By Stephen Kasper (Imagine Auto)

Today I tossed in a short throw shifter into a 996, and thought some might want to see how to do it. It is a pretty basic install, but knocking out the old bushings is not something you really want to watch anyone do. The process is the same for the Boxster.

This is the first performance upgrade that should be done to any 996 or boxster. After you have felt the short throw shifter, going back to the horrendously long stock throw of the 996 and boxster feels horrible. This mod will make driving the car much more fun, and it will actually feel like a sports car.

The B&M shifter is available from Imagine Auto by clicking the following link:
http://imagineauto.com/Merchant2/mer...de=boxinterior

Tools required:
1 hammer
1 chisel
1 6mm allen key
1 19mm wrench or cresent wrench
1 10mm socket with extension (1/4" rachet)
1 Flat blade screwdriver
1 T20 torx bit
1 T30 torx bit

Time: About 1-1.5 hours if you have never done one. 20-30 minutes if you have.

Procedure:

The first steps with the trim and center CD disc holder removal are optional, it can be done without remove them, but it is much easier to get the center console out and back in with these out of the way.

Pull off the trim on the side of the center console by pulling from the front part, and pulling towards the back. It will snap and rotate out. Repeat for the other side.


Pull the carpeted trim piece out next, in the same motion: Repeat for the other side.


Remove the 2 T20 torx screws seen here: Repeat for the other side.


Pull off the handbrake side trim. Starting at the top, pull towards the drivers side, it will pop out like a hinge, then lift up and out towards you.


Remove the Ashtry by just pulling it out. Remove the 2 T30 torx screws out, and pull the trim piece with switches up towards you. These are the only T30 screws, the rest will be T20's.


There are 3 wire connectors you must remove (5 if you have a 996 cab), 2 window switches and the connector for the ash tray light. You can grab the window connectors and gently pry away from the switches (white is drivers side, black is passenger side). Unplug the ashtray light. After pulling the console piece out, remove the torx screw underneath.

 

Pull off the shift boot, it is held in place by snap clips. Start at the rear and pop it out and remove. Once the trim is comletely loose, pull up hard on the shift knob itself, to slide it off the shifter handle. They can be fairly stuck on, but they will simply slide upwards with enough force. It is a tight fit.


Remove the torx screw in front of the shifter:


Open the rear compartment and remove the rubber base. With a flat blade screwdriver, remove the change holder. It will simply slide up towards the roof. Underneath is 1 torx screw. Remove that screw and the one at the center rear of the compartment. Once that is out, remove the plastic tray.


Once the tray is out, there is 1 more torx underneath:


Pull out the disc holder front of the shifter if you have not already done so.


Underneath the console is another wire that must be disconnected. It plugs into the console lock, and you can see it through the handbrake hole. You can start to pull up on the entire console now, it will be loose. As soon as you can get your hand underneath, reach in an disconnect the wire.


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