Working with your mechanic?

[FloydPink]

After about a year of smooth sailing (driving?) with the 911, I feel it's time to replace my clutch. My 1986 911 has the 915 from a 1984 911 and I don't know why that is (nothing in the maintenance records that go back to the late 90s and the PO was unaware that it wasn't the original transmission). Since I'm going to replace the clutch I'm thinking I'll also have the 915 rebuilt for peace of mind, and in addition I'll have the fuel lines replaced, valves adjusted, CHT/speed/ref sensors replaced, etc etc while the engine and transmission are out.

I love working on my car myself, but for this much work I just want to take it somewhere. Since I've got a sizable laundry list of things I'd like to have done, does anyone have any advice for working through this with a mechanic? I don't want to show up looking like a psycho with a spreadsheet of "things to do".

Obligatory "good times" pics below:
A Tuesday morning sprint up to Newcomb's Ranch before work:


Happy times passing the dreaded CA smog test:

[proporsche]

so you come to the number from 1984 reading the trany numbers? Can we see it too?
Ivan

[FloydPink]

915/70 transmission, 74E10431 - I did some research and learned that this transmission likely belonged to a 1984 m491 911 from the factory. Also the bottom part of the "E" is a little blurry due to jpg compression, but it is undoubtedly an "E", not an "F" in person.

[EC900]

In most cases, any mechanic will replace anything you want. A good, honest mechanic will find all that’s actually needing replacement. Always heard (for ‘regular cars’) that never tell a shop to replace this and that, rather that you explain the symptoms and let them do the diagnostics. Honest shop will advise, and I’m in the ‘better safe than sorry’ camp…so be prepared $ vs. $$$.

Since an expensive engine drop is coming, a experienced (qualified) 911 mechanic will go through their “list” of things that should be replaced, including a test drive to diagnose that clutch issue. I think hard to reach hoses and triangle of death components should and would be routinely inspected and addressed, well worthy replacement concerns.

I’m coming up on this work too. I too feel things need changing and maybe tightened up. The uniqueness of the 915 shouldn’t be left to someone used to the ordinary, run-of-the-mill transmission operation, so I insist on using a dedicated air cooled 911/915 shop.
It’s that confidence in mechanics shop experience is what counts to me.

Yes, I’ll have my fix-list in hand because I want to be sure I get the most from an engine drop. I’m just hope my wallet can accommodate the bill and the long waiting list at the shop !
Good luck.

[proporsche]

i would say your transmission numbers were redone by somebody ..do not match the official type of numbers
look here..
http://wevo.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/with_lsd.jpg

[911 SLANT]

I've been very happy with Pro Motorsports in Burbank, ca. Tyson Schmidt is one of the best mechanics out there. Porsche only shop. Talk to Brad on your wants and concerns. He will work with you.

[FA-18C]

I am smack dab in the middle of this with the local air-cooled guy. Thankfully he is a quarter mile from our office headquarters, so I called and dropped in and spent 30 minutes talking with the owner and office manager. Sent them my spreadsheet for what I thought I wanted done ahead of time, and they had a "whole enchilada" quote for me when I showed up. Mech recommended a more bare bones approach, and flat out said if I wanted to bring in the other parts he would install them.

He has 40 years of experience, and it was nice to hear them push back on work they believed may not be necessary. I have a G50 - so am replacing the pressure plate, release bearing, clutch disk, fork and R&S shaft, and guide tube. They will clean up the flywheel and check the ring gear. Cleaning the engine and bay, triangle of death items, oil breather hose, new engine insulation pad, and valve adjustment. The clutch master cylinder are new, and bled (in last two weeks). So pretty comprehensive. They inspected trailing arm bushings and recommended to wait for that work. I have oil return tubes at the ready and they will install if they see any leakage - nothing right now, but if they are seeping, why not.

Talking through it, he was clear that he will do what I want, and will provide recommendations based on inspection, but was not a huge fan of just throwing parts at it...He prefers to rebuild the various bearings based on most of them lasting 30 years...

I am really looking to having this behind me.

[Jeff Alton]

At our shop, we would love you to walk in with a list of things you want done, and an expectation level. Not psycho at all. It lets the shop know what you want and the min level you want it done to. Perfect. Of course, while we are in there we would perform a detailed digital inspection and discuss any additional findings with you and create a plan. If your shop balks at that, find a new shop.

Cheers

[Matt Monson]

Sounds like a totally reasonable list to me. In fact they are some things many people put off and don’t want to do. Just don’t try to be your own project manager or run around price shopping and telling them which exact parts to use (or provide your own). Find a good thorough mechanic in your area, give them your car and a deposit, and come back in a month or two ready to enjoy the summer driving.

[mepstein]

Originally Posted by Jeff Alton

At our shop, we would love you to walk in with a list of things you want done, and an expectation level. Not psycho at all. It lets the shop know what you want and the min level you want it done to. Perfect. Of course, while we are in there we would perform a detailed digital inspection and discuss any additional findings with you and create a plan. If your shop balks at that, find a new shop.

Cheers

Same here. It's much easier to be on the same page with a customer when everything is on paper. Then when the trans is open, you can update it as needed.

[FloydPink]

Ivan, that's news to me! Thanks for the reference image... guessing others agree?

Thank you everyone for the advice, sounds like I should stick with a list of some high-level items (replace clutch, rebuild trans, adjust valves, etc) but not too detailed (replace clutch with xyz part, only rebuild 1st gear, etc). As 911 SLANT noticed by the license plate frame, I'll be working with Pro Motorsports. Since I still consider myself somewhat new to the aircooled world I wanted to make sure I don't ruffle any feathers when I call them

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by FloydPink

Ivan, that's news to me! Thanks for the reference image... guessing others agree?

Thank you everyone for the advice, sounds like I should stick with a list of some high-level items (replace clutch, rebuild trans, adjust valves, etc) but not too detailed (replace clutch with xyz part, only rebuild 1st gear, etc). As 911 SLANT noticed by the license plate frame, I'll be working with Pro Motorsports. Since I still consider myself somewhat new to the aircooled world I wanted to make sure I don't ruffle any feathers when I call them

Also..looks like you are-were missing the little arm return spring..this one.I do not see any wear on that nipple on left of your picture
this one
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/91511661402.htm?pn=915-116-614-02-OEM&bc=c&SVSVSI=

[Jdub]

You could do a lot worse than asking this question here, so you are already on your way to a solid connection. We have the wonder who is John Walker in the PNW (plus others) and when I hand John my car he notes and fixes what else he sees "while he's in there" - a wholistic approach and the cost is pennies on the dollar.

Tyson is awesome from what I understand. For sure, when you approach your mechanic, let them know they come rated on this BBS. Generally speaking that makes them sit up a bit straighter and listen. Good luck and forge that bond!

[FloydPink]

You are the man, Ivan...

Also, was just thinking, is there anything I can check to know what model year 915 I have? I think gear ratios differed a bit from year to year, as did the existence or size of some seals, right?

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by FloydPink

You are the man, Ivan...

Also, was just thinking, is there anything I can check to know what model year 915 I have? I think gear ratios differed a bit from year to year, as did the existence or size of some seals, right?

i would worry too much what kind of 915 you have .most likely USA version....let your mechanic deal with that....what i see you will be in good hands

Ivan

[Matt Monson]

Brad and Tyson will take good care of you. You’re in good hands.