SLC 24 Howard Jones

[Howard Jones]

So I have been in a wait-for-it mode since I ordered my new Grbx from California Motorsports. One of the changes I will need to make is the shifter. The 996T 6-speed is different from the G50s in that the cross gate throw is the opposite direction movement of the cable. Not the shifter but the direction the cable moves. I had an old shifter that was given to me that was meant to be used with a ZF, so I used the box to make this one. It is a direct copy of the Porsche shifter I bought used on eBay.

So far I have more or less completed the actual box and shifter. Mine makes all the same motions and throw lengths as the Porsche. When I get the Grbx back, I will make the other end mechanism that is on the Grbx. I want to shorten the cable lengths and change the directions of their approach to the levers. The 996 shift levers are on the side of the case instead of all the way at the rear like on the G50. The other difference is the 996 Grbx is flipped and so the levers are on the opposite side from standard.

There is going to be a long flat bottom that will mount the cable's anchors as well as mount the entire unit in the same location and use the same mounting holes as my current G50 shifter.

The first picture is mine with the Porsche side by side and the last is the Porsche alone.

 

[Howard Jones]

GRBX ready. I should have it, as well as my G50 home in a week or so. I am looking forward to getting it in the car so I can work out necessary modifications to the G50 install set up. I will post a lot of information as well as pictures as I do that.

 

[Howard Jones]

Here's the final prototype shifter installed in the car. I will need to get the grbx back in and complete the install so I can run the cables in situ. The main thing it to verify that the shifter throws are complete and correct. If not fix it. Also I will need to be sure to avoid the heat by running them in the best way to do so. Lastly length will need to be verified. The cables I have may work, but Its pretty easy to order new ones that are the correct length once I use the ones I have to mock up the exact length required.

I think the grbx will be on the way this coming week.

 

[Howard Jones]

With the cockpit end of the shifter system complete (fingers crossed) I now have completed the GRBX end of the system with the cable anchor and cable mount. Pretty simple really but it needed to be made to fit my needs. I got the rest of the remaining pieces today so I can install the GRBX onto the engine, Then put into the chassis and begin the rest of the modifications as needed. More pictures as I finish stuff.

 

[Howard Jones]

I've made some progress on installing the 996T 6-speed. So far so good. Moving the engine forward 1 1/2" really paid off. Not only has it substantially improved driveshaft angles but it also gave me some more room to fit it in on length. So far I had to lengthen the wing mount a inch to provide clearance to the end of the GRBX. (see pic). I have also confirmed that the clutch/bellhousing/input shaft end of the GRBX is the same as the G50 and bolted right up. The width between the output shafts is also the same as the G50 so the driveshafts can be reused.

Today I am going to install the exhaust system and see how that fits. Fingers crossed!!!!! Moving the engine forward SHOULD have improved the clearances on the exhaust system where they were minimal before so we'll see. Then I have to make a rear GRBX mount. The one in the pictures is used to lift the engine/GRBX as well as to use my transaxle lift cradle. Then remount the GRBX cooler pump and radiator as well as remake the plumbing for it. All the mounts need to be remade.

I am still undecided on GRBX cable routing. I can see that I will need new cables as the ones I have are clearly too short even using the most direct route. I will do this last I think.