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YOUR RESEARCHShort Shift Decision - 997 or 997 SSK
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Install 997 shift console
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I have a B&M SSK that I installed about 5 years ago.
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IMHO I'd say the 997 - GT3 version is the "Most refined feel and shorter throws." I replaced the 997 SSK in my car with the GT3 version and it was a very nice improvement in terms of smooth shifting while retaining short throws.
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Suggestion
Does it change the foolproof nature of going from 2nd to 3rd gears?
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IMHO I'd say the 997 - GT3 version is the "Most refined feel and shorter throws." I replaced the 997 SSK in my car with the GT3 version and it was a very nice improvement in terms of smooth shifting while retaining short throws.
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Ok, been avoiding it, but drove a friends 05 997S the other day. Very nice car, really liked the way it shifted - a lot. It has the 997 SSK installed, very smooth, not notchy at all, effortless to shift.
I have a B&M SSK that I installed about 5 years ago. Very notchy, 1st can be a pain when cold. Never really warmed up to it.
What I would like are opinions on the 997 shifter upgrade and the 997 SSK that anyone has installed in a 996. Have searched and found a lot of info, I know, I know, everyone has different tastes, but wanted some more recent info, especially if someone has driven both.
Thanks!
I have a SSK in my 09 Carrera S. Had a chance to drive a 997 GT3 at the track and knew that the standard long throw shifter in my car had to go. Huge improvement...but the feel does not replicate the feel of the GT3. The GT3 throw feels shorter and less delicate. The SSK is a great investment... but even with that improvement... the mechanism is inferior to an S-2000 Honda or short shifter on the Mazda MX5 in my opinion.
I've had the B&M SSK before I swapped out to the regular 997 shifter.
If you're coming from the B&M and have grown accustom to the short shifting action, I would go with the 997 SSK and get the best of both worlds in terms of shorter shifts and great feel.
An SSK has been a prerequisite for all my cars I've driven in the last 20 years, however starting last year it hasn't been a priority for some reason to have one. Maybe I'm getting older or the fact that I moved to the suburbs and commute via public transportation. I dunno...
I've been ok with the slightly reduced throw of the regular 997 shifter for the price I paid. However with everyone talking about how great the 997 ssk feels, I might have to cough up the extra dough and upgrade soon. I might also upgrade the stock plastic shift linkage with a billet one like Agency has or something like it while I'm in there.
my $.02
Thanks guys for the replies, much appreciated.
I am fairly convinced I am going the 997 SSK route, would like to hear of anyone that has this installed in a 996.
NZ951 - I think from what I have read that the GT3 is identical to the 997 shift console upgrade (throw length 15% shorter than stock), except for billet aluminum bushings instead of plastic. Don't know if that changes the feel or not.
Not4Off - Duplicating the feel from the 997 to the 996 is what I am after (at least similar). Want to get rid of the notchy feel. I had a miata a long time ago, great shifting car and a lot of fun.
alpine003 - drove the 997 with ssk and the throws seemed longer than the B&M, which I am fine with (still shorter than stock), and there was zero notchy-ness which is what I liked. Shifting was very smooth. I grew up in the Chicago area, loved it, miss it.
My understanding is that B&M does make some Porsche oem sport shifters (not sure exactly all that are included), however, I have the B&M in a 996 box/frame/cradle and don't like it due to the notchiness. Drove a 997 ssk, no notchiness. Also, from everything I have read, this is the common consensus.
Comparing a pic of the 997 ssk (see below, courtesy of Suncoast Porsche) and the B&M (other pic below), they do not look exactly the same, I am assuming that the standalone B&M ssk is a slightly different design, even if it may be the same manufacturer (which again, not sure). Also, after owning the B&M for 5 years, the 997 ssk is a world of difference, I like it better, some don't. Maybe it's all the metal in the B&M version, don't know.
B&M is $240-$285 and is the shifter only, the 997 ssk is shifter and cradle assembly for $429, I would spend the extra $190 for dramatic change in shift feel (to my preference) and the added bonus of a cradle I can easily swap out.
