Short shift or not

[g59tester]

My Turbo goes in tomorrow to have the wing bottoms refurbished along with some repairs to the rear panel around the rusty number plate light fixings.. why should they corrode?
One of the next tasks is to tackle the sloppy gear-shift. Clearly there are some after market systems available. However I understand that apart from the linkage at the gear stick it is likely the linkage at the box itself is worn and so a short shift kit might not solve the issue. Car has 95K miles on it

Any views as to the best way to approach this and an idea of costs?
Eddie

2007 Cayman S [just passed its MOT this week... no advisories]
1988 944 220 Turbo

 

[pse_SC]

Shouldn’t be ‘sloppy’ at all, in my experience, usually a very solid and strong gearchange with the standard setup []

 

[Eldavo]

I installed the three components from Only944 in the states, Kyle was helpful and great with shipping etc. It’s the front shifter, rear short shift and the brace bar (I also bought the cut down 14mm spanner that is a god send if trying to do the job with the transmission still in the car.

My Porsche Indy’s remarked that out of every transaxle they have ever driven, mine has the best gearshift of all - high praise indeed.

My top tip is that when you install the rear support bar, the ball joint has a locking pin, the hole for which will be impossible to see once it is clicked into place, "stick” it in place with some grease and then simply slide it in to lock once the ball joint is clicked together.

 

[Stumpjumper]

I’ve gone for the 3 piece kit from Only944 as per the other reply. I also found Kyle very helpful as I had an issue with the tracking number. Not installed yet so can’t vouch for improvement but v pleased to read the positive comments in your reply. Current £ will best be found on Only944.com website but don’t forget the import duty! Cheers

 

[Waylander]

In answer to your suggestion the the gearbox might be a bit sloppy rather than the linkage, next to impossible

the slop at the rear is always the brace bar and a completely worn out nylon bush

if a short shift is your thing then the ones suggested are pretty much the best

replacement nylon bush and seals, can be bought from partworx, the front bushes can be bought from OPC

that will restore the standard shift

I made new parts for mine, the brace bar is in stainless and new stainless ball pins and joints, and a machined Delrin block to replace the nylon that was absolutely worn out, my car has done 160k and the shift is as standard and tight and slick, and on car adjustment is a total pain

both options are good, your choice

 

[blade7]

I've got a nice part from Shark Motorsport in Germany. Bought it a few years ago unused, off ebay. I reckon the seller couldn't get the original part off his gearbox, I had to use a puller to remove mine. Though in my experience the shorter of the 2 settings, makes the shift action stiffer, and I'd be inclined to stick to the standard throw.

 

[944Turbo]

New standard parts worked for me, though the front linkage can sometimes need additional work.
Tony

 

[blade7]

New standard parts worked for me, though the front linkage can sometimes need additional work.
Tony

Cutting some shim from a beer can and wrapping it around the gear lever pin works for quite a while. I've got a bolt to weld into the lever, but haven't got round to cutting the old pin out and welding the bolt in yet.

 

[944Turbo]

New standard parts worked for me, though the front linkage can sometimes need additional work.
Tony

Cutting some shim from a beer can and wrapping it around the gear lever pin works for quite a while. I've got a bolt to weld into the lever, but haven't got round to cutting the old pin out and welding the bolt in yet.

There is also a 924 part that fits inside the linkage see here http://911sg.com/944-shift-rod-repair/ (saw it elsewhere years ago)

i also found this - not sure how it compares to new shifter form Porsche https://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod148441/Shift-lever-repair-kit-Porsche-924---924S---944/

On my coupe I fitted new rear assembly new shift rod and new bottom cup (below shifter - not sure this was required) Didn't feel the need to add bushings at that point.
Tony

 

[944Turbo]

rear linkage

The nut can come loose but more likely wear in the joints - it is quite tricky to do but I fitted it without lowering the gearbox - I think one of the fixings may be lockwired but this was 15+ years ago!

 

[Waylander]

things get expensive

that part you fitted Tony, is now £192.00, 944.424.013.02
and the brace bar that goes across the gearbox also wears, called by Porsche a toggle lever, 944.424.141.00, another £54.25,
you will also need the sealing bellows, to keep the crap out the shifter tube, gonna be dust after 30 years, 477.711.159 B, £10.45

yes the lock bolt is wired sometimes,
Locking Bolt 443.711.189 A, £5

but at least they are still available from Porsche

 

[944Turbo]

Yes, i think the rear part was less than half that from memory - did make a big difference though.
Tony

 

[dlknight]

I'm going through a complete refurb currently of the running gear at the rear, leaning heavily towards getting the only944 linkage for the gearbox and I've already purchased the parts and drill bits for the Buchanan Automotive modified gear lever - The BA gear stick upgrade | Porsche Forum from Porsche Club GB

It uses the sleeves from the 968 gearstick, Porsche obviously realised there was a wear issue with the gear level in the 944 so slightly redesigned it for the 968.