new (rebuilt) transmission?

fogcity · 03-31-2003, 04:39 PM

Just heard from my mechanic that the '84 Carrera I just got needs a new transmission - Damn! He said that it's screaming (which it is, especially in lower rpms) and that instead of going in there and replacing a few sets of bearings it's more cost-effective to find a place that rebuilds trannys and swap 'em out.

He's going to call around tomorrow and get prices. What I want to know (but am afraid to ask) is how much does this thing usually cost here in the Bay area? Also, it needs its 15k servicing - what's that usually run?

Thanks.

john walker's workshop · 03-31-2003, 05:18 PM

don't most real porsche shops rebuild their own transmissions? if you sent it out you would probably pay $1000-$1200, + shipping. a shop that did the whole thing would probably charge $1500-$1800 total, depending on what was inside. that's seattle prices. probably worse there. a full service is $600-$650 here. then there's the clutch assembly, which should be inspected while the transmission is off, and that will be minimal labor and mostly parts, if it needs to be replaced. if it's less than 50% remaining, it should be replaced.

redducati750 · 03-31-2003, 05:20 PM

i have heard good things about Vertex in Miami.

83SC in PA · 03-31-2003, 05:45 PM

I have heard not-so-good things about Vertex in Miami. Caveat emptor!

jyl · jyl's Garage

That's too bad. You just got this car? Have you posted pics? If you had a PPI did it reveal any transmission problem and was it your current mechanic who did the PPI? I guess what I'm trying to tactfully ask is if you should get a second opinion . . .

The other thing I wonder is if it makes sense to get a used (not rebuilt) transmission from a dismantler like Parts Heaven. I do not have any experience to opine from, just think you might look into that option. Seems there's probably plenty of wrecked Carreras that had perfectly fine transmissions.

And, I'm sure somewhere on this board there is a list of little things that should be done or checked while the engine is out. Something like "seals, senders, sound pad, and a solid cleaning".

Superman · 03-31-2003, 07:56 PM

Baulderdash! It shifts, right? Before you condemn it, look at the gear oil. If it is old at all, change it. Drive it a few hundred miles and drain that oil. Add Swepco. There are a few numbers, I think, but Swepco 201 or 212 I think are good. Warren likes the straight 90w. This stuff is like magic. There was another sold customer in the last week here. Try it.

My tranny is balky, as are most of the 911s the rest of these guys drive.

fogcity · 03-31-2003, 08:06 PM

Thanks, guys.

Yes, I had another mechanic do a PPI and was told at that time the car would need tranny work soon. The overall condition looked good and, aside from the tranny, got an okay bill of health. It may have been wiser to pass the car up for one that didn't need this work but you know how it is - buying a car is an emotional thing (as much as I hate to admit it). Plus, it was the newest one I could afford and since it was a 3.2, wouldn't need a tensioner upgrade, had good paint, etc. I figured I'd take a gamble on the trans. AND, it's my first Porsche so I really didn't know what I was doing.

I'm waiting to post a picture until I get this thing worked out and can decide if it's a "good" car or not.

fogcity · 03-31-2003, 08:11 PM

As far as Swepco goes, I saw in the records (after I got them home) that this was used already @ two years ago. I don't mind the balky aspect - it's somewhat fun to have trouble getting it into 1st on a hill - it's just the terrible hissing, static, metal on metal sound along with the gear shift 'clunking' back and forth in tune with the accelerater that bugs me.

Two Oh · 03-31-2003, 08:15 PM

Well I'll say something.

I really like John Walker.

If I ever had a transmission or engine problem, I would remove and load in my Surburban and make the trek to Seattle.

Lot's of nice rivers to fish between SF and Seattle.

Superman · 03-31-2003, 08:18 PM

Well in that case, I'd suggest a half cup of sawdust in the oil.

Kidding. Glad you got the car you wanted. Trannies are pretty straightforward. When mine needs rebuilding, JW will do it.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Sounds like a bearing problem. Have a good reputable tranny place look at it.

James

04-01-2003, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Two Oh
Well I'll say something.

I really like John Walker.

If I ever had a transmission or engine problem, I would remove and load in my Surburban and make the trek to Seattle.

JWW is the only reason I'm moving to Seattle. OK,,, not the only reason, but definately in the top 5.

rstoll · 04-01-2003, 03:34 AM

Sounds like you may have transmission or engine, MOUNT problems, if the shifter is moving around. This might be transmitting transmission noise to the chassis too.

Dantilla · 04-01-2003, 07:04 AM

Okay, I like John Walker too, but I hope we don't end up with a bunch of pelicanheads in white robes in front of his shop saying "Ohmmm....Ohmmmm....Swepcooooo.......Amps..... Ohmmms....... 19mm......

Jdub · 04-01-2003, 07:27 AM

Fogcity:

What, exactly, is your transmission doing? The 915 trans always sounds a bit noisy. Does it grind in any shift? Is it impossible to get it into gear? There are many, many outside variables that ought to be tended to before R&R'ing the trans: Search here on Shift Fork, Shift Coupler, Bushing on End of Shift, Trans mounts, and Swepco.

Are you handy with a wrench? Can you put the car on 'jackstands?

John

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Purchasing a rebuilt transmission and swapping it in will save time but has problems IMHO. I doubt the mechanic who would do the install would provide you a warranty on a transmission built by someone else. You will also know exactly what was done if you have a shop do the rebuild. With a rebuilt exchange you have to hope the mechanic didn't decide that a part looked OK and put it back it.

Even if it runs $2K to have your transmission rebuilt you will have the piece of mind knowing you will have a trans that will go another 100K miles. I know it sucks being you just purchased the car, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

fogcity · 04-01-2003, 06:49 PM

John - thanks for the questions. The tranny makes a loud "static" sound, not so much like metal grinding but perhaps. The sound is worse in lower rpms and therefor in higher gears (unless I'm going 110mph) and when in 4th or 5th gear the stick shift rocks back and forth with the accelerator. The sound is about as loud as the engine - when I'm costing all I hear is a sweet purr. AND, it's at times hard to go into 1st at a dead stop.

As far as handy with a wrench, yes I am however I have no experiance with Porsches or trannys. As far as jackstands, I'm in the city and only have a parking space in a common garrage - so, no, I can't jack it.

I've heard from this board that swapping or rebuilding can run $1200 - $2000; is this counting labor? How long does the car usually stay in the shop for (ball park figure)?

Thanks again,
-Dylan

john walker's workshop · 04-01-2003, 06:59 PM

sounds like it might need a ring and pinion if this has been going on for very long. the clue is the shifter moving forward and back, on and off the throttle. there's a retainer plate that holds the pinion bearing tight against the differential housing that is probably toast. sometimes that's the whole noise problem, sometimes the ring and pinion is chewed from running this way too long. opening it up will tell.

fogcity · 04-01-2003, 07:03 PM

John - Thanks. I've heard your name here before with much praise. Yes, looking at records it looks like this has been going on for about 18 months. Is what you mentioned the same as the Shift bearings I've read about in "101 Projects for your 911 Porsche"?

Thanks,
Dylan