| When I first drove the 987 Boxster S (987S), I was really impressed with the ease of shifting. The new shift mechanism was a vast improvement in fluidity and lightness over the 986 in my estimation. However, in a short while it started to feel too fluid and too light for me - particularly at the track. I started to desire a bit more connectedness with my shifts - a true sense that I was in gear, and the stock shifter was too 'removed' for my taste.
I was going to go with the B&M shifter, which is the same as the factory short shifter, as B&M makes it for Porsche, but I decided that since most of those with short shift had B&M, I wanted to try Schnell, see how that works. I'm always looking for a good deal, and the price couldn't be beat. I contacted Vertex to ask if their short shift kit works on 987 Boxsters and they didn't know, so they said I was to be the test mule, and get back to them.
The good news for them is that it works, and very well!
I did struggle through the setup, using a combination of the Schnell instructions and the B&M instructions, which are FAR more detailed. The trick with Schnell is the darn snap rings, so be sure to get a set of snap ring pliers before starting the task, and be prepared to get frustrated just a bit, since the bushings are a tight fit, so it is difficult to get the snap rings on.
It is nervewracking to do work on your rather pricey German sportscar, particularly if we aren't talking about removing the airbag warning stickers - no, here we are talking about the shifting mechanism that gives we manual drivers so much pleasure. Do it wrong and who knows what havoc you can bring to your transmission and clutch, right? True, it's not that serious, but when you are removing so many parts it sure seems that way.
Once finished, I was pleasantly surprised with the result. Travis (from EPIQ) has the B&M short shifter, and an aluminum billet, so his short shifts are really snick-snick - very metallic feel to them, much like a metal shiftgate. I wasn't looking for something quite that tactile, but something more than what the factory gave me, and the Schnell fit the bill perfectly.
The throws are slightly decreased, but it is noticeable. Better yet is the feel of the connection in gears - you definitely feel when you have shifted from one gear to the next, particularly on an upshift, but it's still somewhat pliable, at least compared to a full metal mechanism. The knob seems to sit actually a bit higher than before, probably due to the design of the shift lever having its taper further from the base, but I actually like it because it is a quick trip from the steering wheel to the shift knob.
I can recommend this short shift kit very highly, with no reservation, for someone who either wants a slightly shorter throw, or just wants more tactile connection in the shifting. It's a fantastic bargain in terms of performance for the dollar, and with a little elbow grease you also get the satisfaction of a job well done.
Todd |
