I'm new to the 996TT and noticed that while I am driving, the first to second shift is notchy and can't be shifted as fast as say two to three, three to four, etc.

That being said, when the car is stopped and the clutch is engaged, it's very smooth going from first to second.

Is this a normal circumstance?

BTW, never had any issues with 2nd gear pop out.

 

I think this is normal. 1st to 2nd is usually a slow shift it seems!

 

Think about getting a short shifter if you want to shift faster. I noticed on my fast 1-2 shift I wasn't waiting until the clutch was all the way to the floor to shift to 2nd and could feel a clunk. Seems like the clutch is slow to release. But I have no issue shifting fast in 2-3 or 3-4.

I have decided to spend more money on engine upgrades to go fast vs trying to shift fast. Better to have bigger turbos than broken synchros . So I am slowing my shift down.

 

Perfectly normal. It requires a firm shift between 1-2, but the rest tend to be easier. Shift it from 1-2 with authority.

 

Thanks all. I'm cool with it if normal but it just seems odd that it gets hung up in the middle of first to second.

The only way to describe it is that it feels as if there is a notch in neutral that the shifter gets caught on and then requires a little more force to move on into second. Mind you all this takes place in only a second or less when shifting fast. It's a lot smoother when not trying to shift fast actually.

 

That's normal, but be very careful. These synchros are nearly made out of crystal, so don't go banging gears like you are driving a big block Chevelle with a muncie...you will pay dearly.

 

I have the same problem. I've got a 997 GT3 Shifter on order and am hoping that it will improve things.

Have others found that replacing the stock 996 shift mechanism with either the 997 GT3 unit or the 997 SSK have improved the 1-2 shifting?

 

It can actually make it worse. The shorter shifter has a higher mechanical advantage (more force) then the longer and slower throw of the stock 996, or 997 shifter. It shifts quicker for sure, but a fast "bang" into gear is not a good thing. I just went thru a trans rebuild, and I tried the 996ssk, the 997ssk and the 997 stock shifter. I ended up with the stock 997 shifter, with the 997ssk being a close second.

 

I feel that the 997 SSK and shifter assembly improved the 1-2 shift a lot. I also changed my tranny fluid with Mobil Delvac synthetic and added the GBox detent at a different time. With all of that done it feels much better.

 

What does the rebuild cost at a dealer if you don't mind me asking?

 

U don't want to know. Just take care of your tranny! I think I have heard anywhere from $5k - $11k.

 

I would never have a dealer do a rebuild, there are many experts that can rebuild if far cheaper. If you do not have a local shop, ship it to gbox imo.
A local Porsche only shop did my rebuild, and it was 3k + the engine removal and reinstall. I had some bearings, 3rd gear syncro, and 3rd gear fixed.

Tom

 

Exactly. The dealer will usually sell you a bunch of crap you don't need. 3-4k seems to be the average. This is for the typical synchro replacement and 2nd gear popout. This is provided gears have not been mushroomed by bad synchros and mis-shifts though.

 

+1 on the 997shifter- a little shorter than our stock 996, but feels much better. Since our first gear is so short I spend little time and rarely hard boost until 2nd and up. You might find short shifting 1st, easing it into 2nd then getting on with things is a better route- certainly will be cheaper than a rebuild. The 997 DIY was a lot of fun as well- picked mine up from Suncoast (sponsor) no affiliation.

 

Drove it a little more yesterday and noticed the fifth to sixth shift as well as shifting into reverse has the same notchy feel. Guess I'm not too worried for now.