915 vs G-50

[esample]

Am actively seeking a mid-eighties 911. I had planned to buy 87-88 based on what I've heard about the newer transmission. However, I have recently run across an '86 that I really like. Right color, nice original paint, exceptional original interior, all records, outstanding PPI, and reasonably priced. Should the 915 tranny be the deal breaker, or will I adjust to it over time?

Thanks for your help.

-ernie

[Rot 911]

Is this some sort of plot put out by the G50 crowd? A well sorted 915 tranny shifts just fine as long as you remember to hesitate briefly when shifting between first and second. If you can't handle that you probably should be driving a Honda Accord.

[Evans, Marv]

Wouldn't mid-80s be mostly '84, '85, & '86 with '87 & up being later '80s? A 915 in good condition wouldn't be a deal breaker at all, in my opinion either. Buy the best car you can afford in the best condition you can find. Cars from those years are all pretty good cars. Good luck.

[Zef]

If this 911 suit your need and is a good one...don't pass your turn just for that...!

[esample]

Whoa! I didn't mean to step on anyone's toes...yes, I suppose you're right about 86-87 being later '80s. And please don't relegate me to an Accord. (not that there's anything wrong with Accords) I've just read so many posts regarding the G50 that I was wondering if I was making a mistake with the '86. But I do appreciate all the feedback I can get at this point. So thanks guys. I'm still seriously considering this car.

[Wil Ferch]

Plus....as I've said many times before ( search ?)...the G50 wasn't fully developed until April '89 production....leaving many G50 87's, 88's and few 89's without the *necessary* fork shaft bushing/ bearing support upgrade...which *will* bite you sooner or later...if mods weren't done.

- Wil

[CharlesJones]

Honestly the 915 is great fun, and in my opinion really contributes to the character of the car. The change it certainly slow, but also has a very satisfying quality to it.

I think most of the bad press associated with 915s has come from cars where the shift linkage isn't set up properly, and also due to the fact there is no spring loading to help you find the central 3rd/4th plane. Just making sure the shift bushings are okay (very cheap to replace) and fitting something like the Sienne Systems gate shift kit (also cheap) fixes both these issues.

The 915 is also a tad lighter than the G50, although a lot of people say the slightly quicker change of the G50 counteracts any miniscule advantage this gives.

[Greek55]

What Charles said, plus the 915 gives a lot more feedback to the driver. The 911 used to be a drivers car. That to me is part of the reason I enjoy driving a 911SC.

[Jay H]

When I was looking for a 3.2, I specifically sought out a 915 equipped car and skipped any G-50 cars because I enjoy the more old school/raw feel of the 915. The bad rap of the 915 comes from all the worn and abused 915's out there. As others have said, a 915 that is either still in good condition or has been freshened up is a joy to use.

However, if you just hate the feel of the 915 in this '86 (or the 915 in general), then you may want to continue your search. These 911's are also emotional purchases and you should buy what will make you happy. If you buy this '86 and then really regret not just waiting for a G-50, then it's the wrong choice.

Good Luck,

Jay
90 964, 84 3.2

[speeder]

The '86 model is arguably the most desirable Carrera, last year of the 915 w/ best linkage, first year of improved/larger HVAC vents, and the best sales year that Porsche had ever had to that point making the selection of used cars better.

I worked at the dealer in the '80s, including during the introduction of the G-50, and I would never want to own a G-50 car. I've driven the best ones on earth, (brand new), and they were (and are) a big step down on the fun ladder. If someone is completely unfamiliar w/ Porsches and does not know the difference, then yes, the G-50 might seem "better". Of course any Toyota would be "better" as well than a quirky car like the original 911.

The G-50 is stronger and able to handle more HP than a 915, but that is not an issue on the cars we are discussing. The pertinent factors are that they are heavier, (a lot), set the engine further back in the chassis, (a big no-no), and have all the feel and character of the buttons on my microwave oven. The 911 is a very old design, dating from the early '60s, and a LOT of refining occurred along the way. People will always argue about at which point they "had it right", ie. 1972/1978/1984/etc.., but a lot of that has to do with whether you appreciate the sporting nature of the car or not. And if someone is coming from a Cadillac or SUV to their first Porsche, I suppose that an automatic 964 will feel like an F1 car to them. So it's all relative. I personally draw the line at SCs for fun 911s that are not too overweight with boring torque curves, but if I did own a Carrera it would be an '84 or '86 only.

Do a search, this discussion has been beat to death in the past and I am not the lone ranger with this opinion. Good luck on the purchase.

