Porsche 944 gear shift linkage replacement

[rufusgti]

Hi.
Having recently picked up an old 944 S2 I have a growing to do list.
Has anyone any experience of fixing up the gear linkages. Can I get a kit from Porsche or do I need to strip down and find a list of part numbers I need. I keep hearing people speaking of discounts at Porsche dealers for parts on these older porsches. Do I need to join a club or sign up anywhere to be able to get discount. Or is it a case of striking an expensive relationship with the parts department.

Many thanks

[edh]

Go for the kit at only944.com - worth replacing lever and linkage imo. It can make a massive difference

That site has good diy guides as well.

[NJH]

As Ed says, fairly straightforward to replace but the linkage is on the top of the gearbox and you will need to drop the exhaust off to get access. Makes a huge difference.

[rufusgti]

edh said:

Go for the kit at only944.com - worth replacing lever and linkage imo. It can make a massive difference

That site has good diy guides as well.

Thanks for the recommendation. I've had a look around that site, the linkage bits look good. Is it worth going for the three pieces, shifter, arm, and linkage. I guess I should asses the shifter and see what condition it's in. Are the bushes for the linkage available from Porsche or does it come as a unit. Just wondering if it's worth rebuilding that sections as its the most expensive bit.

[edh]

rufusgti said:

Thanks for the recommendation. I've had a look around that site, the linkage bits look good. Is it worth going for the three pieces, shifter, arm, and linkage. I guess I should asses the shifter and see what condition it's in. Are the bushes for the linkage available from Porsche or does it come as a unit. Just wondering if it's worth rebuilding that sections as its the most expensive bit.

I'd go for all 3 - it can transform the gearshift. The gearbox mount might be shot, but that's a bigger job to do. I filled mine with some sort of PU to make is semi-solid & it seems to work OK

I think you can try to lash up the Porsche linkage - some people have used shims I think.

[Richair]

Only just seen this, I just posted up on your readers car thread echoing the above!..

[skinny]

what are you trying to fix?

i started off doing the rear linkage (only944) all parts. there was still a bit of slop which was actually from teh pin on the actual gearstick, so i got a replacement one of those too, which helped. Having put the bits on myself, if i was doing it again i'd say the stay bar on the rear linkage probably isn't essential. It's not a particularly nice way of tightening it up (spanner on the neck instead of through bolt)

[rufusgti]

Richair said:

Only just seen this, I just posted up on your readers car thread echoing the above!..

Thanks all, as soon as its out the body shop and I've had the all clear I'll get those bits ordered.

[andy97]

I had the "John Mitchell Garages" (Bournemouth, I,think) quick shift kit fitted front and rear on my 924S race car and it is awesome. Very positive and a joy to use..

[jasongibson]

I have a JMG Race shift on one car and the Only944 on my other.

The Only944 shifter is much better value, I would go for this option if cost is an issue. Get all of the pieces required and also replace the lever and bush for the front from OPC

[blade7]

I fitted this German part, had to use a puller to get the old one off though.

[SebringMan]

jasongibson said:

I have a JMG Race shift on one car and the Only944 on my other.

The Only944 shifter is much better value, I would go for this option if cost is an issue. Get all of the pieces required and also replace the lever and bush for the front from OPC

Is the JMG item better is there no real difference? The Only944 kit looks superb and has great feedback from other users.

[NJH]

Honestly you will not get entirely objective opinions on any of these shifters. For me personally I see them as a waste of money. I had one years ago on mine when it was a road car but it fell apart leaving me stranded with the car stuck in neutral. When building my race car I just stuck with a fully refreshed stock set of components and I am perfectly happy with it the past 6 years, you just have to move your arm further and quickly. You can judge for yourself if I am getting through the gears quickly enough or not here:
https://youtu.be/O5EQHaLWZJo