[Cloud9...68]

Flash,

I do agree with you that the stock shifter's shape is more conducive to proper shifting technique - I guess it's a question of aesthetics vs. function.

Speaking of aesthetics, could someone tell me what goes in the top of the stock shifter? I assume it's either the shift pattern, or a Porsche crest. The one on the stock shifter the PO gave me is missing. Thanks.

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[aslet]

Its a shift pattern. The stock ones are nice and simple.

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[ds968]

Re the buzz - I tried everything. The only solution would be if you found a knob made out of lead [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dry.gif[/img] so it weighs a ton just like the OE shifter does, and also has enough interior chamber space to allow the OE rubber spacers to fit in. You really need both of those elements, especially that weight at the top of the shifter. NOTHING else will work to completely eliminate the buzz, no weight collar at the base of the shifter, no bushings replacement, no amount of cushioning inside the knob regardless of the materials utilized - you can only mitigate the buzzing it to a certain extent but not completely get rid of it, in my experience Mine has a barely audible buzz now, and actually you can only hear it just between 2200 and 2600 rpm, when the radio is off, and I'm revving it while in neutral, otherwise it's nearly impossible to detect... but I know it's there and it still bugs me just a bit.

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[Cloud9...68]

Dan,

But it does seem that you've made some progress at least. What type of shift knob do you have? My GT3 knob is very light, and nothing I've tried (which has all been if the form of adding vibration dampening material inside the knob) has helped one iota. It buzzes maddeningly at every rpm, any speed, all the time. It sounds more like a vacuum leak on steroids than a buzz. I haven't tried doing anything in the linkage, but I don't feel much like spending $200 to replace the entire linkage, which is what Blue968 indicates is what's required. More than likely, I'm going back to the stock knob, for which I'm going to have to buy a shift pattern emblem.

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[flash]

there are a few inserts available for the OEM knob - try 9xauto

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[ds968]

   

I have the 996 carbon fiber and aluminum shifter. Of all the two dozen or so combos and methods I have tried, the current one which works best for me is grey insulation foam ( not sure what else to call it, it's the very comon foam sheets and strips you find all over the place ) placed over the shifter and then on top of that a strip of rubber cut from a bike intertube. Snug fit, but I used soapy water to push the shifter knob on to it and so far so good. Note : I do hear the buzz just a bit more, though the cabin still has to be very quiet, if I keep my hand continuously on the shifter, but again it's a very faint buzz..and vibration

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[flash]

dan - next time you are down here, i have an idea

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[ds968]

ok, make a mental note ( or a post it note, like I do ) so YOU won't forget the idea [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

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[Fox944]

I really like the shape and feel of the OEM shift knob (i think its perfect). However, i really dislike the plastic insert and once my leather got worn down i decided to replace it with a Suede Boot. While at it, i also replaced the insert with a brushed aluminum insert. Looks better then stock (in my opinion), but still has an OEM look and feel to it as the shift knob wasnt replaced. It also sits lower then stock (which looks better imo) thanks to the Designs 1 SS Kit.

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[Cloud9...68]

Dan,

Yours is very similar to mine, although mine is all aluminum. I must have an issue with my linkage, because no matter what type of insulating material I stuff in there, it continues to buzz like crazy 100% of the time. Ugh. First order of business is to put the stock knob on and seeing if that cures the noise. I'm in the camp that thinks the stock knob is just plain ugly (and ugly because it's plain), but to get rid of the noise, I'm prepared to live with it.

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[Cloud9...68]

OK, I pulled out the stock shift knob the previous owner gave me when I bought the car five and a half years ago out of the closet, and see that the inner diameter of the knob (18 mm x 27 mm) is far larger than the diameter of the shaft, which is 6 mm x 15 mm, so clearly my knob is missing the magic insulating material that kills the buzz. Great. I wonder how I could get my hands on the sleeve that's supposed to go in there. I suppose I could try to get creative and fabricate something out of hard rubber or something, but this strikes me as something that's probably harder than it looks. Also, the shift knob, in contrast the the beautiful, unblemished work of art that is my GT3 knob, is pretty beat up. Installing this ugly thing would really downgrade my interior, which is overall in excellent condition. Groan; back to square one [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif[/img]

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[Ryan]

Fox, that shifter reminds me of one of those wrinkly dogs. A Sharpay I think. Comfy I bet.

