Short Shift Kit? Is it worth it? 35% reduction in travel (apparently!)

Mani_S_Bhogal · Oct 1, 2016

Hi team,

I am considering getting a short shift kit put on to the C4s. Has anyone had one put on and what is the general consensus and views on this?

Many thanks.

Mani

taylopj · Oct 1, 2016

Yes - I did my 996 C4S and also added a nice shiny carbon gear knob as the original was badly scratched. The short shifter is per the 997 I was told. It's a really slick change now. Well worth it IMHO! Good luck.

terryuk · Oct 1, 2016

I have one on my turbo S. Do it. [

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andywill · Oct 1, 2016

Simple answer
Yes

Mani_S_Bhogal · Oct 2, 2016

Marvellous! The car is going in for a full service on Thursday at OPC East London. Whilst it is there, the short shifter is going in along with some interior adjustments as a few scratches (normal wear and tear) are on the ashtray in the centre console tunnel.

Just as a point, I know I have had the car less than a week (since Tuesday) but it is great! The negativities are just not warranted on the 996 especially in 4S trim, coming from a Cayman 981 PDK I have to say I have spent the last 3 years missing out on so much information and feedback that I now get from the 911. I am more weary of throwing this thing around quite like I used to the Cayman but I think thats due more to my respect of the car, what it is and how old it is. Extremely happy.

Mani

Mani_S_Bhogal · Oct 8, 2016

Guys, as an update, just picked up Herbie from Porsche Centre East London.

What a difference the short shifter makes. Top investment and well worth it. It has changed the character of the car and if one wants to hurry along a little bit more it helps so much! Every owner should get a short shift kit.

Thanks for all of the help upfront lads.

Mani

philippe · Oct 8, 2016

Interesting was thinking about one of these for sometime now you have made me re think on it. Can you tell me what kit you bought to go on your car do you know how long it took to fit ?

My only concern with this was that it would maybe change the shift to be un smooth but from what you have said its the opposite?

cheers Phil

Mani_S_Bhogal · Oct 8, 2016

Phil,

So I would probably be able to tell you about smoothness of change in a few months once the system is fully worn in. The change is so short now that it simply can't be defined as smooth, it is very positive and direct. If you are talking about smoothness from keeping the car moving perspective with the reduced time out of gear then yes it is undoubtedly smoother.

I still recommend this item as I say it is a more positive experience (not that it was that bad before!).

Thanks.

Mani

philippe · Oct 9, 2016

Hello Mani

Many thank for your reply.

With the smoothness of the of the change what I was meaning was an easy change with no jolt from the cluthch when changing quickly, I hate that in any car I drive so you almost don't feel the change and was concerned the short shift may cause this.

Cheers Phil

Mani_S_Bhogal · Oct 9, 2016

Ah Phil, I hear you now!

From that perspective, definitely get the SSK. I was experiencing a little bit of that before but that may be due to the fact that I had a PDK in a 981 before. I sold that 2.5 months before getting my C4S and so in combination of not having driven a manual for over 3 years and a lack of driving for 2.5 months my driving shall we say wasn't as great as it should be or as a efficient or effective. As a result of getting a SSK in, I am now changing cogs much more quickly and that jolt you speak of is markedly reduced. I would definitely get the SSK and I wouldn't anticipate going back to the normal box.

I am going to try and look for a upgraded gear knob - I have the original in Savannah but it looks like a £600 investment which seems excessive. Let us see if I can find one from a breakers yard.

Thanks.

Mani