Installed on an 2008 9-3 2.0T.

I didn't have to take the shift console out to cut the base, i was able to get the space to do it incar by removing both side trim pieces and the shifter housing. I used a hacksaw with a long blade to cut out the plastic.

I had trouble cutting the ball of the original shift base, it seems on the 08's the base is changed a bit, to cut on the long side of 5/8" means you have to file down some odd angles left from the curve before the ball. It took a bit of creative reshaping to get the short shift adaptor to fit properly.

On re-install I found the easiest method to pop the ball back in was to use a belt. I slid it through the side of the shifter base and underneath where the ball goes, pulled up on the belt, pushed down on the shifter and presto hassle free ball engagement.

I did have to readjust my shifter when everything was said and done, there is a pretty comprehensive step by step tutorial for this on this website http://www.genuinesaab.com/psi/files3/F40CableAdjust.pdf

I did unfortunately break the clip that holds the horizontal cable during the adjustment process, luckily it's a cheap part, and is only broken on one side and still holds so the car is still driveable.

The shifter doesn't shorter the throws that much, it's more noticeable for the odd number gears, but it does tighten up the patter and cleans up that dreaded 1-2 shift quite a bit. I also have the GS shift bushing reinforcement on the car, and that helps loads too. I figure the next logical step is to get the base bushings, as I will have to open up the area again to fix that clip.

Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!]