[erikgj]

I have a MT BGTS and the shifters just fine. I’ve owed several cars with a better transmission and clutch: an original Miata, Evo 7 RS II, and Evo 8.5 MR. But all those had advantage of having much less torque so lighter, clutches, lighter transmission components made everything easier.

The clutch feels perfectly fine. My wife drives it no problem as well. It may be just what you’re used to, but I find it matches the character of the car.

The only thing I didn’t care for was the clutch engagement point. It is in the middle of the travel and the travel is very long. I tried adjusting the seating position but when I got the engagement point correct I was not comfortable.

I changed it to the McMaster bump stop. Which just takes a second and really helps with the engagement point and timing of shifts. So now I have a comfortable position and the clutch is perfect.

McMaster Clutch Stop

 

[ThreePedalEd]

There is absolutely no need to replace the shifter assembly, only if you want to keep the plastic factory shifter knob.

You will have better result and feel if you only replace the knob with a weighted aftermarket version that can be lowered to the same level as the GT4.

I am very happy with the GT4 short shift kit I installed in my GTS.

HOWEVER, had I known about simple weighted knob options, I certainly would have considered that alternative. Especially given that my DIY skills and anxiety are such that I had to replay the "Tommy Garage" installation video about a dozen times to make sure I didn't end up with 1-speed forward and 6 in reverse.

 

[PeC]

I am very happy with the GT4 short shift kit I installed in my GTS.

HOWEVER, had I known about simple weighted knob options, I certainly would have considered that alternative. Especially given that my DIY skills and anxiety are such that I had to replay the "Tommy Garage" installation video about a dozen times to make sure I didn't end up with 1-speed forward and 6 in reverse.

View attachment 85272 View attachment 85271

I can imagine. The height will be the same with both approaches, together with the throw, but it is a cheaper and more simple process. The decision between the knobs is a personal taste, but the additional weight also adds to the feeling.

 

[JazzCatGab]

I can imagine. The height will be the same with both approaches, together with the throw, but it is a cheaper and more simple process. The decision between the knobs is a personal taste, but the additional weight also adds to the feeling.

This may be true, indeed, but I can’t help feeling that the GT4 short shifter makes the driver shift motions more distinct, even with a heavier shifter knob. I was doing some testing for enhanced exhaust sound under track conditions where you need to drive with your windows open and if you watch the shifts in the small window at the bottom, you will see very distinct shifting pattern. I think I’m too lazy to do that on my own accord.

 

[Malexder]

I bought a 2020 with a manual trans three months ago and I'm going to sell it for a PDK for reasons (tall gear, pedal) everyone has mentioned.

 

[ThreePedalEd]

I bought a 2020 with a manual trans three months ago and I'm going to sell it for a PDK for reasons (tall gear, pedal) everyone has mentioned.

You are certainly welcome to do as you wish, but not "everyone" agrees with those reasons.

The "tall gearing" is, IMO, a mostly relatively recently invented echo chamber for ignorance. Even your base Boxster is capable of 170+ mph. The 6-speed manual has the gearing spaced to provide optimal acceleration and maximum performance. As I have pointed out multiple times in various discussions, the manual transmission gear ratios in the 718 are identical to my previous 981 and maximum speeds in each gear are within a few mph of my former 2005 911S. Which, at the time, auto journalists unanimously praised as one of the best manual transmissions - specifically relative to gear ratios - ever made. What's happened since to change this? I'm guessing the new crop of mostly 20 and 30 something auto journalists grew up only being able to afford Miatas with a top speed of 120 and a lower revving engine that required you to hit redline three times on the way to 65.

As for the pedal travel complaint, that is honestly a new one for me. I've been active in my local PCA for 10+ years, been driving manuals since my first new car nearly a half century ago and I've never heard others complain or personally had an issue with clutch pedal or travel in any of my three Porsches. And at 5'7" and with a wife that's 5'1", if there was a too long of travel issue, we would be a test case. But whatever.....I also still can't figure out how somebody half my age finds LWBS difficult to get in and out of.

The good news for you is that you have a gorgeous car that you got at a great price. I'm sorry it didn't work for you, but hopefully it will find it's way to someone that appreciates Porsche's great manual transmissions.

P.S. Before you get the PDK, you might want to talk to "everyone" that has had $20k repairs/replacements. When my GTS was in for its three year service last week, I met one of those everyones with a 5 year old 911. Fortunately for him, the car was still under CPO warranty, but he was lamenting that he didn't get a manual. Maybe you two could do a swap?

Seriously, I wish you the best. If I had room in the garage for another car, I might make you an offer. 😃

 

[PeC]

This may be true, indeed, but I can’t help feeling that the GT4 short shifter makes the driver shift motions more distinct, even with a heavier shifter knob. I was doing some testing for enhanced exhaust sound under track conditions where you need to drive with your windows open and if you watch the shifts in the small window at the bottom, you will see very distinct shifting pattern. I think I’m too lazy to do that on my own accord.

It was measured multiple times that the GT4/Spydere shifter assembly has only a shorter shift rod, nothing else. Mechanics are the same.