Get the Factory SSK. I have a 997 box in my 996, after driving my friends GT2's, GT3's and GT3RS's regularly i wish ad bought the Factory SSK if the first place.
No notchiness at all. And I drove a car with the "other" non-Porsche shifter and hated it. The 997 SSK bolts right in and provides a nice tight controlled shift. One of my better upgrades...
Unfortunately the 997 SSK is only sold as a complete assembly. However, I dunno if the cages are exactly the same or not but I guess it would be a moot point.
You can always sell the standard 997 shifter to help make up the difference, I plan to sell my B&M once the new one is in.
Just ordered a 997 SSK from Sunset Imports!
The notchiness on mine (B&M) is only there when cold, the rest of the time it is good although it took a bit of fine tuning. I hope that the 997 shifter works out for you, let us know. Sunset are excellent to deal with, they helped me out after an incident following Rennsport Reunion, saved me a lot of money.
George
Mine is always notchy, worse when cold as you mentioned. Driving the 997 SSK was very smooth, easy, and short. Took a lot less effort and just felt better to me. I know a lot of people love the B&M, I was OK with it until the 997ssk. I will report back once installed, just can't wait for it to get here!
C'mon Andy, it's not that bad! Even easier the second time! I did it several times, but it's been a few years. Should only be about 20 minutes while having a beer. Figure I will take out the console this weekend so I can just drop in the new one as soon as it arrives.
Don, I knew when I forced you to drive Johns 997 it would cost you money!
It is all part of my evil plan to work you up to a 997. I just love spending other peoples money!
Yeah, thanks Mark... 997S is nice, no doubt about it, cant justify the price jump yet, unless you plan on making up the difference in cash 'cause I'm out!
Cant do that. I already lost too much money on water cooled 911's to do it again.....
Joking....I love water cooled 911's. I will admit that the 997S is really nice to drive!!
I guess. Maybe if I had a nice 997 SSK shifter on the way, it would inspire me too!
Good luck with the install, report back with the results! And, get those rear bumperettes painted man!
Definitely will report back, expect the them next Thursday.
Thought about the bumperettes, but with the black top and trim to match, they don't look too bad
Ok, it's installed! After the initial install, was a little worried that it felt the same or very similar to the B&M after spending all that $. After moving the shifter with the **** installed, it felt better (at least to my taste), and better yet once I drove the car (big difference from sitting in the garage with the car off and the door open...). I was not able to get much seat time tonight, but will report back after I can spend more time behind the wheel. First impression, I like it, may need a few tweaks still but we'll see.
I've had the B&M SSK for almost four years on my C4, and am very happy with it
My buddy just bought a 996 C4S with the 997SSK a few weeks ago. We are planning to attend the next open track day on the 13th at Willow Springs and maybe I can take a couple of turns. I can't imagine it being that much better that my B&M set up
I've had these 5 setups(stock, B&M, ebay B&M knock off, 997, 997 SSK) throughout my ownership.
The 997 SSK provides a more refined feel IMO and might be more important for the people that prefer a less notchy feel, otherwise, B&M will be just fine if shorter shifts are all that matters.
I prefer the 997 SSK over the B&M. I had the B&M for several years and was happy with it as it was a great improvement over stock, but I prefer the 997 SSK for the less notchy feel. Both shift very well, I just prefer the 997 SSK of the two.
I haven't done any shifter upgrades yet, but for 996's, the regular 997 shift console seems like it has the best bang-for-the-buck.
Some 996 upgrade options, with appx. street prices:
997 Shift Console: $250
997 Shift Console, GT3 version with metal bushings: $430
997 SS (back to plastic bushings?): $429
Numeric Racing shifter (fits under stock trim, adjustable height and throw, all metal): $700
Personally, I've read great reviews of the 997 non-ssk shifter as an upgrade, and if I wanted to go beyond that, I'd probably move right to the Numeric, which is an all-ball-bearing work of art compared to the Porsche shifters. And I think I'd rather have a stock 996 shifter than a B&M, certainly rather than a B&M clone.