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[flash]

the OEM inserts are rubber "accordion" pieces that are about 1/2" tall - they rest in the grooves in the shifter,and the knob slips over them

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[Fox944]

sometime i wish i dont toss out half the stuff i do. I had an Extra shifknob and rubber insert i could have given cloud. (bangs head).

Ryan, yes...its very comfy. I did not want to replace the OEM shift knob as i feel its perfect so i just tried to improve on it. Comfy/grippy Suede boot & a better looking insert did the job for me.

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[ds968]

I also tried the "liquid rubber" ( the stuff into which you dip metal handles of pliers, etc. and it turns into a solid plastic / rubber coating ) - I covered both the shifter and the walls of of the knob chamber, but that did not silence the buzz; seems to me it really needs the accordion type rubber dampner allowing some play because if it's all solid, the
vibration sound resonates throughout the whole set up just the same. But I also do believe that weight makes a huge difference and is as essential as the stuffing materials.

With all respect to those who like the OE knob, given that most everything aesthetic is a subjective matter, I think it's absolutely hideous and makes this otherwise superb car's interior look like a cheap, beat up, old, old, old 944.. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dry.gif[/img] ,

THERE HAS TO BE A CURE !!!

p.s. don't even ask me what PITA it was and how long it took to remove that " liquid plastic " coating . [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif[/img]

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[flash]

see - there is where it's all in the eye of the beholder - i think the new knobs look cheap and cheesy and more like a toy than a knob meant for business - the round leather knob is one of the things i actually really like about the interior - it has a good grip of friction against the palm of my hand, and doesn't allow for slipping as i shift - it's also not hot to the touch like metal or plastic - that and the generally spartan layout are exactly what drew my attention - if it didn't have a round leather knob, i would have gone out of my way to get one

but i'll still see if i can figure out a solution for you dan

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[Fox944]

I love the shape of the oe knob. It was used in many porsches durings the 80's and 90's....including cars like the 959, 964, 993, etc etc. Function over form....many dont like it, but its perfectly shaped...and some actually do like the shape.

Newer Porsche knobs look very out of place in our interiors...they cheapen the interior & look tacky imo.

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[ds968]

   

here you go, new mod.. and it doesn't get any more spartan [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif[/img]

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[Cloud9...68]

Funny stuff. Put me in the "OE knob = hideous, new knobs (like Dan's and the GT3 that came in my car) = gorgeous" camp. But beyond that, as I said earlier, the OE knob the PO gave me is too beat up to consider putting into my otherwise very nice interior. I need to fix the buzz/rattle on the GT3 knob.

Speaking of which, I may be making a little progress. Currently, the shaft is wrapped with teflon plumbers tape, but most of it had gotten pushed near the bottom of the shaft. Also, most of it appears to have flat out disappeared (?!). I took it for a drive last night, under the following conditions, with the indicated findings:

1) Knob completely removed = very slight buzz, which surprised me, as I thought this scenario, with the minimal amount of weight at the shaft, would buzz like crazy
2) GT3 knob slid back on, but without the tightening screw = about the same, meaning relatively quiet
3) GT3 knob, with the screw tightened = serious buzz

So, my next step is to continue with the teflon plumbers tape approach I'm currently using, but wrapping it thick enough near the bottom of the shaft to ensure a snug fit without the need for the set screw. I don't know if I'll ever be able to completely eliminate the buzz, but if I could just get it quiet enough to not hear over a low setting on the radio, I'd be happy.

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[flash]

for the record, i don't have a problem with anybody doing anything, as long as they don't ask me to tell them i like it when i don't - i don't expect everybody to like what i like, and visa versa

it makes sense to me that it would buzz with the shift knob off - the buzz originates at the transaxle - the oem shift knob dampens the buzz - to kill it with an aftermarket shift knob, you need a soft buffer and mass at the shift knob - the problem has been figuring that out in such a way that still allows for installation - i'm thinking molten lead poured into the head of the shift knob, allowed to set, and then soft open cell foam or accordion rubber between the shifter and the shift knob

another possible solution is to break the wave in the long linkage rod - this might be done with a heavy weight clamped onto the linkage rod - i have yet to try it - the problem i see though is that it might also make the shifter feel heavy, and might add wear on the bushings at either end

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