Boxster Broken Shifter Cable

It is just a matter of time before you experience a Boxster broken shifter cable. The 986, 987 and 987.2 have a severe issue with the shifter cable snapping. When the cable breaks it will leave you stranded.

When my shifter cable broke I was 10 km (6 miles) from home. My 987.2 was stuck in 3rd gear. I limped home and was unable to shift. I hit my 4-way blinkers and endured the honking of frustrated drivers angry at my slow driving (that was a first.) Only my clutch worked and it was excruciating to “ride the clutch” to start the car moving.

Porsche has Released Upgraded Shifter Cable Assembly

Every online Porsche Car Forum has multiple dedicated threads on the issue of broken shifter cables. I was very surprised to learn of this as I had never experienced this type of issue on any car that I previously owned.

I was lucky in that my car was still under warranty. Porsche towed my car in and replaced the cables with the original OEM shifter cables. This means that there is a very good chance that this issue will happen again.

Porsche has since released a newer set of shifter cables for the 987.2. Using Suncoast Parts, it was odd to see 2 different versions of shifter cables listed. I noticed that Porsche is discontinuing their original shift cable in favour of a newer (twice as expensive) upgrade kit. Porsche calls it a “Shift Cable Update Kit” and sells it for $ 799 USD. The Updated kit includes 2 additional pieces.

Many forum and PCA members opt to use the Numeric Performance Racing Shifter Cables. Numeric details on their site: “It’s a well-known fact that OEM shifter cables will break at some point in time. The question remains, when?

For general maintenance, it is recommended to replace the OEM shifter cables with the Numeric Racing set to prevent this unfriendly occurrence.”

The Numeric Racing Performance Shifter Cables are stiffer than the OEM cables, and also transmit ” absolutely every bit of motion from the transmission selectors”
supertbone @ Planet-9

3 Reviews

Numeric Racing Performance Shifter Cables Compatible with Porsche 986/987 Bulkhead Wrench Included (987 6 Speed)

It’s a well-known fact that OEM shifter cables will break at some point in time. The question remains, when? For general maintenance, it is recommended to replace the OEM shifter cables with a new set to prevent this unfriendly occurrence.
Numeric Racing’s Performance Shifter Cables include a wider diameter cable, aluminum rod ends and stainless steel mounting connectors. This assembly greatly improves the overall strength, performance, and durability of the cables. This results in a significant enhancement throughout gear engagement and cable longevity.
Most importantly, Numeric Racing Shifter Cables are designed to completely eliminate the excess movement found to be the known culprit of cable breaks. A Numeric Racing cable has NEVER broken.
Increased Cable Diameter to Eliminate Breaking, Stainless Steel Mounting Connectors, Enhanced Shift Connection, Precise Engagement, Aluminum Rod Ends

3 Reviews

Numeric Racing Performance Shifter Cables Compatible with Porsche 986/987 Bulkhead Wrench Included (986 S 6 Speed)

It’s a well-known fact that OEM shifter cables will break at some point in time. The question remains, when? For general maintenance, it is recommended to replace the OEM shifter cables with a new set to prevent this unfriendly occurrence.
Numeric Racing’s Performance Shifter Cables include a wider diameter cable, aluminum rod ends and stainless steel mounting connectors. This assembly greatly improves the overall strength, performance, and durability of the cables. This results in a significant enhancement throughout gear engagement and cable longevity.
Most importantly, Numeric Racing Shifter Cables are designed to completely eliminate the excess movement found to be the known culprit of cable breaks. A Numeric Racing cable has NEVER broken.
Increased Cable Diameter to Eliminate Breaking, Stainless Steel Mounting Connectors, Enhanced Shift Connection, Precise Engagement, Aluminum Rod Ends

3 Reviews

Numeric Racing Performance Shifter Cables Compatible with Porsche 986/987 Bulkhead Wrench Included (986/987 5 Speed Manual)

It’s a well-known fact that OEM shifter cables will break at some point in time. The question remains, when? For general maintenance, it is recommended to replace the OEM shifter cables with a new set to prevent this unfriendly occurrence.
Numeric Racing’s Performance Shifter Cables include a wider diameter cable, aluminum rod ends and stainless steel mounting connectors. This assembly greatly improves the overall strength, performance, and durability of the cables. This results in a significant enhancement throughout gear engagement and cable longevity.
Most importantly, Numeric Racing Shifter Cables are designed to completely eliminate the excess movement found to be the known culprit of cable breaks. A Numeric Racing cable has NEVER broken.
Increased Cable Diameter to Eliminate Breaking, Stainless Steel Mounting Connectors, Enhanced Shift Connection, Precise Engagement, Aluminum Rod Ends

Do not be surprised when this issue occurs. Knowledge is power.