How many here shift perfect everytime out?

[H.G.P.]

Well, I just changed my tranny gear oil, and have resolved to improve the smoothness of shifting.

Always "cringe" when having to down shift from third to second. Also have to make sure the clutch pedal is sufficiently down each shift.

Anyone here, with above, say 98% shift, each time out? I'd unfortunately have to rate about 85% for myself, with the resolve to improve.

[moazam]

Downshifting 3rd to 2nd has never been a problem. It requires a bit of a pull, but never any grinding. Same with 5th to 4th.

Shifting into 1st has started to be a tiny bit of a pain, sometimes it shifts 100% perfect and sometimes I have to try the shift again. Never grinding though.

3rd...*sigh* is another story. I have to rev-match a bit to shift into 3rd properly. 3rd gear syncro is shot and will need to be replaced eventually.

I also need to put in some Swepco instead of the generic stuff I have in there, but I figured I'll do it in 2-3 months time when I'm getting the whole transmission worked on.

[Jack Olsen]

I think it has just about everything to do with the condition of your tranny and bushings. A fresh 915 shifts pretty nicely.

[Moses]

First to second is balky. No confidence in that shift. All the rest are smooth and predictable.

[rdane]

Originally posted by JackOlsen
I think it has just about everything to do with the condition of your tranny and bushings. A fresh 915 shifts pretty nicely.

I'll second that comment.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by Moses
First to second is balky. No confidence in that shift. All the rest are smooth and predictable.

That can sure be said of the 901 and I've got 2 of those. As far as 98, 95 or even 85% perfect meshing of the gears, it just depends on the day. Some days I'm Jimmy Clark. Then there are those other days. But going from the 901 to the Boxster can really leave me confused if I'm not paying attention. Where'd you say reverse was?

[Adam]

Originally posted by JackOlsen:
A fresh 915 shifts pretty nicely.

I concur. My 915 (3k miles since complete overhaul) shifts perfectly.

[masraum]

Are you talking about you being able to shift well or the tranny going into gear well? Big difference. I think I'm pretty darn good, but still get excited sometimes or suffer from not paying close enough attention. I still would say that I am in the top 5%. Of course it doesn't hurt that I don't think the general public can drive a stick worth a hoot, even those who do it everyday. I hear horrible shifts all af the time, especiallf from kids with their fart can mufflers, it's so much easier to hear that way. To me too many revs combined with too slow a clutch (resulting in too much slipping) is a really bad shift. If you can time the clutch and gas just right the clutch can come out pretty quickly without being jerky. The two most common manual transgressions seem to be shifting too quickly and shifting too slowly. I also think having a good understanding of how to rev match makes you a better shifter even on upshifts.

[Langers]

masraum - when you're going for max acceleration after the first to second gear change, do you let the clutch out gently and apply throttle afterwards or jump off the clutch and hammer the accelerator?

[singpilot]

I ALWAYS remember to stop completely before shifting into reverse.

I ALWAYS hit second gear when I want to hit second gear.

I ALWAYS hit fourth gear downshifting from fifth.

I ALWAYS smile when I forget any of the above rules.

[project911]

901 tranny. Second grinds everytime unless I match revs, up or down.

All other gears have no problems, including first.

[kepperly]

I drive my 87 911 gently when cold then like the engine a few miles after 180 degree f. I start to have fun. I can shift up or down with no more than a blip of the the gas pedal. when I'm not
feeling as racey I just don't down shift until I stop. I thought it was just my car working well until a new member of our chapter asked me to drive his 912- 4spd that he was ready to have the tranny rebuilt in, I drove it like my g-50! double clutch upshift blip the trottle on down shift and amazingly he is now convinced it just needs new Swepco. Adapt yourself to the car, it doesn't read YOUR mind.

Keith Epperly

[H.G.P.]

Originally posted by masraum
[ too many revs combined with too slow a clutch (resulting in too much slipping) is a really bad shift. If you can time the clutch and gas just right the clutch can come out pretty quickly without being jerky. The two most common manual transgressions seem to be shifting too quickly and shifting too slowly. I also think having a good understanding of how to rev match makes you a better shifter even on upshifts. [/B]

I'm think my tranny is in very good condition. No metal shavings from or on the magnetic drain plug. Coupler bushings are in excellent condition. This is a 901. I'm more concerned with any esoteric weaknesses there might be in working an approximately 35 year old clutch pedal.

So after driving the Buick, where the only pedal action is soft gas and brake, the pedal force on the 69 911 is a substantial adjustment.

My actual clutch release is timed probably perfect, having previous manuals. I've just got to get that pedal down with out the concern of busting something.

Thanks for the responses.

[kepperly]

get it in the air and start lookin and lubbin

keith

[masraum]

Klaus, the gas starts to feed in just before the clutch starts to engage. To much throttle and the car will lurch forward, to little throttle and the car will be lurched backward as if you downshifted without blipping, just right and the car will almost feel like an automatic. There will of course be some change in momentum since you were decellerating for a moment, but it's a smooth resume of rate or acceleration instead of a jerk. I'm no instructor so it's hard to describe, but when you get it right it feels good. I don't feel like I'm stressing the car the way a full throttle speed shift would, and the clutch doesn't slip forever.

As some of the others have said, some days I'm on and some days not so much.

[H.G.P.]

Originally posted by masraum
To me too many revs combined with too slow a clutch (resulting in too much slipping) is a really bad shift.

Why I always check my rear-view mirror approaching an up-grade stop/stoplight...especially if in a long line of traffic with the stoplight ready to go red.

[geof33]

No worries on my 915 except the normal "gate" feel from first to second. No grinding or otherwise. Very smoove...

[Sonic dB]

Mine shifts perfectly for about 10-12 shifts...then gets a little stubborn for one or two shifts...mainly second gear.

On these occaisions, I go to second and feel some resistance there. Instead of "forcing it in", I back it out and try again...it ALWAYS goes in easier on the second try.

For first gear, I need to allow the clutch to fully engage before shifting into first from a dead stop or slight roll. This means depressing the clutch and giving it a full second before shifting to first. This always works...if I try to shift to first to quickly, it grinds (more like a little "crunch" sound)...so I give it a second to engage first.

Some jerky taxi driver didnt appreciate this one second last night...and he honked at me from behind. Then he tailgated me all down Hermosa ave. Then he flipped me off. I called his taxi company and reported him and his cab #.

Apparently he could wait a second for me to put it into first...

[Embs]

IMHO with a 915 there are two "types" of shifting. The cruising around type which is basically just straight forward shifting, with some decent pauses in-between allowing everything to catch up and sync. Then there is the raising some holyhell shifting this requires me to "juice" the gas just a tad right before I engage the clutch, especially from 1st. to 2nd. I loose a split second from the "juicing gas" part but make up for it with postive engagment and no grinding.
Every fresh (rebuilt) 915 tranny I have shifted was horrible for at least 3 to 4K miles, especially 1st. to 2nd. and 4th. to 5th.

[red-beard]

Clutch adjustment, shift bushings, rebuild the Shifter itself (2 bushings and a spring in there no one ever replaces), shift alignment, and good synchro's, sliders and dogteeth.

These babies are getting old. If you're having trouble shifting, it is probably not your technique.