1986 911 Transmission

[msk1986911]

I've noticed that the gearshift lever snaps to a center position from right to left when in neutral (similar to my daily driver {Honda}). However, it does not "snap" as firmly from left to right. Is there a spring that may be broken or missing? This has no impact om shifting as far as I can tell; the gearshft just seems to be not as crisp as maybe it should be. My 911 currently has about 73K miles on it and runs very well. After I purchased the car (about 3K ago) I had the transmission oil drained and replaced with SWEPCO. THe difference has been either (i) dramatic or (ii) I have become accustomed to the Porsche transmission, although I think (i) is more likely. By the way, does anyone know if the the 86 911 has the rubber cebtered clutch?

[johnsjmc]

The spring centering effect you are looking for is fairly weak in a 911 because of the length and weight of the linkage (all the way to the rear). The rubber centred clutch was not used in an 86.

[BGCarrera32]

In your '86 you have what is known as the 915 transmission. There is no centering mechanism for left to right in the neutral plane like your Honda (what you are describing about it not being crisp is the way they are). You also do not have a rubber centered clutch; those were done away with for the Carrera when it was introduced in '84. If you'd like to make a nice improvement for the money in your shifting, I'd suggest the Seine Systems gate shift kit available from Pelican Parts. It is basically a small mount that screws onto the side of your shift housing underneath the shift bag and provides an adjustable spring and some extra parts that make the shifter feel a lot less vague while centering the lever between 3rd and 4th gear in the neutral plane. Swepco was a good first step. Also think about replacing your shift coupler and shift lever bushings which is fairly inexpensive if you do it yourself. If you have moderate mechanical knowledge, all of the above can be accomplished on a Saturday afternoon. I did the Seine Systems kit and for the money it was one of the best upgrades to the car, and makes the gear lever feel a lot less...cheesy. Good luck!

[msk1986911]

Thanks for the response. I know that the life of a clutch can vary by user. In any event, what is the expected life for a clutch in an 86 911, not used for auto-cross or DE, just driven moderately? I don't punch it as the clutch is being released; I let the clutch out then hit it (especially in 2nd). beyond that and I am flirting with traffic tickets +

[PatrickB]

A good average might be +-70k miles? Obviously some will post that they got more, but I would think you are reaching the end of its usefull life after 70k miles...
Mine was replaced in my car at the time I purchased it ~65k miles. I just replaced it at 137k miles, at the same time I rebuilt the transmission. Clutch was still working well at that time too, but another one of those while you're there replace it item$...

[makaio]

My 86 made it to 91,000 on the original clutch. While doing the clutch I had the gear box freashened as well.

All good advice above, but one other thing I would ad is to check your clucth adjustment. That can make a big difference in the feel of a 915 transmission.