Cayman 987.1 Gearbox Cables

[matthew.kemsley]

Hi all, recently purchased a 2006 Cayman S and am loving the experience!

One thing I seem to be reading a lot is the changing of gearbox selector cables?

I can’t find anything in amongst the stack of paperwork I got with the car to show these have ever been changed, are they really a must change?

If so are the numeric cables the better option?

I will fit a quick shift at some point but yet to decide what one.

 

[911hillclimber]

I have a 89K mile 987.2, 2009 Boxster, so on the same page.
At times the box's change seems wooden and sticky, long hot run and much better but people say how good the change is on road tests, not sure I would agree unless things are 'wrong' with my cables.
I think you need to try if you can other cars like yours, age, miles etc or take it to a good indie specialist (who see these cars very often) and get their view.

My car goes to Zuffenhaus in south Birmingham and I'm told it is a nice driving car (no garage queen here) ay every visit. I think they would pass comment if otherwise. They do not try to trap you to have work done.
There is a 996.1 GT3 for sale on Pistonheads and DDK now with those cable fitted. The servicing on the car is huge, an owner who really cares. He has the originals in the sale of the car too, not sure what to make of that!

As an aside, my Boxster's cables are the originals.

You may find this DIY cable change interesting.

 

[ianthow]

One thing I seem to be reading a lot is the changing of gearbox selector cables?
I can’t find anything in amongst the stack of paperwork I got with the car to show these have ever been changed, are they really a must change?

If original, I would say yes, change the cables. A cable snapped last year on my 2010 987.2 S at 89K miles. The cable assembly was replaced at the OPC. The same cable is used for Gens 1 and 2 six speed. The original part has been superseded on both by a later revision which also requires a different lever, 981 424 023 00. This change may be to reduce the probability of a cable breaking. The old and new parts are shown below. They are sufficiently different that, if you get under the car, you should be able to identify if it has the later linkage and cable. On the Gen 2, a modified cable support is also required with the new cable. The Gen 1 has totally different cable supports so I am not sure if any of them would be changed.


Re 911hillclimber's post "At times the box's change seems wooden and sticky, long hot run and much better". I had a similar experience with the new cables. Initially they were fine, a bit sluggish maybe, but certainly back to normal after a little use. However, when winter came, one cold morning after a couple of weeks inactivity (car garaged), it was more than wooden or sluggish, I could not move the lever fore and aft in any slot. It was OK across the gate. Checked under the car and it was clear nothing was seized, so had to be cables. I tried again with a bit more force and was able to get some movement. The engine had been started and running first thing so I assume some heat may have soaked through while I was checking the links. I then took the car out for a good run and the gearchange slowly eased back to normal. When I called the OPC it was a case of "never heard of this happening" and, since it was now 'normal', they were not interested. I had had one further instance of tightness/sluggishness but not related to low temperatures. It cleared again after a short time.

 

[Motorhead]

Hi Matthew,

I’m not aware that there’s an issue with the cables in general. Certainly they shouldn’t be considered a service item, although inevitably there will be some general wear-and-tear on higher mileage cars. They’re long cables - about half the length of the car - and some cable stretch and play in the connections at the gearbox will occur with age, possibly leading to some slackness and stiffness in the gearchange’s feel. As Graham has suggested, you should seek advice from a reputable Porsche Independent in your area if you’re concerned with its feel.

I would say that the gearchange quality on my low mileage 987.2 CS is good rather than exceptional, especially when compared with that of a Civic Type R or an MX5 for instance. It’s possible that the Numeric Shifter could improve the change’s feel, and be just aware that fitting a short-shift is unlikely to improve the quality; the gearchange will be more baulky, especially when the transmission oil is cold.

Jeff

 

[matthew.kemsley]

Thanks all, appreciate your input.

Think I will get underneath soon and have a look, see if they are the original or not and general condition.

 

[ianthow]

Thanks all, appreciate your input.

Think I will get underneath soon and have a look, see if they are the original or not and general condition.

The failure point on my 987.2 was where the flex cable goes into the end connector. The second image shows the broken cable sheath and wires inside the end of the connector. I assume that there was excess flex at that point causing the break. Hopefully the revised cable and linkage will eliminate that risk.

 

[911hillclimber]

The words about the Numeric cables is about larger diameter etc to overcome breakages, not smoother feel or less friction etc.
My 987.2 lives outside all year and gets driven in the winter if the salt is not too 'white' on the road.
At no time has it failed to move into gear in the shift gate cold or hot, never crunched etc, but compared to my wife's Skoda Citigo it is a poor shift any day!

You might say it is a meaty change...

As to quick shifts: I have had 4 in my old 911 from mild to wild, from factory to expensive USA, and all have been moved on, the stock shifter is far better.

Short shifters will increase the effort to change gear and demand more concentration to work with the 'compressed' gate pattern.
I see no advantage once over the initial difference.
BUT, your car, your spec! We are all different.

I would still take the car to a good indie, your region members will know the good guys.
Let us know how you get on please.

 

[matthew.kemsley]

Thank you all, appreciate your comments.

I presume this kit would be the one to go for *if* I decided to go shorter shift along with the Numeric cables? https://www.design911.co.uk/p/adjus...ier-kit-porsche-987-6-speed/?source=doofinder

 

[Motorhead]

Yes, it looks as though that will be suitable for your 9871. Matthew. A very expensive piece of kit though when there are much cheaper options available for just the short-shifter, assuming the existing cables are okay.

https://www.design911.co.uk/p/shift-linkage-designtek-porsche-996---986---987---997---987c_2_2_2_2/

Short-Shifter for a 987

Hi Everyone,thinking of treating myself for Christmas.I fancy a Short-Shifter for my 2006 3.2S.I have been recommended this:- https://www.design911.co.uk/pages/productList.aspx?search=99742498300Has anyone any advice or recommendations, please? Thanks in hopeful anticipation, Verner

www.porscheclubgb.com

Jeff

 

[matthew.kemsley]

Yes, it looks as though that will be suitable for your 9871. Matthew. A very expensive piece of kit though when there are much cheaper options available for just the short-shifter, assuming the existing cables are okay.

https://www.design911.co.uk/p/shift-linkage-designtek-porsche-996---986---987---997---987c_2_2_2_2/

Short-Shifter for a 987

Hi Everyone,thinking of treating myself for Christmas.I fancy a Short-Shifter for my 2006 3.2S.I have been recommended this:- https://www.design911.co.uk/pages/productList.aspx?search=99742498300Has anyone any advice or recommendations, please? Thanks in hopeful anticipation, Verner

www.porscheclubgb.com

Jeff

Thanks Jeff, I honestly didn't even see that on there!

Looks like a well made piece of kit, I presume the uprated Porsche cables or Numeric ones would work if required?

 

[Motorhead]

I assume that the Porsche and Numeric cables are interchangeable Matthew, but can’t confirm.

Note that installation of the DesignTek shifter requires disassembly and reassembly of the unit, and if you look online there are plenty of alternatives, including on eBay. Who knows what the quality is like or if they’re durable, but at ~£50 it could be worth a punt, and you can always revert to standard.

Jeff