DIY: Porsche Short Shifter Install (Manual Transmission 981 Cayman, 991 Carrera)

[@dr.z1657]

A word of advice to anyone taking on this project. When it comes time to reinstall the shifter and boot, make sure the boot ring is open (offset) before you slide it over the lever. You’ll be able to tell by the stitching on the outside being offset about 15 degrees. Slide the shifter down over the lever, but *not* entirely down the base-maybe about 90-95% of the way. *Now* rotate the ring back to the centered position and then pound it the remaining 5-10% of the way down. If you slide it 100% of the way down straight away, you won’t be able to rotate the ring back to center, and the shifter will just be able to slide up and off. I learned this the hard way while driving. Took me about 10 tries to figure out the locking mechanism. Just figured I’d pass along that knowledge.

[@TommyLGarage]

Good call!

[@babyyoda8195]

Never thought 3 1/8 inches could feel so good!

[@TommyLGarage]

haha funny

[@Shadowmanners]

That's what your wife said??

[@nanapoku4467]

Lolol. Lmao. 😂😂😂😂

[@patryan8065]

I have a 2015 base Cayman 6MT and based upon your video I purchased the short shift kit from SunCoast and by following your instructions I completed the job in 55 min from tools out to tools away. Great feel and so happy I did this mod. Thanks and keep the great Cayman videos coming!

[@TommyLGarage]

Nice!! Congrats!! That’s a great mod

[@colinharper5147]

i realize it is kinda off topic but does anybody know of a good site to stream new series online ?

[@israelelon646]

@Colin Harper flixportal xD

[@colinharper5147]

@Israel Elon thank you, I signed up and it seems to work =) I appreciate it !

[@israelelon646]

@Colin Harper you are welcome xD

[@patryan8065]

I didn't like my initial shifter setting (too far forward) and in a matter of 5 min, I readjusted the cables to give me a much better feel. Just pop off the console side panels, trim piece and center control panel and you can access the cables easily. Great design!

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree !!

[@shamali48]

Man I love the sound of the shift, it sounds really mechanical

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree!

[@PT3SRT]

Impressed! If history is any indication, I would have broken at least 25% of the clips.

[@TommyLGarage]

Hahaha come on Phil

[@uncleben4536]

Bro.... CAE.....do it. LOL, already with the mods. Great stuff man, I was looking at Porsches before I picked up my f80. I’m sure most of your audience is like me and pretty excited to see what you can do with this car.

[@TommyLGarage]

I’ve got so much ordered already haha

[@DR_CarShow]

A short shifter makes a huge difference. Was there not a need, and not included with the shifter, a centering block (a plastic clip to place the transmission in neutral and keep it there while removing and reinstalling the shifter to ensure the cables are in the exact place)? I did the same upgrade to my 997 Turbo before doing any videos (as inspired by people like you) but I know the clip was a helpful if not critical tool to the install. Hope you are enjoying the new ride!

[@TommyLGarage]

Yes it was included but I didn’t think it was needed to be honest with you. But now that you said it I might check it again :)

[@DR_CarShow]

@@TommyLGarage I'd strongly suggest it just to ensure proper alignment with the cables and the smoothest and most direct shit possible.

[@RyanSheppard]

I'm installing my short shifter and it came with a plastic clip (centering block?), I'm just not sure what to do with it. I searched online for information but didn't find anything. Do you know where I can see how it works?

[@DR_CarShow]

@@RyanSheppard It is used to keep the shifter in neutral for removal and then installation of the shifter. By using the clip it ensures proper alignment of shifter location in relation to the transmission linkage. Some have done this swap successfully without the clip, but I see no reason not to use it for peace of mind.

[@salami99]

love ur reaction to it. gonna do this weekend!!

[@TommyLGarage]

You’ll love it!!

[@keloncooper8687]

You made these diys look so easy bud. Blessings. The shifter look pretty sweet.

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks for watching as always!!

[@hotwiredxj]

Wow, the final before and after is like it got colder in your garage. haha. Shrinkage

[@TommyLGarage]

Hahaha funny

[@Atte123]

lmfao

[@Andre-xh1vm]

Love to see that the mods are already starting 😎💪🏻

[@TommyLGarage]

I’ve got a whole list already :)

[@Andre-xh1vm]

@@TommyLGarage Guess it’s the same with every car guy around the world - parts for the new ride and modding plans are available much longer before the ride is actually bought 😅 Looking very much forward to all the upcoming mods to your CAYMAN 😎

[@guiso1973]

Yes!! Good job!! Will bring you my 996 to see what you suggest on me doing 😜😜👍👍🔥🔥

[@TommyLGarage]

Sure thing! Get ready :)

[@KiesMotorsports]

Yeaaaaa Porsche mods

[@TommyLGarage]

It’s pronounced porch. :)

[@edwardferrero1542]

Great video. Went just as described. Thank you!

[@TommyLGarage]

Glad it helped! :)

[@mattgallagher8286]

Did you have any issues with the original shift boot being too long, or interfering in any way? Great diy. Thanks for posting!

[@TommyLGarage]

Not at all. Everything fits very well.

[@Equalizedby12]

I have my shifter, ON my way for you to install it for me :) great look man, love it.

[@TommyLGarage]

Deal!

[@Airbag1010674]

On my 2021 718 GTS you don't have to remove the trim. You just pull the entire assembly out after you unbolt.

[@TommyLGarage]

Clever !!

[@cb8omh]

Smart choice on the mount, where can I get one of those?

[@TommyLGarage]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHjOpmNvhMx9Z9k

[@hevendranarayansamy2793]

Modding already. That was quick. I noticed the phone mount in the reveal video, assumed previous owner did that

[@TommyLGarage]

No. I did. Check out the shifter video

[@ac24z]

Great mod but it makes me think: why not take the original assembly to a fabrication shop and have them chop 0.9 inches out of the original rod?

