Numeric shifter, Numeric cables, and weighted shift knob?

So, I'm pretty certain that I want to install Numeric 's short throw shifter in my '07 Boxster S this winter. It'll give me a fun project with the car when I can't drive it much. Everything I've read says that this is a no-brainer "totally worth it" upgrade. I think I can probably handle this DIY project in my small garage by myself. The car has only 22K miles on it, though, so, it seems a little early to be replacing the cables. Should I do it anyway? Will I be negating the benefits (aka fun) of the new shifter if I don't install the numeric shift cables, too? The thing is, I don't think I want to try to install them myself, especially if I can't get the car off the ground. So, I'd need to take it to a shop. I'm happy to put that off for a year or so...if I'm not missing out on too much fun . My other question is, to those of you have already installed a numeric shifter , have you added a custom shift knob? What shift knob do you think goes best with the short throw Numeric shifter ? Opinions on weighted shift knobs are welcome!

While the Numeric shifter cables are great, I’ve been using them for a better part of a year or so, I recently returned the shifter because it was way too stiff, even with the cables adjusted, and the angle felt off. The shifter lever is missing the OEM bend to it, which places additional stress on the cables laterally, so I returned it. From what I read, you’ll be happier with an OEM GT3 shifter with metal bearings and slightly shorter shifts with the OEM lever. If you decide to return it… …they documented the few scuffs from regular installation (where the cables go) and a small scuff on the side and I forgot to include the two tiny torx screws worth $2. I received $630/$750 back for the shifter minus shipping back (my expense). In case you decide to return it… the “free returns” on the site aren’t an accurate claim..

I appreciate the feedback! So, you'd recommend the GT3 shifter and the numeric cables, just do it all at once, it sounds like.

Hi @Scott07BxtrS - Here's my hot take; I think if you do a search here, you'll find more on this. I LOVE my Numeric shifter in my 987.2. To me (and many others), it's a brainer if you've got the cash, and not too difficult are used to assembling/disassembling interior trim. However, the eel is definitely an acquired taste to be sure. I love the involved feel of the travel going directly from Point A to Point B. Combines with the rifle-bolt action of the shifter overall. One of the most fun mods to my Boxster. I got mine used, and it came with an Raceseng heavily weighted shifter knob. What a great combo! As it looks like you're up in Wisconsin, it will get cold in the winter (also hot in the sunlight, but it comes with a cover). Meanwhile, I tend to drive with leather gloves unless it is crazy hot out -- so it might not be a big deal. Numberic cable? If you're not racing, I'd likely save my cash and hold off on that until/if the OEM snaps. You'll get no positive and discernible feel/change other than the fact that you can rest easily that it won't snap. More of a thing if you're tracking the car. Major negative is that it makes the cabin noisier as it transmits unwanted transmission whine into the cabin. Apparently, it is somewhat fixable with silicone wrap or something but I'd say to not bother. Apparently the original OEM cables were more prone to snapping, and the revised version is apparently better. Just my two cents. Finally, make sure you introduce yourself in the new members section. Photos of your ride are highly encouraged; it's a major tradition around here. Cheers and hope to see your ride!

Hey Foodbiker - thank you so much for sharing your experience. That’s super helpful. All of this is making me want to contact some people in my local PCA to see if they have made any of these mods and let me feel the difference between the Numeric and either the OEM GT3 shifter or short shifter (with FFSR upgrade, of course!). I’m leaning towards that last option (short shifter with FFSR upgrade) after reading Ruslanvideofilm’s response! I agree, I’ll wait on the cables. Great to hear that you like the weighted shift knob from Raceseng! Wish they were still making them. I had one in my previous car and really enjoyed it. I’m currently shopping at: sportshifters.com for a replacement. Thanks for the reminder to post in the new member’s area, I’ll get on it! Cheers!

