Just got an interesting question/answer feedback from PCA Tech Q/A section that did not cross my mind when almost getting the optional tt-short shifter. A plague with any manual is possible overrev, ie, dropping the gear lever into 2nd when you really were trying for 4th. That can happen in any emergency situation with a lot of nervious tension setting in because you need to get the car moving or alternatively you want more high speed braking because of a pending serious accident. If this act happens. however, when speeds are somewhat over 70 mph, a mechanical overrev occurs destroying the Porsche "interference" engine. Not so much a problem with US High HP engines which are not "interference" types. This is driver error and cost the driver big bucks to fix. Warranty nor insurance will touch it.

Now back to PCA: Written in question: Considering a short shifter, please explain pros and cons. Answer: Quick anwer is, "you will have to be much more pricise with your shifts The difference between a good downshift and a $15000 one (I'm sure PCA guy meant +$20K for Porsche eng.), ie, where you catch 2nd instead of 4th, becomes a half inch instead of an inch or whatever."

Good grief, I have been through such a miserable situation in one of my M3s. Talk about a pain, ie, no car for months, valve thru piston cost +$15K, no warranty coverage and insurance suggested I run the M3 into a lake, they would cover that driver error and get a new tranny to boot.

I can just imagine the grin on the Porsche dealer's face, you coming in with a blown engine with mechanical overrev computer readings. A smile because of the +$20K in their pocket book and with a return comment, you bought that short shifter, you asked for this.

The PCA rep offered a better solutuon if wanting quicker shifting. He suggested using steel syncros which is an off-the-shelf solution, using the same syncros from the GT3 Cup car. He says 1st and 2nd racing syncros are too expensive, but 3rd and up are reasonable around $200 each gear, plus labor. He recommends this solution instead of the short shifter.

Never will understand why for these "interference" engines, an electronic (or even mechanical) stop like the new PDK transmission was not put on manuals years age, but I guess german car companies would lose big money in repairs

 

I've had both the long and short throws in my car. My personal opinion is absolutely contrary to the PCA rep. The fear and misshift you describe was omnipresent with the regular shifter. That has virtuallly dissappeared once I installed the short throw. The ssk is much more accurate in the sense that there is no slop for missing a gear. So I would say pay nothing now and risk $15000 or shell out several hundred to save big $$ in the future. Your enjoyment level will also significantly increase.

 

over rev of the mechanical type are a risk with any manual short shift or long. This is always an operator error, you just must be careful and precise with all downshifts. I seriously doubt there is a significant increased incidence of misshifts with the ssk. If the pca rep has evidence showing otherwise he should share it.

 

I agree with TTdude. I had driven Porsches with both types of shifters and that's why I ordered my TT with the factory short throw option. I've always found the short shifter to be very precise and predictable. Even when I'm not really concentrating on the shift, the short shifter seems to know where it wants to go and finding the right gear has become sort of second nature. One less thing to think about when it get's busy in the ****pit.

 

I'm gonna jump on the bandwagon also and agree that the SSK decreases the chance of a money shift. On the one hand it requires a bit more effort to get it into gear but at the same time the shifts are much more positive and there is definitely less wiggle or play in each shift (not that there is much to start compared to other manufacturers).

If this is the only reason you dont want to get an SSK I would so bite the bullet and go for it. Or better yet get someone to give you a test drive on their SSK to see if you really like it before spending the cash.

 

Why not install one of these?

 

This thread is re mostly 996TT, but worth the time.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...rice-part.html

 

I agree with the comments above too. I have had the short shifter on my last two Porsche's and find it to be very precise. Never had the situation happen you describe - and I am a girl! I drive road and track and specifically ordered the short shifter on my TT. Love it.

 

Not really a problem on a TT, just mash the gas pedal at any gear to get away from trouble.

 

This just happen to me at Willow springs last month. To make a long story short another person gave me a point pass but as I was passing I could see him coming closer to me instead of letting me pass. So in this tense moment, as I was gunning it to get by him I mis-shifted into 2nd instead of going into 4th. Within a split second I could feel the car lose power. What people like to call the "Money Shift" had happened. So I drove it into the pits and called for a tow truck. I felt depressed but at the same time just happy I didn't get hit by the other guy who probably didn't even know what had just happened.

My short shifter had little to do with it in my opinion. I was way too tense and man handled the shifter in haste. I needed a new engine and clutch. So while i was at it I got a stage 2 clutch and a LWFW along with the new engine. GMG did an amazing job but it was a costly repair.

Moving forward this will be my biggest concern on track. SHIFT USING ONLY YOUR PALM OF YOUR HAND. gentle and calm shifts. Don't be like me and learn the hard way.

Here is what your car looks like if you mis-shift. Wow you've just bought yourself a shinny new engine!


My old engine on the left, the new one on the right.


Shinny new engine and my light weight fly wheel

 

Yeeesh sorry to hear that, I did that on my 987 boxster about 4 years ago.

 

Ouch, good thing it's rare. I think mild type 2's are common, while bad type 2s are rare. The majority are mild and occur during downshifting with a little blip to 7000 rpm or so, resulting in a type 2. The really bad 4-2 shift errors with engine damage are excedingly rare I would think, given the huge number of 996/997s, etc that see the track or hard street driving.

 

Sorry about your misfortune.

 

Exactaly! Anybody running one of these?

 

That sequential shifter is a sweet setup, if I was building a track car I would have that in a second.