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Working with your mechanic?
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: ![]() |
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so you come to the number from 1984 reading the trany numbers? Can we see it too?
Ivan
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1985 911 with original 502 191 miles...808 198 km "The difference between genius and stupidity is that, genius has its limits". Albert Einstein. |
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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.
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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. |
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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
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1985 911 with original 502 191 miles...808 198 km "The difference between genius and stupidity is that, genius has its limits". Albert Einstein. |
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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.
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Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Chesapeake, VA
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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.
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Chris 1988 911 Carrera Targa (driving project started JAN 2022) 1970 911E - Long since gone 1972 911 Targa - gone 1987 911 Carrera - gone Retired FA-18C Driver |
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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
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Turn3 Autosport- Full Service and Race Prep www.turn3autosport.com 997 S 4.0, Cayman S 3.8, Cayenne Turbo, Macan Turbo, 69 911, Mini R53 JCW , RADICAL SR3 Last edited by Jeff Alton; 02-25-2023 at 02:24 PM.. |
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gearhead
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Loverland, CO
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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.
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1974 914 Bumble Bee 2009 Outback XT 2008 Cayman S shop test Mule 1996 WRX V-limited 450/1000 |
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The 9 Store
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Quote:
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All used parts sold as is. |
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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 ![]() |
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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=
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1985 911 with original 502 191 miles...808 198 km "The difference between genius and stupidity is that, genius has its limits". Albert Einstein. |
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Great NorthWest
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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!
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'78 Targa in Minerva Blue |
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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? |
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Quote:
Ivan
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1985 911 with original 502 191 miles...808 198 km "The difference between genius and stupidity is that, genius has its limits". Albert Einstein. |
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gearhead
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Loverland, CO
Posts: 23,559
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Brad and Tyson will take good care of you. You’re in good hands.
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1974 914 Bumble Bee 2009 Outback XT 2008 Cayman S shop test Mule 1996 WRX V-limited 450/1000 |
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