Hi all, I've seen a couple of posts on this subject where people have noted the 1st to 2nd gear shift is not smooth. I've been driving manuals for several decades, including a 964, and smooth shifting typically requires a bit more finesse in the 1-2 but I can't seem to get the 996 correct, either at cruising speed or a hard takeoff. It always seems that I need to take it out a gear, wait until the revs drop and then it shifts into 2nd, which makes the shift very slow and almost two separate steps.There doesn't seem to be shift point where it gets smoother. In previous posts, opinions on ways to address this include short shift kit (specifically the 997 SSK) and changing the clutch spring. I'm up for both of these changes, but I'd like to get some definitive answers from those who have sort this out before I start spending and wrenching.

 

And if a SSK is the preference, What brands do you suggest? I see Suncoast has one for $429 and has a number of good reviews. Pelican Parts has B&M for about the same and one good rating, and OEM for about the same and no ratings, and a really cheap offering ($150) by Schnell for no ratings.

 

Best SSK is a Numeric. Pair with their cables or similar cup cables and it literally feels like a rod linkage shifter. Very direct. Unfortunately, cable shifted trans sometimes don't feel great while shifting and your observations are typical. Changing the mounts to a stiffer setup helps tremendously also.

 

Thanks s65e90. Several other posts mention the Numeric as well, which seems to be the top shelf option. I notice it's on sale for $600 at the moment, so may grab one to try it out. Regarding the mounts, are there specific ones you'd recommend and how do stiffer mount help?

 

Same issue here. I did the Numeric shifter and upgraded mounts to try to make it better. Helps some but 1-2 shift is still not smooth compared to anything I’ve ever driven. Between the oem (non-GT2) slave feel when moving from a stop and the 1-2 shift delay, I feel like an amateur learning to drive stick for the first time

 

I'm running Torque Solutions semi-solid trans mounts. They're great.

 

I installed the 996 SSK which was made by B&M and shortened up the throws a bit and I like it. It's not perfect, but I think the problem lies in the throttle by wire which is not as instantly responsive especially letting the revs drop quickly when the foot is removed from the accelerator pedal.

I'm comparing this to a '99 996 C2 that I drove over 7 years. This was a direct cable mechanically operated that would instantly raise or drop rpms. Shifting was much better, especially after removing the clutch booster spring. I did a thread on this in another forum years back. Anyway, I don't think it's shifter or cable related, it's the slightly out of sync delay between the the motor is doing and your foot on the gas pedal.

 

So nick49, are you saying that your current car does or doesn't have the clutch booster spring? You noted the spring was removed in your other 996 but you don't mention if you removed it in the 996TT.

Finally, if its an out of sync delay, the question still remains regarding how to improve the 1-2 shift. Is it purely driver technique (if so, what technique works best) or is there a mechanical improvement available? With this 1-2 shift taking about a second, I don't see how someone can launch this car, yet there are numerous guys out there posting great 0-60 times. Hmmm...stumped

 

I removed the booster spring from the clutch pedal on my TT and it didn't make near the difference in "feel" as it did in my C2. This has nothing to do with the 1-2 shift however, it's more to do with being able to sense or feel precisely the friction point at which the clutch starts to engage.

In order to make a quick crisp shift the R's need to drop immediately as you lift. It's at the point where 1st gear RPMs match 2nd as closely as possible that a quick silky shift can be made. Match the speed exactly and you can make the shift without using the clutch at all.

In my opinion it's the R's hanging after lifting that prevents this. In other cars I've had, I can shift without depressing or disengaging the clutch at all. It's the matching RPM technique, a bit tricky to master but interesting and a kind of fun.

Earlier Porsches I've owned have had much better shifting transmissions than either 996. It's things like this that create impressions on the total driving experience. I think the shifting could be improved if a mechanical cable was used rather than electronics between the pedal and throttle body. At times when trying to make a quick shift it even has felt like a floor mat was stuck under my pedal causing the R's to hang.

I work in a related field and am faced with trying to fix stuff like this every day. I have improved shifting, reduced lash and such on some of my own vehicles too. Everything I wrote above was solely based upon my perceptions owning my car for around 8 years.

 

One more thing, I can generally make the 1-2 shift in under a second, but it's inconsistent. I mechanically understand whats going on when trying to make the shift and be gentle on the trans at the same time.

These trans' are pretty robust in some ways very fragile in others. Your ultimate budget should determine how fast you attempt to make your shifts and how important your acceleration times are.

 

I agree the best aftermarket is probably numeric
That said OEM, my 997 ssk is just fine with me

 

I have the 997 SSK and still have the 1st to 2nd issue. It’s better than stock but still not as smooth as the other gears. I’ve heard good things about the 997 GT3 shifter and have been thinking about going that route. The 997 GT3 shifter’s throw is shorter than the stock 996 but not as short as the 997 SSK. The 997 GT3 unit also has metal bushing. Thread below provides some additional detail.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...y-996-c4s.html

 

I can shift my car very quickly from first to second with my 997 SSK. That said, after a hard launch and WOT first gear to 7K rpm I sometimes get a grind going into second. I just figure the second gear synchro is a little tired after 15 years and 80K miles.