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YOUR RESEARCH996 4s SSK kit....confused
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The reference for the 996 has been changed to the 997 one, but that part is the OEM reference for the 996 SSK.
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I swapped it out for a OEM 997 shifter because I found a good price on a low-mileage one used on Rennlist ($100 shipped as I recall).
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I don't have a guide but I can direct you to the site I used for shims...
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Suggestion
Do you recommend any how-to guides for shimming the shifter?
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Just picked up my new (to me) 996 4s yesterday.....yhea!!!!
Love the car but at 16 there are a few issues
#1; gear lever slop
Im confused about what SSK to get. Read plenty on here about most peoples esperiences but there seem to be a lot of options.
I'm look for shorter throws and little to no play.
Would like to know what works best under $400
* OEM 997 SSK
* OEM 997 shifter
* OEM GT3 SSK
* OEM GT3 shifter
* B&M SSK
thanks for the help and guidance
From my personal experience, I have a '99 996 that had the original shifter up until around 120k miles. It had developed a fair amount of slop. I swapped it out for a OEM 997 shifter because I found a good price on a low-mileage one used on Rennlist ($100 shipped as I recall). It definitely removed all the slop. I'm guessing this was due more to the low mileage on the unit, rather than some design change. As has been stated in other threads the throw is slightly shorter than the stock 996. Barely noticeable - most threads claim a 15% reduction - but it definitely feels better.
If your budget was in the $100 range, you can't go wrong with the OEM 997 shifter.
With $400 to play with you have some options. I'll be curious to see who else chimes in. I believe the general consensus is that OEM 997 SSK is a very nice unit and better than the B&M SSK, but that is just what I have gleaned from other threads - not from personal experience.
Here is the list in order of price (roughly):
- 996 fairly average at best
- Ben's 996 refurbish kit - haven't used it - has metal bearing
- 996 B&M (OEM 996 SSK) - haven't used it -personally but have been told its notchy compared to the 997 SSK - not available from the dealership anymore only the second hand market
- 997 OEM (slightly shorter than OEM 996)
- 997 SSK
- 997 GT3 (Metal bearings)
- 997/997 + FunctionFirst refurb kit (metal bearings)
- Numeric racing - all aluminium ball bearing + 3 length adjustment (extra short, short, normal) - amazing shifter
Pick whichever works for you and fits your budget
I was doing this search for a while and I ended up getting the numeric with cables. I look at my car as a keeper and want the best in it. Back in the day when I used to switch out late model bmws and Audi’s every 10 months I would get the best value. I think these nicer 996’s will be around for a long time so might as well get the good stuff.
I have the B&M. It is really not notchy (subjective opinion) especially when the car is at normal operating temperature. I like the short throw and the positive feel when shifting. A downside is the unit feels heavily built as it requires arm strength when rowing gears. I drove the Cayman GT4 and the shifter is everything good mentioned here AND you can flick it positively with your wrist. I suggest trying your top choices before purchase.
Ben's kit likely fits in very close to the top of this list. Metal bearings and $155. Ben's a member here too (Ben006).
https://uniwerksdesign.com/product/b...short-shifter/
I found the same after purchasing an 03 c4s and went down the rabbit hole to sort.
First stop was a 997 sifter: it reduced play and throws were shorter but not enough of an improvement for me. Next stop: 996 Porsche Tequipment Short ****er with Evoms billet linkage: even less play and shorter throws yet. Additionally this one is more notchy than the previous two. First requires a bit of effort until the tranny is fully warm but overall, I�m happy.
Just a a heads up, no matter what shifter I tried, there is a bit of play (side to side) with all of them, and I�ve been told that only the Numeric or one of the oem options with a drop-in billet rocker arm from Function First that supposedly has tighter tolerances will alleviate it.
A friend that has a 997 GT3 RS shifter in his 996 TT has the same amount of play in the same location as mine, so I think it's just normal for the OEM shift parts, unfortunately. Of course yours may have a lot more slop if it�s old and tired.
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Just one correction:
Tequipment OEM 997 SSK and 996 SSK are the same. The reference for the 996 has been changed to the 997 one, but that part is the OEM reference for the 996 SSK.
Exactly. If you order the Tequipment 996 SSK you will receive the 997 number part, as both are/were the same.
You have:
996 shifter
997 shifter (was shorter than 996)
996&997 short shifter: was the same for both. Actually, it reduces more the travel in the 996 than int he 997, as the 997 was already shorter.
Yes correct - 996 SSK no longer available but you can get them second hand. Throw is the same length (I guess you're saying) however the 997 SSK is an updated design.
Also yes OEM 997 is slightly shorter than OEM 996.
To dip my toes in the short shifter pool, I purchased one of the $80 B&M knock-off kits from Amazon. My Logic was that if I liked it, I'd purchase the Numeric and keep the other one around to swap in should I ever decide to sell the car.
Well... I honestly can't tell the difference between my cheap one and the 997 SSK.
I don't know a lot about short shifters but from my experience, the cheap ones can be set up to work smoothly if you pay close attention to the fitment of the cable ends and take the time to shim the side-to-side play.
I'm sure the Numeric is next-level but I don't think I could do much better than the one I have installed without going $600+.
I did the exact same thing, and am very happy with the result. I just needed to add a lock washer to keep the bolt from getting loose and causing the stick to wobble.
I purchased the Schnell SS kit. Very well made and easy to install. The kit comes with new linkage. Price is good as well $149.00 delivered. Honestly I was surprised by the quality / craftsmanship at that price. Shortened the throws 30-35%. Feels very mechanical and accurate like I think a true sports car should. I have 996C4.
