I've been looking seriously for a 997 the past while and am shortlisting down to a few local cars. I had a 1989 911 for 10 years but am new to 997's... got a couple of questions for those of you in the know:

- do 997's have really long throw and almost vague shifters? Maybe I've just got used to my STi's notchy short shifter, but the couple of cars I've tested seem that way.

- 2 of the cars I'm looking at have Bilstein coilovers and PASM. One has PSS10's and the other Damptronics. Does PASM still work with these? I searched and still can't tell if the the PASM computer controls damping with either of these setups.

thanks, can't want to be back in a seat of a 911!

 

Bilstein makes a compatible PASM shock. Whether that one is it is something you'll have to find out.

I don't know of anyone who dislikes the way 997s shift. A shorter throw is an option. Check out Suncoast Parts for lots of goodies.

Are you looking at a 997.1 or .2?

 

don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I think they shift poorly but maybe I've just grown accustomed to a different feel. I think a short shifter may be in order for me.

I've been focussing on manual 997.1's but will be looking at a 2009 PDK tomorrow. I never before considered PDK, but after reading up on how different dual clutch is to Tip and realizing you can upgrade to proper paddle shifters rather than those "stereo volume control" shifters, I'm going to throw that into the consideration

 

Perhaps I can comment on the 997.1 shifter as I also own a 2011 STi 6-speed as well as a 2006 C2S. In my case, I feel the 997.1 shifter is way more precise than the STi and the 997.1 also has a shorter throw than my STi. Now both my cars are stock so my question is: do you have a stock shifter in your STi ? or maybe your STi is from a different model year than mine.

 

Search our 997's for sale: Porsche 911 - Porsche 911 For Sale

 

You need to drive the PDK in Sport Plus to really feel the capability of the whole package. Yes, proper paddles are essential. I came from 2008 997S with manual gearbox. They're both fun. The .2 offers distinct improvements. For one it's a completely new motor (less complex and more reliable), direct injected, and sits lower in the chassis for better balance.

 

A B&M short throw shifter can be found for about $250 online.

 

Curious how to tell from the 997.1 to the 997.2? Would that be done by model year?

I heard porsche makes changes mid year, but wasn't sure baout the .1 or .2 designation

thxx

 

2009 and later is 997.2

 

My STi is an '06 and now I realize it does have a factory short shifter (I couldn't remember) and it definitely has shorter throws than the 997's I tried. The Suby actually shifts quite nicely now that I think about it!

I just looked at a 2009 PDK which has piqued my interest. I know it sounds like a shady deal, but the guy who showed it to me didn't know much about the car because he is selling it on behalf of someone who's not here (although it sounds like an Nigerian internet scam, I actually got a good vibe and will of course check everything out if I do make an offer). Anyways.... because the owner wasn't there I don't know 100% what options it has. Defo has sport chrono, PASM, bluetooth/usb/ipod but didn't have bose or nav (it has a nav button but PCM said "navigation not available" when pressed. No sport seats either. Is there a way of getting the option sheet based on VIN? Maybe a website?

 

I have a 997.1 with factory short shifter kit.
pretty crappy imo....

 

I've had 997 cars with both the B&M as well as the OEM Short Shift Kits. Both are great. Please note, if the transmission is cold... all short shift kits (including OEM) can require a bit of patience shifting in lower gears. Not an issue... just might feel a little notchy when cold (no harm though...)

 

Oh yeah... bellwilliam has a fair comment about the SSK not feeling as good as say... a light weight Miata! Few shifters can compare to the positive feel early Miatas.

 

pdk is pretty vague - stick to manual

 

I have had a 997.1 C4S and I now have a 997.1 GT3 which has the short throw. I prefer the short throw and notchiness of the GT3 over the standard 997.1. As has been stated, you can get an OEM short shift kit or an aftermarket to get you what you want. I like PDK, but I am still a 6MT guy. My $0.02.