B & M Shifter

Does anyone have any experience with the B & M shifter for a 996? Also, how hard (or easy) is the install? Thanks!

Hi there, I have fitted the B&M shifter to my 2001 Cab and it took about 30 minutes, most of that time was taking the centre console off the car and the rest was easy. It feels great and it clicks into place real nicely. the only problem is that because it is just so short distance for changing gears you always have to make sure gear is engaged otherwise it pops out at times. I must say that it is great though and makes driving such a pleasure. I hope this helped regards Andy

I've never had it pop out, check your links. It's an easy DIY job. Don't readjust the cables, just pop on/off at shift tower, way easier, no adjusting needed. You'll see, also check out renntech.

mine never pops out either....love it!!!!!!!!!!!

I have installed many of these shifters, never had one pop out of gear. As Chris said, I would suggest installing it the OEM method as described on their TSB.

No problems with it and am very happy with it.

i'm pretty happy with mine too....some ppl find it a bit notchy but if u give it a nice crisp shift its perfect.

what'sthe OEM methond, in tunnel?

I thought it was a great upgrade as well. The shortened throws increase shift effort but its incredibly precise once you get used to the higher effort. No problems w/ it popping out of gear for me . Install took me 90 minutes and I used the B&M instructions but had a heads up from the forum to mark the cables. Just use tape on the two shift cables to mark their position (or you can even count the # of threads) and its a simple drop in mod. Good luck!

I installed one on my 01 C2 earlier this year. It works great! Shorter throws and a more positive feel with less "slop" than the stock unit. The hardest part is removing the shift **** (pull hard) if you don't have one held on with a setscrew. Use the OEM method from the TSB (don't remove the cable ends) in combination with the B & M instructions. If you must remove the cable ends, make sure that you mark the position on the cable with masking tape first.

Does the addition of the B&M SSK effect the warranty? thks, mike

I understand from the renntech forums that the under-the-car installed OEM SSK is preferred by most. Any of you care to confirm? I've been holding off because I would like to do it myself, but am a bit wary of getting underneath my car. (I've removed the rear center console several times, and it takes about 15 minutes.) I believe the OEM parts can be had for $300 .

The OEM method refers to simply diconnecting the shift ends at the shifter tower by just popping them off/on as opposed to the BM instr that suggest removing the shift cables and marking the threads, re-adjusting etc. The porsche TSB refers to this method when installing the SSK. The BM and the porsche SSK are identical. Braman porsche was selling oem ssk's on ebay for 350. I actually switched from the BM to one of these porsche units out of unfounded warranty fears. If I had it to do again, would have just left the BM in place, it actualy felt better. The only warranty issues would be related to the shifter causing a problem, very remote. The only problem is that the tranny is a non-service item and must be replaced in whole, 8K Overall, the BM ssk( in car unit) is a great mod, really makes driving fun. I have no experience with the under-car unit, except that it is much harder to put in/ remove. When porsche sells a ssk unit it is always in car, never under car. Good luck Chris

Good point Chris, when Porsche decided on a short shift for the 996 they went with the in console version. Nuff said.

Very easy self install, just DON"T FORGET TO MARK THE CABLES in their original location. That part is not written in the B&M install directions. And don't throw away your old shifter, it is needed in case the cables ever need to be re-allighned.

Best mod for the money! Easy install. Plan on one and a half hours if you've never done it before. I had the in-car and loved it. Much more solid feel than the crappy plastic one that comes with the car. Putting one in the GT3 soon.

Not to beat a dead horse, but the Porsche and B&M are identical - except for the color. B&M makes the Porsche SSK. Easy install, best mod for $200.

Hey CLL ACAB, That is good to know. I have Porsche's short-throw shifter... I totally dig the shorter shift distance and above all, the incredibly solid feel. Reverse gear is a little hard to get to sometimes but that is because I am a wimpy guy... Shifting gears is the best car-driver connection... I agree with everybody here, BEST mod ever!

Doc, You must be an internist, surgeons always like the easiest/shortest means to an end. If you disconnect the ends at the shift tower, you never have to deal with marking cables and counting threads, try it next time. Chris

No, a dermatologist. This was a rough learning curve. I was so excited to get the shifter in that I did not research alternate ways of installing and simply followed B&M's instructions, which were simple enough, but incorrect. I had to put the original shifter back in to use the porsche shift cable alighnment tool and then mark the cables and re-install the short shifter. Moral of the story: research your mods before installing.

