Is it just me or are all 997 gearboxes a bit agricultural?

[keithfly12]

Recently changing from a Boxster (987 & previously 986) to a Gen 1 997 cabriolet, one thing I did notice (in addition to more performance & less noise) was that the gearchange was much harder work. Clutch was changed a couple of years ago so is it just a characteristic of 911s?

 

[flat6]

Check if it has the optional sport shifter fitted. It provides a shorter throw but can be notchy on first use until everything warms up.

http://suncoastparts.com/product/99742498300.html

 

[garyw]

Exactly what flat6 says... stiff cold change but divine when warm and used properly.

 

[Gordon Attar]

There shouldn't be much of a difference.
First port of call is to check whether it's had the transmission oil changed.

 

[tscaptain]

My Gen 1 had the short shift and that definitely needed warming up before it became slick - especially 1st-2nd.

 

[Nigel Williams]

Agree, my 997 gen 1 Carrera 4S has the short shift box and is tight until warmed up.

 

[keithfly12]

Thanks everyone

 

[Bear911]

Its part of the joy - Once warm its a precise sharp gearbox

A sports car in my opinion has a manual gearbox !

 

[Cheib]

My GTS with the SSK is not too bad at all although I always let the car idle for a couple of mins before driving if it's not been used before that day.

 

[keithfly12]

Gearchange no better & sometimes difficult to get into 1st (at all). My mechanic has been looking into it but hasn't ventured into the gearshift & its cables as yet. Clutch is not dragging. He's a bit baffled - with 20 years experience of Porsche. Any other ideas anyone?

 

[Lancerlot]

You'll need to strip the components down to identify the problem. It may be something has become bent, worn, corroded or the cables are dragging.

997 gear changes are fine compared to the old days. When I complained about a stiff lever in my first 911 (a 911SC) I was told they weren't run in until they've done at least 60K miles!

Regards,
Clive,

 

[raykelly]

My Gen2 has done this a few times. I looked around the net for a while and have concluded it is the synchros for 1st to 3rd gears. They are different compared to the 4th and 6th gears (made out of different material or something). It's this difference which makes it harder to change gear, plus the sycnhros might be a bit worn. (I'm not a mechanic nor do I have proof. Just from what I have read) I would suggest double clutching. I know you don't have to double clutch with gear boxes nowadays but you should try it and see does it help alleviate the problem.

I'm not concerned with mine as I generally move from 1st to 3rd to 5th when driving normally. I found it would happen going from 1st to 2nd when cold and driving slow. Never a problem when accelerating hard in 1st and changing to 2nd (but then I don't do hard acceleration until engine warm anyways)

I also have the short shift kit installed and has not caused any problems. Or made it worse or more frequent etc...

I would also suggest that when changing down, I would change down ensuring I went from 3rd to 2nd to 1st for example when coming to a junction and not releasing clutch until in first or ready to take off from junction.

If you are starting off from stand still and can not get it into 1st, put it into 3rd-2nd to 1st keeping clutch depressed. Even a blip of the accelerator helps.

So this is all the things I have tried when mine misbehaved and Im not too worried. I haven't experience it in ages. (can't remember the last time) Just respect the box when cold. I love this box and with the short shift, it is just a dream.

Also the two other things I have found out:
1. Many have experienced this with their 997 and had no major issues
2. Others suggest its the gear oil and some have found improvements when oil is changed.

I had a ford cougar that did the same. It never liked 2nd gear. I never had any problems with that car and I clocked up over 120K.

Cheers!
Ray

 

[keithfly12]

Just collected car after having new gear linkage control cables fitted - now much easier & actually engages first now! We'll see how it goes - hopefully it'll remain ok. My mechanic said if its not the gearchange linkage its the gearbox itself so obviously hoping its now sorted...