley

Less than a set of brake pads for one end of the car.. about 2 tanks of good fuel. 1 oil change is more money even DIY.. Just looking at the value prop..

This is super helpful and appreciate you posting the tips in the first post. quick question (apologies if I missed it somewhere) Did you remove the cables to do the work? I know it says on FFs website it�s not required but the work involved for 996 ends vs 997 seems much harder and wondering if I will need to remove them on my 996.

I was able to install the FF cable ends on my 996 with rest of the cables remaining on the car. It wasn�t too difficult, although the cables aren�t very flexible so it was important to be gentle with them.

No I didn't "remove the cables," but you do disconnect them from the ball joints.