I have recently installed a Schnell short shifter(I believe the same as B & M but with Schnell's modification for 997) on my 997S at the Speed Gallery and I thought it would be helpful for other members if I share my experiences.

When first installed, I immediately noticed the much shortened action, and a more notchy/precise feel going into the gears. I also noticed that the shift **** was sitting noticeably higher, perhaps by about an inch compared to stock. I happily drove it home and it worked pretty well but a few days later I started to experience problems going into reverse.

The problem was worse when the car was cold and would get somewhat better when warmed up. It was suggested that I put it into second gear first and then to reverse in order to line up the synchros but that only worked some of the time.

To make the long story short, we eventually figured out that the problem was that a metal part was hitting the plastic housing when the lever was pushed to the far left in order to go into reverse gear. Because the metal part(that sticks out from the left side and which fits into the white plastic part that provides the spring action) is thicker on the short shifter compared to the stock part, it was hitting the plastic housing which would prevent the lever from moving fully to the far left position.

A simple grinding of the plastic housing where the metal part would hit against fixed the revers gear problem.

As for the shift **** being higher than stock, I really did not like the way it looked, so we ground the metal shift lever so that the lower boundry of the flat area(where the shift **** fits into) is extended further downward allowing the shift **** to sit lower.

Having completed the above modifications, the shifter works like a dream in every respect. With the shif **** sitting lower(same height as stock), the shifts are even shorter and only about 1/2 of the stock shifter.

I was concerned about the shifter requiring too much effort, but since the 997 gear box is so smooth, this was not a problem at all and, in fact, still very smooth.

I noticed that elsewhere on this board, there were some mixed results with the non-factory short shifters, and I am happy to report that this particular set up works great with no apparant problems.

The total cost was about $450 including parts and installation. Sam and Dan at the Speed Gallery were great and they were very willing to go the extra mile to make this work.

 

Sounds like the Schnell, modified for 997, short shifter needs some more modifying.

 

That is absolutely true. However, for those who do not want to wait, the needed modifications can be made in about 10 minutes. Once the proper modifications are made, it works beautifully and the throws are reduced by about 50% while still being smooth!

I am going out for another drive now!

 

I had the Porsche short shifter installed in my 997,(no mods required), it bolts right in and works flawlessly. glad yours turned out well.

 

Glad you got it to work to your liking, but I agree, no mod on this caliber car should be anything short (no pun intended) of plug and play with the exception of serious engine modding.

EVOMS.com has an SS kit that they are using on 997S's if anyone else needs another option.

 

What is our OEM lacking?

 

my B&M is bolt on and use also no mods....

 

Not sure about the schnell stuff, seems like a knockoff BM. I think they are actually made in china or japan and a German name is slapped on the box, kind of devious.