My first mod is going to be the 997 shifter. The previous owner installed the B&M SSK and had problems ever since. Apparently the shop who installed it didn't follow instructions and marked/count the notches of the original position of the 2 cables. Since I don't know the correct position, is there a way to do this with just the alignment tool that holds the shifter in the neutral position?

 

The 997 or 997ssk both come assembled and are sold with the alignment tool from Porsche included.

 

The install takes time but isn't that complicated. Mike Kelly did a complete dyi on it. Seach in this forum. While you've got the consol out, get a PCNA rocker switch and wire your garage door controller to it. Change the motor mounts and tranny mount while you're at it and you'll think you're driving a different car.

 

I read the DIY and it does seem straight forward. My only problem is the previous owner installed the short shifter incorrectly. He didn't do the marking of the cable and counting the thread.

My question is, is there a way to get the right position if I don't know the right position to start with???

 

It's in. I hope using the tool, the cables lined up ok. Took it out for a spin and it does feel much tighter. I'm still having intermittent issues going from neutral to 1st. Once in a while it doesn't seem to engage all the way. It grinds so I have to shift out and reengage. Anyone having this issue?

 

I've swapped a B&M shifter for the 997ssk. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the counting of the threads that important because how do you know the previous shifter was rigged properly or how do you know that the new shifter will mount up in the exact same spot as the previous one due to the play in the mounting lugs, manufacturing tolerances, etc. If I recall correctly, with the transmission in neutral, the cables are spring loaded to the neutral position. The key to a proper rigging is to bolt in the new shifter assembly and MAKE SURE you have the Porsche centering tool attached to the shifter assembly to ensure you are dead center. After that it is a simple matter of clipping the cables into the threaded portion of the assembly and sliding the spring loaded retainer clip in place. Finally, remove the centering tool from the shifter and you are done. Fwiw, when I installed my 997ssk shifter the cables ended up about 2 or 3 threads off from the previous B&M assembly. As a side note, even though the B&M assembly is based on a Porsche part you can not use the Oem centering tool with it so rigging it properly is tricky.

 

Grinding is not normal and may indicate some type of damage. I would first change the fluid and see if you see a difference. I used the Oem mobilube ptx 75w90 which is only available through the dealer. Shell transaxle 75w90 is another Oem fluid your dealer can get. The shell is available in 1qt bottles...

 

What you described is exactly how I installed. Although the neutral cable was literally 1/2 mm short. Meaning I had to pull the cable ever so slightly to clip in. Feels tight!

 

I'll give that a shot.

 

1st will be a little harder to get in esp in the cold.

 

User error!!! I just didn't know how to drive! I wasn't used to clutch catching high. It's got a on/off racing clutch so it's a little difficult. After I get going I was only pressing the clutch peddle 2 - 3 inches to change gears. It was all that was needed because it caught really hight with very small window. When going into first, I started to press it all the way down. Now the grinding is gone. Maybe I wasn't pressing the clutch peddle enough to engage. I might me jumping the gun, but I think that was the problem. I'll report back tomorrow. Premature whoohooo!

 

But yes, you guys were correct. The 997 clutch is much better. I'm going to tell all my porsche buddies to do the mod. It was so easy.

 

I have the same problem from neutral to 1st. Had it before and after the upgrade to the 997 shifter. I had brought to the dealer when it was still under warranty. They said there was nothing wrong. Hasn't been a problem, just an annoyance. I would love to know if there really is something wrong.

 

It's definitely much better now. I'll just have to get used to it I guess.