Turns out that Ric at Suncoast only carries the 997 SSK at this point (in addition to the standard 997 and 997 GT3 models), so the 996 SSK is off the table (sounds like it was hit and miss for most owners with that one). I'm pretty well decided on the 997 SSK thanks to your collective thoughts, and Ric recommended that one himself to me too. I appreciate the feedback.

 

The 996 and 997 share the same Porsche Factory SSK. There is a shift console upgrade out of the 997 and '10 GT3 (with metal bushings), they are not short shifters just a replacement console. They will have a slightly shorter throw than the 996 console, however it will not be as short as the SSK.

If you have any other questions please feel free to give us a call and we can help further explain the differences.

 

Steve - I had a B&M on both my Porsches and they both felt great for me...whatever route you go with will be a great improvement.

 

I put in the regular 997 shifter. I track and it has been fine. I've never driven the 997SSK, but if it is notchy, I wouldn't trade it for the smooth and precise 997 shifter. I had a B&M in my 993 and it was notchy. Best advice is to drive both before buying.

 

I appreciate it guys...perhaps I can find someone local who might have at least one of these that I could check out. I'll try in the NW section, but if anyone sees this and lives near Seattle, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

 

I am considering the 997 shifter and would like clarification on the shifter options.

The way I understand this is that the OEM 996SSK is the short notchy shifter, which is a rebranded B&M, made for Porsche by B&M. I have that (the B&M) version now. Then the 997SSK is a Porsche designed short shift kit similar to the B&M in throw only and much less notchy.

Then the other option is the standard 997 shifter console, which you install in a 996 for a slightly shorter throw vs. OEM. This can be had in either plastic or metal, depending on the version you choose.

Is this correct?

 

John, I bought the 997 standard shifter and am very happy. My B&M was horribly notchy. I don't notice any decrease in the speed of my shifts and it is not notchy. You're more than welcome to check it out. It's like $170 and a simple 45 minute bolt-in.

 

B&M works great for me. But it really needs to be adjusted before it´s smooth.

 

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Correct choice with 997 SSK, because the old 996 SSK which Suncoast doesn't sell any longer was made by B&M if u do search on here i recall which was notchy as others here stated including myself who once had it. New 997 SSK has same great shifting feel while being shorter like the standard 997 shifters which are now smoother, precise, & aren't notchy. Others running B&M shifters definitely should testdrive their friend's 997 SSK to see the great improvements.

 

Thanks, Mike. The reason I am interested is that you mentioned this to me last year and I have been on the fence ever since. I think I am going to try it based on all the positive comments. If you remove the B&M, can you re-install it later, if you prefer it or are some of the parts ruined when you take it out?

 

I too have a B&M and would be interested in something more accurate. As I understand it cables may need adjusting and this cannot be done with the B&M using the Porsche service tool - I assume it could be with the 997 part installed?

 

If you buy a brand new 997 shifter it will come with everything (which really is just the alignment tool). After you remove the console (20minutes?), you remove the cables and there are 4 nuts to remove old shifter "cage" and you use the same 4 nuts to install the new shifter "cage". This is my old B&M setup. The new shifter replaces ALL of this.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the pictures!

 

Steve,
Since you are well decided on the 997 SSK please give us your feedback after the install.

 

BlueRanger,

At this point it really is down to the 997 SSK or the 997 GT3 shifter. I have found some feedback that the GT3 shifter really does feel great with the aluminum bushings, so the book hasn't been closed on that one just yet. It's also about $100 cheaper, so I'm keeping that in mind.