Top-to-bottom, Cup Car, GT3, Numeric Racing:
Sorry to hijack the thread a bit, but I just took off a 997 SSK if anyone is interested just send me a PM. I'm going full racecar and replaced it with a numeric with cup car cables. $150.
Depending on one's priorities.
Best overall feel with shorter shifts not really being important - 997
Best bang for buck for strictly shorter throws - eBay B&M knock off
Most refined feel and shorter throws - 997 ssk
My advice is if you've always had ssk in your previous cars and are accustom to short throws, I don't think you'd be happy with the 997.
If you've never had ssk in previous cars, you might be ok with the regular 997.
Now that's a smokin' deal !
IMHO I'd say the 997 - GT3 version is the "Most refined feel and shorter throws." I replaced the 997 SSK in my car with the GT3 version and it was a very nice improvement in terms of smooth shifting while retaining short throws. I'm of the mind that each cars is somewhat different with results of replacing shifters. Maybe it's the type of gear oil and fine tuning the adjustment that can make a significant change in the feel and notchiness.
YMMV
I totally agree with the "fine" adjustments. Just fine tuning your cable settings can have a noticeable impact on the shifting feel. Especially the transition going from cold to warm.
Hmmm, now you have me tempted to try this out. The GT3 version came out in 2010 when I'd already done my final shifter upgrade so didn't really think anything of it or even knew it was compatible with the 996.
If my understanding is correct, one of the main differences is the GT3 has metal bearings replacing the plastic ones found on the 997/997 ssk models.
Rather than buy a whole new shifter AGAIN, I'm tempted to fab up some bushings or take apart an eBay one to start with and see if that makes any difference. Hmmmm.....
I use the expensive GT3 short shifter w/metal bushings in my 99' 996 race car. I had the B & M short shifter in my 06' 997 race car. Both make a huge improvement in the shiftability of the cars over the POC OEM units. For me personally, I'm more trusting and comfortable with the GT3 shifter.
Hey Alpy, so you think the stock 997 is that much better than the stock 996 to warrant the purchase? Just for street use, mind you, not the track. The stock 996 just doesnt feel "precise" enough for me.
yes. Not as advanced as alpine but got 3 set ups (stock 996, B&M, stock 997) and currently running the stock 997. it gives you ~15% reduction in throws and better feel.
by the way my B&M shifter (with base console) is available for sale
I would say the stock 997 is marginally better than the stock 996 if your priority is both shorter throws AND feel. If a better feel is what matters the most though, the stock 997 can fit the bill quite nicely. Dunno personally if I would pay full price for one though but it's a good mod if you can find one used. My $.02
I personally thought it was a significant improvement. It could be because my car had a 100k miles. It is so much more precise. Only about a 15-20 percent shorter shift. However, the precision makes up for it.
Did you install the 997 shifter yourself, or have it installed? My 997 shift console is being delivered early this week. I need to decide whether this is a good DIY or pay about $300.00 to get it installed.
Defiantly a DIY. Most of the time is taking apart your console. Once you are familiar it is a quick process. Took me about an hour an most if that was the tear down of the console. Putting it back together was much faster. I really like the results of the upgrade.
Matt
I installed my 997 shift console today. It took me about 2 hours and would have been quicker had I read the B&M short shift kit install instructions first, rather than 2 others I chose to look at -- as I missed the small screw under the coin holder (didn't know I had a coin holder until today) in the small shift console locked glove box. Getting my old shift **** off was the hardest part of the install and I finally just stood on the old console and lifted it up and off the 996 shift console.
Definitely an easy DIY with readily available tools (t-20, t 30 ratchet, blue painter's tape to protect console during removal, small flat screwdriver and 10mm).
I saved between 300 and 500 by doing it myself. I wish I had done this 2 years ago, the 997 shift console is a definite improvement over the stock 996 with noticeably shorter throws to 1st, 2nd and 3d. Not as short as a SSK, but I'm very pleased with the improvement for the cost and not having to take apart the shift console for an aftermarket SSK, like the B&M.