Scott07BxtrS - Happy to help. Again, before you jump in (it is a pricey investment), yes -- if you can -- see if you and try one out to experience how it feels. The Shift-Right solution maybe a partial way to help tighten up the slop. I think that some of the mods may improve things a bit, but TBH - I think if you try a Numeric - you might not want anything less; mine is at the lowest height. I didn't realize that Raceseng stopped making the knobs. YMMV per alternate solutions, and there's no wrong answers. Put it this way; I have the Numeric in my 987.2 and love it. Do I love it enough to put it in my 981 Outlaw? Probably not; the slop/play seems far less in that car and it is expensive. You'll find what feels right for you!

About lateral slop, I thought the Numeric shifter would almost completely eliminate slop. I still had it. Turns out, even with the cables and shifter, the issue is at the transmission's end. Before you upgrade the shifter, the only way you can tell is by taking the center console off and looking at your cables, or getting under the car to check for play in the levers. The latter is easier.

Y'all are very helpful - and not making my decision any easier! Seriously, thank you!

I'm near Waukesha and recently bought a 2005 Boxster with the Numeric shifter . If you can't find anyone closer with one to try, I'm not that far. Paul

Hey Paul! Dude that is such a generous offer! Sounds like a fun road trip! I’ll try to find a way to DM you on here! Anyone with an OEM SSK want to join us for a comparo?!

Excellent tip. Wouldn’t have considered that, but makes sense.

You might be able to DM me now that you have 10 posts. I just joined so will need to work on my posting. I'm a fan of Everyday Driver podcast and adventures. Most people swap cars on the adventures, great way to get new experiences, learn what you like and what you don't like about a car or mod.

Ha! Also a fan of Everyday Driver. Indeed, they get a lot of blame (ok, credit) for that black beauty sitting in my garage.

So - I put the Numeric Shifter and the Cables in my 06 Cayman . And, I have to say - I absolutely love it! Couldn't imagine ever going back. For the shifter - I feel like a car is only as good as it "touch points" - steering, seat of pants feel (suspension), throttle response and shifting. Everything else is really just window dressing and fairy dust. The Numeric shifter completely changed my interaction with my car: absolutely direct and 'snick snick" mechanical shifts - no guesswork to know what gear, no slop, no play and just a metallic "click" reminiscent of the great Italian gated shifters of old (i've owned them... just pure love). The Numeric makes shifting both an active and very satisfying part of your driving experience. I will say - it's absolutely vital that you take the time to adjust the cable ends to shift linkage connectors to your precise requirement - take the time to micro adjust each one. I did it over and over until I had the ability to hit every gear with just a thumb and index finger on the knob - this way you'll know you have any heavy clunks or stuck feeling adjusted out - I believe (non-scientifically) that those who dislike the Numeric simply didn't put the time into the setup (or had a shop do it that just didn't really care enough to dial it in). It's absolutely worth the effort - and adjusted properly shifts are easy, smooth and so satisfying with a solid clunk. As to the cables - I did them as I had much of the engine bay open and accessible while I did my TPC Turbo addition. I'm not so sure I'd have done them otherwise. I like that I have stronger cables and better cable ends that will resist breaking - but I also had to add some significant soundproofing even with the silicone liners to try to rid myself of NVH throught the cables (I was 99%) successful. So I guess it's just if you want to avoid the chance of a broken cable down the road. my 2 cents dave

Hey Dave! Thank you so much for your input, worth 5 cents, at least! I appreciate the emphasis on micro adjusting the cables. I may hit you up when it comes time to do that - or, is there a youtube video you recommend? Re: the cables. Since I'm not planning on tracking my car (but maybe do some HPDEs), I'm not sure the Numeric cables are worth it. Most of what I do is cruise. I'm thinking that the updated OEM cables will suffice. Any recommendations on when I should get the originals replaced? As I said, the car only has 22K on it (but it is 14 years old!).

