Original B&M vs. Ruf Style Shifter

[Rob in WA]

I believe I read somewhere that the Ruf style reduces throw by 40%+. I think I also read that Porsche recommends a maxmum reduction of 33% (evidenced by GT3 throw) which is what the orginal B&M is. This is what swayed me towards the B&M. Can anyone confirm this?

[Loren]

The RUF short shift kit (for 99-01) reduces the throw by either 30%, 40% or 50%. It depends on where you set it.

[Tool Pants]

Never seen this recommendation published by Porsche for any current model car.

As I have posted on other boards, the difference in the length of throws between the different models is, I believe, do to the transmission itself and not something in the shift linkage assembly.

As far as I can tell from the pictures of the B&M, Ruf, and TechArt transmission units they are identical except for the color. They all have 3 adjustment settings. Local 2002 996 owner Paul bought the B&M unit that attaches to the transmission, and we will be putting it in his car. Since I have put in many B&M shift lever units it will be interesting to see the difference with the new B&M transmission unit. Jeff

[Jean-Marc]

When are you guys doing it? I have just purchased one of the last '03s and would rather do the transmission mounted one if it works as well as the B&M I had in my 2000...

TIA

JM

[dj996]

How about that new Porsche short shifter? Is it really the same as the B&M? Same bushings etc...??

[Loren]

How about that new Porsche short shifter? Is it really the same as the B&M? Same bushings etc...??

Yes, except dealers are quoting $715 :lol: :lol: :lol:

There is a TSB (for TT and C4S) now for installing it.

[Jean-Marc]

That sealed it for me! I ordered a "standard" B&M!!!

JM :clapping:

[Tool Pants]

The new Porsche short shift is identical to the B&M unit, but cost over 3 times as much.

[dj996]

So does Porsche now have a special tool to center this shifter? Since the std tool will not fit the B&M, I also wonder how they adjust the shifter. :drive:

Edited November 6, 2003 by dj996

[Tool Pants]

In the instructions they do not remove the cables from the black and blue shift cable connectors that are spring loaded, like on the B&M instructions. Instead, they disconnect the connectors from the metal shift lever and the white plastic reverse lock out.

No need to mark the location of the shift cables in the connectors the way they do it.

It is just another way to skin a cat. No special tool is mentioned as the shift cables are not removed from their connectors. I would like to see what would happen if the shift cables need to be replaced if the Porsche short shift has been installed. Jeff

[RJN]

Loren

Would it be possible for you to PM me the TSB for the Porsche install of the short shifter?

Much obliged if you can.

Thanks :D

[Loren]

Loren

Would it be possible for you to PM me the TSB for the Porsche install of the short shifter?

Much obliged if you can.

Thanks :D

I can but it does not include instructions for removing the console. The B&M short shifter instructions are really quite good for this (B&M Instructions here).

[dj996]

Does the blue shift cable simply snap off like the black one?

[Tool Pants]

The blue cable connector does not have a ball joint like the black one. The instructions say to remove the protective cover and pull off the blue connector.

What I like is the part about using a chisel to break the plastic tabs of the white bushings. That is the way I have been doing it since it is much faster than trying to cut them out with a utility knife like the B&M instructions say to do.

[Tool Pants]

And the difference is......

The color.

[dj996]

This begs the question as to who the actual supplier is for all these shifters? I once heard on Rennlist that they were made in Germany by Eibach. The pic looks like they left some blue on it ;) .

As an aside Jeff, how does Porsche recommend adjusting the ss?

FWIW I had mine out to the track last weekend with the B&M and it worked pretty well, no isues at al, I guess I finally got the adjustment right. (Recall I was hitting the gate on occasional hard shifts during hot run sessions at the track).

:cheers:

Edited November 16, 2003 by dj996

[Tool Pants]

The only adjustment mentioned is the set screw with the locking nut. We adjust the set screw on the bench and then put the shift tower back in the car. Porsche says to put the shift tower back in the car and then adjust the set screw so that the shift lever springs to neutral. Same thing, just a different way to do it.

No mention is made of adjusting the shift cables. No need to do so since they are not removed from the shift cable connectors. Jeff