Thanks for all the info. I'm really glad I found this forum!

You might pick up the shifter aligmnt tool and adjust the cables as you have the stock shifter in first, they're probably close but off a bit. I like perfect-. Then you note the threads from the tab or however you like- use a flashlight and a pick or thin flathead to count them it makes it easier, then write it down for each side. Grease the white cups. Make sure to put in the washer first before putting the cups into the anadozed billet pieces. Clean and grease the ball on the plastic side piece it makes it nicer and also move the shifter around when you install it and grease the parts where the white piece rubs on the housing. Of course grease the ball with the for aft shift linkeage as well. Make sure you put the adjustment screw in the front! Adjust the slack by holding the anadized housing and moving it for and aft. Then hold the allen and turn the nut making sure not to break the tabs, I did but you can still make it work just fine. Now check the play on moving the main body again. If there is slop repeat. I got mine perfect after a few tries. Then install and make put the cables in counting the threads as before. Remeber exactly where the threads started if there was a half thread etc. It's pretty easy-

so which of the two is more reliable, and which is faster to install? From reading this post I take it the in-car ssk is the preferred kit for enthusiast. Do you guys think the P-dealer would/could install an under carriage kit for me or should i not even bother asking..

I wouldn't ask the dealer to install a under car unit, kind of defeats the purpose. you should DIY, I did it in less than an hour last time with two screaming kids and my wife nagging me in the backdrop. Go for it!

Just ordered a SSK from Brandywine Porsche, $199.99. Looking forward to the install after the holidays. Thanks for all those who took the time to post on this thread....should make my job easier....Dave

yeah i think this will give me something to do when it snows outside.. any suggestions on ramps lifts or jacks? How high do I need the car up and would it have to be all 4 ends? Shoot, while i'm at it i'll swap the exhaust as well.. either I save a few bucks or I break a few parts and cost me tripple the amount.. But how can you put a price on knowledge and the satisfaction you get for your accomplishments .. ' BigDad, you got the in-car kit? Let me know how easy or difficult it was to remove and put on the center console.. I've heard somewhere that its hard to re-fit/align trying to get that sucker back into place.. I guess i'd rather tear up the bottom of the car then the interior of the car..

Don't you guys find it funny how the dealers frown upon aftermarket parts and racing hop-ups for cars but will stock and sell you aftermarket parts Wonder if brandywine has ever installed the kits for a customer

I ordered the Porsche SSK from Brandywine on special for $199.99. From what I have seen on this subject they are both the same. Redduck it is the in car kit so it should be easy to install from what I read on this thread....I'll let you know..did one on a 1990 535I BMW so I think I have an idea how it's done all though part of that install was done from under the car.... Dave

Big, are you sure it is the Porsche unit for 199, last I checked they were selling the BM's for 199. I did pick up the Porsche unit myself from braman porsche, 300.

so what do I use to get the car up on all 4;s? any recomendations? Any special tools for removing the exhaust and shift linkage for the ssk? thanks in advance

exhaust is easy as sin to remove...3 bolts hold on each muffler and proly just a few more for the cats and headers...no biggie...just get a socket wrench...

redduck996, You do not have to raise the car to install the B & M or the Porsche short shifter. In fact, you can do the complete install from the driver's seat. The only time that you have to get out of the car is to remove the bushings in the stock shifter from the shift tower. The whole process is a very simple install that should take less than 1 hour.

i got the under car kit..

I installed one on my 996 as well. Really nice shifter and the throw is awesome! We also put and Agency Power shift linkage piece on there. It replaces the factory rubber one to add stiffness and the factory one was worn out. Only like $80 for it. Not bad. For those still looking to install the shifter...here are the directions from B&M http://www.bmracing.com/media/products/pdf/67.pdf Hit me up and I will be happy to help you with this as well if you have questions. Thanks!

I have the upgraded porsche shift **** (i dont know the part # but it is the one with the flatter alum **** and the alum look horseshoe). It is noticably shorter in height than the standard factory one and therefore reduces the front / back throw. Has anyone with this set up, installed the SSK and does it make the throws too short? TIA, Mark

Mark, I have that same shifter and just ordered a SSK. I'll let you know how it turns out....

Dave, I got something you have to try...PM me.

what about for the under car kit? btw, great instructions for the in car install..