[Cloud9...68]

I was just wondering if anybody has had any experience with the "shift block" that RS Barn advertises on their site. I have a short shift kit, and while it does a great job of cutting the throws down to a very agreeable distance, it sure leaves the shifter with a stiff, notchy feel. The previous owner installed it, so I really don't know anything about how it works, nor do I understand RS Barn's unit. But everything RS Barn sells seems to be first rate, so I was wondering if this might be a better way for me to go. I know there's been some discussion about this in the past, but I can't remember if anyone has actually installed one. Thanks.

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[flash]

i've talked with everyone involved on this one, and it won't shorten the pattern at all - what it does do is tighten up the sloppiness of the stock setup - however, it is not recommended that it is used in conjunction with the short shift kit

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[Cloud9...68]

OK thanks. I defintely wouldn't want to go back to the stock throw length. No offense to those with a stock shifter, but OMG! When I first drove a stock one, I thought I was going to pull my arm out of its socket reaching for those gears. OK, exagerrating just a tad. I love the throw length on mine, just wish it was a little "snickier" going from gear to gear. Oh, well, one must live with certain compromises...

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[bob blackwell]

Have you inspected all of the places in your shift linkage where wear can cause it to feel "sloppy"? It is very likely that new bushings, some new grease, a new circlip, etc.. will renew the tighter shifting that you seek. Mine was worn at the bushings which go between the shift rod and the shifting lever, with a broken circlip which holds it together and a split plastic piece which holds the lever at the bottom. Renewing everything and using some new grease before replacing the boot made a big improvement. I found no significant wear at the rear of the shift rod, where it connects to the transmission. Good luck, Bob Blackwell.

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[Frog76]

Does the RS Barn shift block increase the resistance through the gate to reverse ? ie more resistance from the 1-2 plane to reverse so it is not so easy to accidentally get reverse

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[JWahlsten]

No. It doesn't make it any more difficult to get reverse.



It makes the autocentering of the shifter to the 3-4 gate nearly non-existent as well. However, it does make the shifter feel more direct, so I left it in.

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[Cloud9...68]

[quote name='bob blackwell' post='39426' date='Aug 4 2007, 04:34 PM']Have you inspected all of the places in your shift linkage where wear can cause it to feel "sloppy"? It is very likely that new bushings, some new grease, a new circlip, etc.. will renew the tighter shifting that you seek. Mine was worn at the bushings which go between the shift rod and the shifting lever, with a broken circlip which holds it together and a split plastic piece which holds the lever at the bottom. Renewing everything and using some new grease before replacing the boot made a big improvement. I found no significant wear at the rear of the shift rod, where it connects to the transmission. Good luck, Bob Blackwell.[/quote]



No actually, "sloppiness" is pretty much the opposite of what I'm experiencing. It just requires pretty high effort to get it into any gear, but I've talked to others who have had short shift kits on 944's and 968s, and I think mine is not abnormal in this respect. I've had the linkage very thoroughly checked recently, and all is OK. It's just a tight, stiff mechanism with the short shift kit. But I would never want to go back to the stock, long throws. Thanks

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[Fox944]

[quote name='JWahlsten' post='39430' date='Aug 4 2007, 06:28 PM']No. It doesn't make it any more difficult to get reverse.



It makes the autocentering of the shifter to the 3-4 gate nearly non-existent as well. However, it does make the shifter feel more direct, so I left it in.[/quote]





perhaps yours is not adjusted properly, or you have other worn parts. My shifter auto centers to the 3-4 gate & i have the Stuttgart Shiftblock Pete sells.

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[JWahlsten]

[quote name='Fox944' post='39433' date='Aug 4 2007, 09:30 PM']perhaps yours is not adjusted properly, or you have other worn parts. My shifter auto centers to the 3-4 gate & i have the Stuttgart Shiftblock Pete sells.[/quote]



It's possible, but I don't think so. The gates are right where they're supposed to be, the inclination is correct, it centers fine from the 5-6 gate to the 3-4 gate, but it just won't center to the 3-4 gate from the 1-2 gate. I have a new shift lever and bushing to install as well, I'll try that next. It was fine albeit a bit sloppy with the stock intermediate lever installed.



I has gotten better the more I use it. The funny thing is I pulled it out to redo the grease and everything feels smooth as silk.

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[flash]

sounds like one of the adjustable linkages in the rear might be a bit off - mine does not have any of the issues you describe - i have the 944 racing short shift kit

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[JWahlsten]

I'll try adjusting the rear linkage and see if that helps. My desire to go in there is small since it's such a pain the you know what to get to...

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[Fox944]

[quote name='JWahlsten' post='39443' date='Aug 5 2007, 09:39 AM']I'll try adjusting the rear linkage and see if that helps. My desire to go in there is small since it's such a pain the you know what to get to...[/quote]







When i first installed it, mine did not want to center from the 5-6 gate, after looking over everything and adjusting the rear linkage, it now centers.

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[Anchorman]

The lack of centering from the 5-6 gate is the problem I'm having. I'm glad to read that adjustment can fix it.

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[StephenHallman]

Would this be worth getting for only $90? How easy is it to install myself? I think if I was given directions I would be able to do it... And lastly is there anything else that I will need to buy to install this?

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[Anchorman]

I had my car at RS Barn yesterday to deal with the lack of centering from the 5/6 gate. Removing the block and doing a little filing/reaming/etc. has resulted in a very significant improvement. While it still doesn't center quite as well from 5/6 as it does from 1/2, it's more than good enough and it seems to be gradually improving. I'm now satisfied with the mod.

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[FRporscheman]

The throw of a stock 968 shifter is nothing... try hopping into a 901 with a worn out tranny. You WILL punch the dashboard going to 1st and 3rd, and you WILL jab yourself in the gut when going into 2nd. I hate those early 911 trannies!

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[pickwick]

Mine also didn't self-center initially. It loosened up after about two weeks--with no mechanical intervention on my part--and now is fine. Much crisper feel than before although of course the long throws are still there.

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[Cloud9...68]

[quote name='FRporscheman' post='39924' date='Aug 15 2007, 04:31 AM']The throw of a stock 968 shifter is nothing... try hopping into a 901 with a worn out tranny. You WILL punch the dashboard going to 1st and 3rd, and you WILL jab yourself in the gut when going into 2nd. I hate those early 911 trannies![/quote]

Makes me ownder what Porsche was thinking when they designed these linkages. The stiffness associated with my short shift kit is a bit annoying, but I'd NEVER go back to stock.

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[Anchorman]

I'm pleased to report that the shift block is now performing as it should - the side-to-side slop is gone, and the self-centering is smooth from both 1/2 and 5/6. I'm done with shifter mods.

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[968workaholic]

[quote name='Anchorman' post='40835' date='Sep 5 2007, 08:53 PM']I'm pleased to report that the shift block is now performing as it should - the side-to-side slop is gone, and the self-centering is smooth from both 1/2 and 5/6. I'm done with shifter mods.[/quote]



LOL! Im glad that you are finally pleased with your mod. But, im surprised that you say you are done with shifter mods........ we will see if that is still true when RSB comes out with some kind of new fangled shifter mod. Happy to hear everything worked out well.

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