Move over Red GT3 I've just seen the Black GT3...

[supermono]

In Lancaster, Cambridge. What a nice looking beast that is. Almost made me think about chopping in the turbo. But it's got the ceramic brakes and if it threw a rod the Porsche pretend warranty wouldn't pay up since engines are wear items lasting variable amounts of time depending on how they're used...

Having said that, I love that shiny roll cage and the seats were really comfy. Clutch heavy though, gearchange really short throw. Is that a standard gt3 gear change?

SM

[Dave 321]

Sounds like it has a short shift, mines got a long enough throw..

[supermono]

It's funny actually because when the engine was out getting a new clutch, I asked if I could have a short shift kit fitted to save the labour cost (I've been told Porsche do an alloy one which is stronger and shorter than the standard plastic one). The guy hadn't heard of any such thing, so I said never mind forget it.

Went in there yesterday talking to someone else about the GT3 saying it was a short shift stick and he said it's probably got the porsche short shift kit I should get one for my turbo because it's great!

Ho hum.

SM

[slippydiff]

Alloy part mentioned by your dealer is only part of the linkage (seemingly the weak part !) , it's not the short shift mechanism itself. Several owners have been left stranded by the side of the road when the plastic link fails.
Factory short shift is supposed to be an American B&M unit (with Porsche part number on it)
A look on Rennlist will show they have mixed reviews. Some people fit them and like the shorter shift (complete with its heavier movement) Others have fitted them and removed them within days as they find the change baulky (especially when cold)
Having previously fitted them to other cars I personally don't rate them.
My Mk1 GT3 hasn't got one (but the shift quality seems to vary considerably from car to car from my limited experience

[magic torch]

Got a short shift in mine and I hate it.

[slippydiff]

Replacement billet alloy shift linkage can be found here......... www.evoms.com/porsche%20ec%20art%20test.htm Click on 996 Turbo/ GT2 menu at top left of the page, then click onto shifter menu (the part can be found at the bottom of the page)

[DanH]

GT3 mk2 already has a shortish shift - its shorter than the mk1.

Shift in the 997 GT3 is shorter yet again, although I could feel what the reviewers mentioned regarding it's notchiness, especially going into reverse. (engine wasn't running, I was just sat in the demo)

[paulburrell]

I put a B&M short shift on my MK1 and think it's a great improvement over the stock item, particularly on track. Yes it's notchy but it's precise and confidence inspiring when changing down at high speed and using heel and toe. If you want one then Ebay usually have a couple on there most days, particularly in the US. Alternatively, Carnewal sell the original Porsche item(almost certain it's made by B&M) for a not inconsiderable amount of money.

Problem with original "long" throw shift are the pathetically cheap nylon bushes that hold the mechanism in place, they wear and eventually break, in many cases whilst in the middle of a track day.