I've got an 2004 996 Cab and lately I've been having a hard time with hitting 3rd gear in rhythm for some reason (missing the "slot"). I was using the OEM shifter, but installed the B&M SSK hoping that would fix it. I'm just not "feeling" the expected smoothness of the B&M SSK even after several "rechecks" of the installation.

I am not having difficulties in other gears, but 2nd to 3rd is a real PIA and inconsistent at best.

Could something else be wrong or is this just operator error? Clutch cable going bad? Adjustment needed to shifter cables (I am 100% confident shifter cables were put back in same position as OEM shifter)? The car is not new to me, but it seems more prevalent lately than when I first started driving it 2 years ago.

Thoughts?
Rob

 

I don't really know what you mean by "inconsistent"... but I've always noticed that the 2-3 shift is a little different, and you tend to miss / grind / not-engage the gear if you shift too fast. I asked about this a LONG time ago, and someone responded that its a known issue in the Porsche gearbox...

The solution: shift out of second, pause for an extra millisecond, then shift to 3rd. I make that shift more slowly now, and its never been an issue since.

Hope this helps!

 

Inconsistent = as you describe. Sometimes it's smooth into gear, other times I feel like I'm searching for the groove.

 

Yeah, its weird, but the shift needs a small pause. Can't tell you why.

Try it out...

 

you mean harder like it's harder to put it in 3rd? if so i kinda know what you're talking about, but if you're talking about the gear transition i'd say 2nd to 3rd is nice and smooth for me

 

I find it hard to find the gate into 3rd on occasion as well. I wouldn't quite call it a problem however. I'm guessing this is mostly due to play at the cable mounting locations, or the cable starting to wear...

 

Same exact issue here, also. I've read changing transaxle fluid helps. Have it on my list.