I've always, up until this point, shifted with my hand in a prone position fingers curled over the front of the **** and thumb over the left side but I've found that it's harder to get a smooth gear change w/ the SSK on the 911 that way. I've taken to using a neutral grip w/ my fingers wrapped around the right of the shaft and my thumb laying up and over the top. What do you guys do to obtain the smoothest gear changes?

And yes, I could not make that sound any more sexual if I tried, which I didn't.

 

I checked 'other', because I use both. When the car is cold, it's 'over the top' (ahem). Once warm, on a nice cruise, the 'sidestick' grip is gentler on the car and gives a great feel for the gearbox. This is even better with the ssk. But when I'm pushing the car, it's back to the top grip to pull/push hard enough to hustle the gear changes.
(we may have to get the domain 6speedonline.xxx for this thread)

 

I refuse to answer on the grounds that I might incriminate myself.

 

When I went to Bob Bondurant (over 10 years ago) I was told to shift down with the palm on the top of the **** and on the up shift to use the palm. Always treating the **** as if it was an egg.

Dave

 

That is the correct way.

 

Palm over the **** when driving properly but usually shift in any order when cruising!

 

Is there any risk of damage with a "pistol" grip (palm on right side with fingers wrapped around front and thumb on ****)?

 

I do not see any damage risk, I just see far less control finesse.

 

Never thought about it that much, but thats pretty much how I do it. Shifters will naturally go where they should as long as you stay relaxed. I have been operating equipment for year, from multi engined aircraft, to 56 foot yacht, to Porsche's, bicycles, and even a backhoe or two. They all respond best to a gentle caring touch; kid of like handling a lady.

Just give them a little guidance and they find their way quite nicely.

Come to think of it; getting thought life works the same way.