[@TommyLGarage]

It would be too involved. The new kit is only $250 or so

[@ac24z]

@@TommyLGarage Do you think so? I have a 981 Boxster and I am going to ask my mechanic if he can do it. After all, shortening a rod can't be that expensive. And if does go wrong, I can always buy a new part later. I'll be happy to let you know how it turns out.

[@ac24z]

Hey Tommy, Can you confirm that the shorter rod was the only difference between the old and new part?

[@VinceFung]

I just finished watching the unveiling of this car now we're onto mods already LOL

[@TommyLGarage]

I’ve got a garage full of mods :)

[@reshadstv5419]

Great video tommy enjoyed the video a lot

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!!

[@heavyboysjou]

Thank God my Spyder comes with the short shifter :p

[@TommyLGarage]

It’s the same as the one I installed :)

[@harrisonjoa]

I’m waiting for the drop and wheels.

[@TommyLGarage]

Already happening :)

[@olenronning]

Other than the obvious shorter shift knob, fits the shift itself feel different? More weight, precision, firmness, metallic vs plastic feel, etc?

[@TommyLGarage]

It feels more precise. Hard to describe

[@olenronning]

@@TommyLGarage Thanks. I'm debating between this and the Numeric shifter. I've heard good things about Numeric but also like to stay OE if possible.

[@reyros24]

Here to support

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!!

[@epn2]

I'm 65 days from delivery of a 2022 Cayman GTS 4.0 (currently have 2014 Cayman S), Thinking of going to short shifter for the GTS. Do you think your relative ease of installation would be complicated by having the GTS interior package, which includes leather and stitching on the sides up to the dash and carbon fibre trim all around. Are the side panels still "modular" and separate from the dash and easily removed? Thanks for a great video.....how is your short shifter performing now that you've had it for 8 months?

[@TommyLGarage]

Congrats on the new car! Great choice. GtS install will be the same. Just set up extra towels to protect the leather and you’ll be okay. The shifter is one of my favorite mods on the car aside from the exhaust.

[@epn2]

@@TommyLGarage Thanks for the quick response and encouragement! If you are in the greater DC area, there is a case of beer with you name on it!

[@PD-nz5rk]

Numeric shift cables if you are mostly tracking the car.

[@TommyLGarage]

I heard they’re a bit clunky

[@MellomanAlex]

Hey max! I hope you see this because I know this is an older video, but I noticed when you were shifting there was a squeaking noise coming from the car, do you know what that noise is? My car just started doing it and it has me worried to death. Thanks for the help!

[@TommyLGarage]

I wouldn't worry about it; it's a bushing

[@mel_creative]

Nice install and great diy video. Does this also shorten the actual shift throw or just the height?

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!! Just the height

[@kromeassassin]

Did you get that ball mount specifically for the Cayman? Or was it a carry over from the already derelict F80? 😛

[@TommyLGarage]

New one. It’s made specifically for this car

[@kromeassassin]

@@TommyLGarage Can you link me to the vendor please? Need one badly for my M6GC with the new no-handheld rules in VA.

[@patryan8065]

I was wondering if I could reposition the shift rod back a tad (by setting the cables when the rod is slightly angled back instead of straight up when in neutral) because if I wrap my hand around the shifter knob my knuckles will make contact with the console going into 3rd gear. Thoughts?

[@TommyLGarage]

Yes you can!

[@colinwalker8171]

Is there a video of you trying it out and is it worth it.

[@TommyLGarage]

Yes. My track day videos

[@flyinglukas673]

Is the facelift steering wheel on the mod-list?

[@TommyLGarage]

Perhaps. But I like this one

[@bobvi5490]

There are really only two videos up at the moment showing how to do it, and if you go by the instructions from Numeric it looks like you're doing it all wrong. Sorry to say it but it appears that you're supposed to roll up your sleeve so we can see you flexing as you grunt and rip things apart with far more force than you were using in this video. But your camera work is better so I think I'll go with this one as the definitive how-to. Thanks.

[@TommyLGarage]

Hahaha Thanks

[@lilerik58]

is this just a short throw replacement or is it the shifter from the gt3/gt4/carrera t?

[@TommyLGarage]

Gt4 shifter

[@zewang625]

are you going to upgrade the steering wheel anytime soon

[@TommyLGarage]

Not sure. I kind of like this one

[@jefflee6154]

Dibs if you do :)

[@TommyLGarage]

Jeff Lee haha fine

[@musselicious]

Nice 😊👍🏻

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks !!

[@carsinourdna9388]

Wow.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TommyLGarage]

:)

[@itsm3th3b33]

1" makes that much of a difference? Is that what she said?

[@TommyLGarage]

She did!! :)

[@georgiojreij3965]

how does the plastic quality compares to bmw plastic??

[@TommyLGarage]

Much better actually

[@tkc056]

This didn’t work on my PDK!

[@TommyLGarage]

Lmao

[@Shadowmanners]

Well that was quick lol

[@TommyLGarage]

I get that a lot ;)

[@saarboudjnah4069]

@@TommyLGarage Hopefully only regarding the car haha

[@chrisduran3007]

Anyone change their mind about fitting a short shift at 2:31? :D

[@TommyLGarage]

Ehhh it’s not that bad

[@chrisduran3007]

@@TommyLGarage haha I know, jokes! Great video as always! Loving your channel over here in Northern Ireland! Great content and your enthusiasm really makes it. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@vertigo6710]

Why you just don't cut de speed lever spike? Can't be done? Save a lot off work and Money. Just saying....

[@TommyLGarage]

The mounting would not work

[@beagleman123456789]

Too much work’

[@TommyLGarage]

Not for me!