Yeah - so the shifter adjustments are really straightforward - just barrel nuts on both cables. As you adjust the nuts you'll see the shift lever move on it's axis You'll just need to take the time to tweak them into the right action for you. Adjust in one direction, shift through all the gears... adjust more or readjust, etc. no science to it. Just put in the time until you feel like you're getting the best action possible. I have no input on the timing of the cables - my understanding is that it's just kind of a blind luck kind of thing. Worst case you break a cable and have to get towed. But - I'm also aware that many people drive the cars for an eternity and have no problems at all. My car's low miles as well - I did my cables at 24,000 not out of necessity - but again - only because I had the whole thing apart to add the Turbo (and some coilovers... and a few bits and bobs). I'd absolutely suggest just doing the shifter - see how you like it. If you feel like you want an even more 'mechanical' linkage - then pop for the cables - or just wait until you absolutely need to. That being said - swapping the cables isn't really that huge of a job - you'll just need to be able to get underneath your car and be willing to get your hands into some tight places. It took me a day to pull the interior apart, replace the cables and then put things back together. I did a posting on this forum of my whole build (suspension, turbo, cosmetics and the shifter) if you want some more insight into it. It's one post covering the whole thing and a little long - but you can scroll through to find it. I'm sure lots of other people have posted as well.

Amazing. I will certainly check it out, thank you! I will certainly just do the shifter first and wait to do the cables at a more opportune time (hopefully before I HAVE to). I don't have the set-up for lifting my car, so, until I do, I'll be paying a pro to do the cables.

I mean, no guarantees, but the stock cables seem to break in the 40-50K range from the limited data I've seen.

I was thinking around the same, maybe a little sooner given age.

How did this turn out? Did you make the upgrade?

Numeric shifter is the first mod I would do if worked through all my maintenance and repairs. I’ve had two cars with it and now I wouldn’t want a p-car without it.

Hey Hornswoggler, Apologies for the slow reply. I was enjoying a little trip to Cincinnati and back in the Boxster this last week. In answer to your question, yes! I made the upgrade this past January to the Numeric Shifter , the sportshifter shift knob, and red and black Coco mats, which might actually be my favorite part of the upgrade. As far as the shifter goes, I'll be honest and say that it wasn't the dramatic difference I was hoping for. People kept describing "rifle bolt" action, and I don't feel that from just upgrading the shifter (I still have original cables from 2007. The car only has about 25K on it as of now). Maybe upgrading to the Numeric Cables might make it feel more "notchy?" Still, I do like the shorter throws (I left it at the middle setting), that's a lot of fun, and it does feel very solid and confident. I notice that the movement from 4th to 5th gear is a little awkward, and I attribute that to the lack of bend in the shift lever that the OEM has. Shifting definitely takes a takes a bit more effort, especially reverse, but that feels ok to me. I have also noticed that if I'm being careless, it's easier to money shift from 5th into 4th, rather than the intended 6th, due to the centering spring (which I actually really like). So...I'm probably not helping much if you're trying to make a decision. Overall, I'm glad I did it, if nothing else than for the experience. If I were to do it over again, I might just see if getting the sportshifter shift knob (I can't recommend that enough) might have been satisfying enough (it would shorten the lever by about an inch, I believe). I'll try to attach some pics with the mats. Let me know if you have any questions!

Beautiful! Nice upgrades. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks man! You betcha.

Just had the Numeric cables installed this week. What a difference. Snick-snick…I love it. Can’t recommend highly enough. The Numeric shifter alone is a nice upgrade, but the cables make a world of difference. Crisp, notchy. Rifle-bolt action indeed. So FUN!

I never tried car with stock cables but my Numerics are great. THey have the silicone wrap and I don't notice any extra noise....at least not any that annoys me. Ebay short shifter and a Bens Design side lever along with a wood knob. Precision shifting with a great mechanical feel.

Looks great! Yeah, the mechanical feel of those Numerics is fantastic. Never going back.

I've upgraded the shifter to a Numeric SSK and it is definitely better than the Ebay and Bens. The Ebay and Bens is a really nice combo but the Numeric is a completely different level of precision.