RUF or B&M Short Shift

[big.bad.wolfie]

I'm considering fitting a short shift kit on my 996 C4S, the B&M Short Shift seems like a pretty good choice as it is the OEM Porsche short shift, however I need some views on whether or not it's better to go with an 'under the car' type like the RUF or stick with the B&M 'in the cabin' style.

What do you guys think?

Damian

[Steve_M]

I would be interested to know the answer to tis too as I am thinking of fitting a B&M SS.

I am currently in the USA too and can get B&M for $250 approximately £133

[big.bad.wolfie]

Hi Steve,

The guys on Rennlist 'really' recommend the B&M SSK and at the current exchange rates I think I might look bringing one in from the US. They also said that the 'under transmission' ones such as the RUF can cause a few strains on the synchros leading to failure.

Damian

[Joe911]

What do you expect to gain, precisely, from the short shift kit (other than clearly, a shorter shift)? What I mean is, why do it, how will it improve the experience, is it "better", or is it simply different to the standard?

[big.bad.wolfie]

Apart from the shorter shift it's apparently counterbalanced and over-engineered to provide a smoother (although stiffer) gear change. Supposed to help reduce mischanges.

[Steve_M]

big.bad.wolfie said:

Hi Steve, The guys on Rennlist 'really' recommend the B&M SSK and at the current exchange rates I think I might look bringing one in from the US. They also said that the 'under transmission' ones such as the RUF can cause a few strains on the synchros leading to failure. Damian

Damian,

Thanks for the info, well that's made my mind up I'll be getting one before I come home.

Steve

[spenny_b]

Are these relatively straightforward to fit?

(nobody's yet replied back to my post re how the console/dash comes apart on the 996, so 'scuse my ignorance at the moment)

Does anyone on PH ever organise Group Buys?...just a thought, may get it cheaper than £133? (mind you, spose we then get clobbered import duty...)

Spen

>> Edited by spenny_b on Tuesday 5th April 18:12

[scoobyc]

I might be interested in a group buy as well depending on cost

[dazren]

big.bad.wolfie said:

Apart from the shorter shift it's apparently counterbalanced and over-engineered to provide a smoother (although stiffer) gear change. Supposed to help reduce mischanges.

How? Surely with the sort shift modification, you will effectively have a narrower gate with reduced throws, leading to more chance of snatching the wrong gear?

I drove a car with a short shift kit at Bruntingthorpe two weeks ago and TBH I preferred the standard shift.

DAZ

[scoobyc]

i've changed from a 03 sti impreza and find that although the change is very good on the 996 it seems a lot longer than the throw on the sti. Hence my interest in the kit.

[big.bad.wolfie]

Darren, that's why I said supposed.

The below transmission mounted ones reduce the gate 'size' but the B&M & Porsche OEM ones reduce leverage by the reduction of the stick size, although increases the effort needed. The B&M SSK (from what I've discovered & rudimentary physics) counterbalances the 'other' end of the lever by a weight therefore making the gear change movement less 'floppy' and more exact.

Hope this helps,

Damian

[Steve_M]

spenny_b said:

Are these relatively straightforward to fit? (nobody's yet replied back to my post re how the console/dash comes apart on the 996, so 'scuse my ignorance at the moment) Does anyone on PH ever organise Group Buys?...just a thought, may get it cheaper than £133? (mind you, spose we then get clobbered import duty...) Spen >> Edited by spenny_b on Tuesday 5th April 18:12

Hey Spen,

That $250/£133 is the website price with 2 day free delivery by FedEx ground inside the continental US.
So I'm paying no postage and no import duty because it will be in my hand luggae coming home

I doubt very much you can get 1,2 or 10 delivered to the UK for that price, never mind less. I could be wrong but I doubt it.
$250 with 10% off and then 10% import duty is £131.60 (@ $1.88 to the £), then international shipping on top, that's the killer. I'm collecting mine locally in effect.

[gfreeman]

Got mine off ebay from a US parts shop for £125 all in.

He marked the Customs Declaration as $25.00 so no impory duty paid.

Mr Taxman - Please ignore this post.

[gfreeman]

BTW the instructions with the kit are extensive but the photo's are as clear as a slurry pit viewed at night through welder's goggles (I imagine).

Went onto P Club America site and trawled a few posts and there are several sets of clear (written) instructions with some handy tips. Took about 2 hours... Well, I was changing the handbrake at the same time....