[livi]

Welcome!

You really need to try them to know what would suit you best. I actually prefer a good set up 915. Much more connected and involving. Does not make for red light racing - but then that is not what vintage 911 is all about. Not at all. It is more about a precise connection between the driver, the car and the road. Feeling, feeling, feeling. Actual speed is less important. In this context I feel the 915 is actually a better suited companion than the G50.

Or maybe it´s because I could not afford a G50 car...

[tahoe_snow]

I agree with what the others said. The g-50 911s will probably always demand a premium because there are fewer of them.

But the reason I love driving the Porsche is the close to the bones experience that you just don't get
from a modern car. I think the 915 adds to that.

If I wanted a truly modern driving experience for about the price of a g-50 911, I'd consider a Subaru STi or
Mitsubishi Evo (both of which I'm considering as a daily driver).

I also don't understand why the 915 is so often maligned. The lack of spring loading is something that takes about 10 minutes to get used to.

If you found the right car for you and it shifts fine (no grinding or forcing into gear), I wouldn't pass it up because of the 915. Especially if it saves you a few thousand bucks. Trust me if you read this board long enough you'll find plenty of ways to spend the money you save on the 915.

[PSJoyce]

I know this has been covered by many before. I’ve owned both a 1988 with the G50 and now an ’85 with the 915. This 915 shifts better than other 915s I’d test driven, so I think its a good one. While the G50 was easier to shift, I too am finding the 915 more satisfying. If you shift it correctly, you know, and you want to do it more. They’re both good, and I’d suggest picking the better car, not the transmission model.

Paul

[tahoe_snow]

One other quick point. As livi points out the 911 isn't a straight line dragster. But with a redline shift from 3 to 4, the car starts to make more sense.

[stlrj]

There was a time when I too lusted for a G50 until I drove a few and was totally disgusted by the heavy disconnected feeling of the clutch compared to my nimble 915 that is a pleasure to drive.

[SCWDP911]

Originally posted by Kurt V
If you can't handle that you probably should be driving a Honda Accord.

LOL. You are too funny Kurt.

On a serious note... as someone who just bought their first 911 (an 83 cab), I too wondered about the 915, but the firend I trusted (whom I bought the car from), said it just takes a little getting retrained on shift habits. He was right. I love my car. Yeah, 1-2 is a little weird compared to other trannies I have used, but it is not THAT bad. Now, honestly, I have not driven a G50 tranny, so I only know the 915. It could be that if I drove a G50, I might come away saying, "man I gotta get me one". But I know no difference at this point. Try driving both before you buy, if you can. You may find that it is not a big deal for you either. Loe of 915's out there.

[DARISC]

When I was looking for a 3.2, I specifically sought out a 915 equipped car and skipped any G-50 cars because I enjoy the more old school/raw feel of the 915. The bad rap of the 915 comes from all the worn and abused 915's out there. As others have said, a 915 that is either still in good condition or has been freshened up is a joy to use.

That says it as I see it, Jay.

Plus, 915's are lighter than G50 (I've always wondered how much) - so I've read.

915's require rebuilds sooner than G50's - so I've read.

G50's also eventually wear to the point of needing a bebuild and cost more to rebuild than 915's - so I've read.

G50's are a better choice for the lazy, inattentive, inexperienced, or unskilled operator - which is NOT, definitely NOT, to say that that is representative of G50 owners! It's just that if I had a G50 car I'd be more inclined to let someone drive it than I am inclined to let someone drive my 915 car and brutalize or break it.

Me, I learned about SC's when shopping for Carrera's. I'm still a Porsche newbie of less than two years - but I knew what I wanted in terms of the particular "character" of a sports car and got my SC for its lighter weight and rawness. I like my 915.

Seems the G50 v. 915 debate will never die.

[rouxroux]

We have 2 86's, and love them. It is more of an "elemental" thing I guess, but I find them both very rewarding and fun. Heck, if it was good enough for the old RS, it's good enough for me! We just love the "feel" of them. No cup holders for us.

[911boost]

I have owned both. Granted my G50 is not in a Carrera, but once my 915 was set up properly (factory short shift kit) it was just fine. The clutch feel on my 86 was definitley lighter than in my turbo, but that is understandable.

Definitely don't let the 915 scare you aware.

[esample]

Thanks for all your replies. This car may very well be "the one". You have put my mind at ease re: transmission. I'm not looking for a race car but just love the raw power you feel in a 911. And what I am hearing is that the 915 is probably a big part of that. So I do think I'll pass on the Accord and hope to be a P-car driver soon!