Damn, it's nice to have a rebuilt 915
 

Just got my car back from the shop yesterday. I had him rebuild my 915 tranny, which was really screwed up. (The rebuild is WAY beyond my limited skills, for now.) Replaced the synchros, sliders, and some dog teeth. Also put in a new clutch assembly. Man, is there a big difference. I really have to pull it into second from first right now, but I'm told that with a little wear that shift will become easier.

Nice to hear your happy. My tranny and 3.2 are in the shop right now, I am more nervous about the outcome of my tranny then motor.

I am hoping to get the experience that the original owner got when he drove it off the lot. (maybe my expectations are too high)

I am 99% happy with the tranny now, and I'm pretty confident that other than the stiff shift into second, I'm getting what the original buyer got in 1982. As soon as that issue goes away, I'll be 100% happy.

Anyone have any experience with stiff shifting after rebuilding their tranny?

they all need a few days and lots of shifting to break in properly. you would think that with all new stuff they would shift perfectly right out of the box, but they generally don't.

Thanks, John. It's a shame you're all the way up in WA. I'd love to make your garage my car's second home... Well, maybe not THAT frequent a visitor, but I think you catch my drift. :)

Your experience is encouraging to me. I will have to do the same thing within the next year or two. Would you mind telling us in general terms how much it cost?

Im at a about $2000 with all the sliders, syncros and dog teath.

strother,

had my 915 rebuilt last year and had the same thing. very "notchy" feeling for the first thousand miles or so. After that it's much more smooth going in/out of all gears. It was a large difference for me too, mainly in that 1st gear would actually engage when I got it back! :p but also the gearbox feels more decicive and it's very simple to feel the gear engage. As far as the shift from 1st to 2nd, my best advice is to pull straight back instead of slightly to the left. even with a rebuilt 915, these things are going to require more attention and responsibility in treatment when compared to a modern tranny.

I don't mind telling you EXACTLY what I paid. I'm sure the DIYers will crap when they see thism but here goes:

LABOR
Drop and replace engine and tranny: $525.00
Disassemble tranny, replace parts, reassemble: $600.00
Remove/replace 1st/2nd gear dogteeth: $187.50

PARTS
All synchros: $415.99
1st/2nd gear dogteeth: $358.00
Sliders: $345.95

TOTAL
$2432.44

Im about to run my fresh 915 for the first time, really looking forward to feeling that sucker out. Let me put in my rebuild costs:

PARTS:
Shipped in '73 915 - $950
Wevo bearing retainer - $250
Gasket kit - $40
Flipped Syncros - FREE

LABOR:
6 hours in the garage with 2 friends and the proper tools - priceless

TOTAL:
$1240

Just to calm the porsche-gods, the syncros were in perfect shape to begin with, flipping them was just for good measure.