 

[ThreePedalEd]

It was measured multiple times that the GT4/Spydere shifter assembly has only a shorter shift rod, nothing else. Mechanics are the same.

From my own observations from replacing the OEM GTS with the GT4 short shifter, I believe that is correct.

 

[Malexder]

You are certainly welcome to do as you wish, but not "everyone" agrees with those reasons.

The "tall gearing" is, IMO, a mostly relatively recently invented echo chamber for ignorance. Even your base Boxster is capable of 170+ mph. The 6-speed manual has the gearing spaced to provide optimal acceleration and maximum performance. As I have pointed out multiple times in various discussions, the manual transmission gear ratios in the 718 are identical to my previous 981 and maximum speeds in each gear are within a few mph of my former 2005 911S. Which, at the time, auto journalists unanimously praised as one of the best manual transmissions - specifically relative to gear ratios - ever made. What's happened since to change this? I'm guessing the new crop of mostly 20 and 30 something auto journalists grew up only being able to afford Miatas with a top speed of 120 and a lower revving engine that required you to hit redline three times on the way to 65.

As for the pedal travel complaint, that is honestly a new one for me. I've been active in my local PCA for 10+ years, been driving manuals since my first new car nearly a half century ago and I've never heard others complain or personally had an issue with clutch pedal or travel in any of my three Porsches. And at 5'7" and with a wife that's 5'1", if there was a too long of travel issue, we would be a test case. But whatever.....I also still can't figure out how somebody half my age finds LWBS difficult to get in and out of.

The good news for you is that you have a gorgeous car that you got at a great price. I'm sorry it didn't work for you, but hopefully it will find it's way to someone that appreciates Porsche's great manual transmissions.

P.S. Before you get the PDK, you might want to talk to "everyone" that has had $20k repairs/replacements. When my GTS was in for its three year service last week, I met one of those everyones with a 5 year old 911. Fortunately for him, the car was still under CPO warranty, but he was lamenting that he didn't get a manual. Maybe you two could do a swap?

Seriously, I wish you the best. If I had room in the garage for another car, I might make you an offer. 😃

Thanks for your reply. I've driven manual cars my entire life, and I'm as surprised as anyone to hear me say aloud at age 74 that I want an auto trans.

 

[JazzCatGab]

It was measured multiple times that the GT4/Spydere shifter assembly has only a shorter shift rod, nothing else. Mechanics are the same.

I don’t doubt that the only difference is the length of the shift rod, but I also think that leverage between a longer lever versus a shorter lever makes a difference, however subtle. I think Archimedes would be on my side. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

 

[TooTurbo]

There's a counter weight on the gearbox side that differs between the GT and non GT cars. Unsure how much of a difference that makes

 

[PeC]

I don’t doubt that the only difference is the length of the shift rod, but I also think that leverage between a longer lever versus a shorter lever makes a difference, however subtle. I think Archimedes would be on my side. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

And this is why you can achieve the same result with an adjustable height aftermarket knob. That can give you exactly the same total height (rod length + knob) that matters by the end.

 

[Lantern Rouge]

Which, at the time, auto journalists unanimously praised as one of the best manual transmissions - specifically relative to gear ratios - ever made. What's happened since to change this? I'm guessing the new crop of mostly 20 and 30 something auto journalists grew up only being able to afford Miatas with a top speed of 120 and a lower revving engine that required you to hit redline three times on the way to 65.

Also, the development of 7-10 speed automatics, not mention non-shifting electrics.

I agree that the spacing between gears is ideal for keeping the engine in the proper rev range from stand still to Vmax, which was likely Porsche's goal. That may not be as well suited to spirited drives on public roads, but imo there is lots of character and sound from 4000-6000 so hitting redline on every shift is not necessary for fun.

 

[New Porsche owner]

My 718 boxster has just reached Halifax on its way to me (western Canada) and i spec’ed it with the PDK. ive been having slight pangs of nervousness if I made the right choice…manuals are so fun…but you’ve set me at ease…I made the right choice (for me)…thank you for your comments about the manual.

 

[ReidMcT]

There's a counter weight on the gearbox side that differs between the GT and non GT cars. Unsure how much of a difference that makes
View attachment 85296

You are saying the shifting mass is different? In what way? Can you cite the part numbers?

 

[TooTurbo]

You are saying the shifting mass is different? In what way? Can you cite the part numbers?

98130305100 they call it a damping mass flywheel. One of the 1 to 2 grinding threads points it out in a service manuals

 

[ReidMcT]

98130305100 they call it a damping mass flywheel.

Is that for a 718?

Terminology varies. This from the MY17 Maint and Tech manual:

Incidentally, I think that the linkages highlighted in pink may be a contributor to the 'flex' that some people ascribe to the shifter mechanism.

 

[TooTurbo]

That's the PN I could find awhile ago think it was 718 but not 100% sure
First post is the service bulletin from another owner

https://www.718forum.com/threads/it%E2%80%99s-not-you-the-dreaded-1-2-grind.29186/