I have ordered, but it hasn't yet shipped, a Numeric shifter and cables kit for my RS. Is this a waste of money, as I have seen that 2010 GT3 shifters already have metal bushings? Are there other advantages other than just having the metal bushing (ball bearings versus bushings) at the rear of the shifter unit (where I suppose the shifter's left/right axis pivots)? I have no complaints in regards to how my RS shifts, it is all the references to "rifle bolt action" from other forum members that convinced me to change mine out. Upon further reading, it appears most of these members had non-RS models. I need to know this weekend so that if it is no improvement I can still cancel the order. Thanks to you all for your valued assistance.

 

Regardless of what flavor 997 MT you have, the Numeric Shifter will feel radically different, and will take some getting use to. I love mine, however I was on the fence at first. Ultimately it will come down to how you actually use your vehicle...street or track...and what you are trying to gain...ease of use or shifting accuracy with little chance of a fifth to second gear miss shift when the pressure is on. If you are a track rat you will appreciate it. However, if you are a casual weekend driver or an errand runner it may not be for you.

 

VID997, I drive my car exclusively on the street. I put lots of miles on it, and the shifter is a big part of the interaction with any car. If it is more precise, it sounds like an excellent idea. Can you please expand on how it "will feel radically different"? Thanks so much for your advise and information.

 

Well you mentioned you didn't have any issues with the way your current shifter felt. It will feel like a hot butter bucket after driving with a Numeric Shifter. Rifle bolt action is a very good analogy. At first you will find getting it into reverse somewhat annoying and then your first to seconds will seem somewhat forceful and difficult. Not to mention down shifting from third to second. However, once out of second and working your way up through the gears and back down while under "pressure" you will love its accuracy and its unwillingness to want to do a fifth to second gear miss shift. That being said, over time third to second will become second nature, as will getting it into reverse. You may not appreciate it at first, but over time you will grow to understand its strengths.

Out of curiosity, how many miles have you put on your 07RS?

 

VID997, so far about 18,000 on top of the 9,000 when I bought it. I actually drive this exotic for once. By "a hot butter bucket", do you mean the OEM RS shifter actually shifts easier than the Numeric? Have you shifted an RS, and do you prefer the Numeric over it? As far as the first to second shift, does the Numeric "hang up" somewhere in the travel between positions, or does it take a non-straight route to get there? I really do appreciate your input as there is nothing better than someone who has actually experienced something to give an accurate opinion. Thanks again for the help.

 

Hot Butter Bucket…yes, I am referring to your OEM RS shifter. I have driven just about every Porsche street legal product from 1987 onward other than a CGT and the new 918 Spyder.

I wouldn't say it hangs up, but it does not easily drop into second. You need to use a bit more downward force to make it happen, and yes it is a straight path from first to second.

If I only DD my vehicle I would stick with the OEM shifter. Its much easer to use and way more forgiving in traffic and daily use. If you opt to move forward with your purchase, please find a reputable "RACE" shop to do your install…its not straight forward and will require some fine tuning. First attempt on mine and we could not get it into sixth gear.

For reference; I bought my 09 new and have 37,000 miles on it…..31K of it spent on the track and then 6K getting to and from events with a few DD Starbuck runs thrown into the mix.

Best,
VID997

 

VID997, thanks for the help. I emailed them and cancelled my order. I appreciate your input and advise.

 

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news or information you may not have wanted to hear. Many mods are amazing, some are not. Ultimately it really comes down to your "real" intensions and how you actually use your vehicle vs how you one day wish to use it.

I have been very pleased with everything I have done to my car. However, I did buy it to track it and not to be a daily driver. If it were a DD machine for me, I would have bought a TIP/PDK. My car currently is NOT enjoyable to drive anywhere but on the track. For DD'ing you really don't need to do much to these vehicles to make them absolutely amazing and to put a smile on your face each and every time you get in them!

Enjoy it for what it is!

 

I've got both and set differently in my two gt3s and I can see both sides. For some it's perfect the way it is and for some that have issues with 2nd to 3rd precision it's a good fit to use the Numeric. It's a change alright so I usually have people try it out in my car first- especially pertaining to a gt3 trans. I've noticed that a lot of people instead tend to install the shifter cables and the engine mounts in back (semis). The later being a-ok for daily driving.