Wevo shift coupler install review

sfoster13 · 03-12-2006, 03:29 PM

Today I installed the Wevo shift coupler and replaced the shift rod bushing and ball socket bushing (all parts purchased from our host of course). I had originally planned on going with the Wevo short shift kit as well but decided on going this route first and reviewing the result before proceeding based on feedback from the board . With Wayne's book and various posts as a guide, it went fairly smoothly. Ran into a couple of surprises. First surprise, the previous owner had installed the Seine shift gate kit. Threw me a little, but I eventually figured it out (now I understand why the shifting was odd). Second was that I had a lot of trouble getting the end of the shift rod coupling into the shift rod. It was really tight and made the adjustment process a PITA. Took me the better part of an hour to get the adjustment right. The only other step that took a lot of time was fitting the new shift rod bushing in to the bracket. Glad that I reviewed some posts here before attempting. Used the advice of boiling the bushing to soften it. Once I did that, it wasn't too bad.

So how did it turn out? Huge difference. The combination of the new bushings and the Wevo shift coupler is amazing. I'm set. No other upgrades needed for now. The shifts are smooth and solid and there is a lot less play between gears. I couldn't be happier. I strongly recommend this upgrade.

Sean

Oh Haha · 03-12-2006, 03:51 PM

Thanks for the review, Sean.
I installed my modified shifter today. My bushings are all new but I still have some slop in the linkage.
Do you have any fore and aft movement with the shifter in gear at the trans rod? Everything on mine is tight but I still get some movement of the shift rod going into the trans.

randywebb · 09:07 PM

Thx, but the problem is that a new Wevo was not compared with a new stock one...

Oh Haha · 03-13-2006, 03:18 AM

True but I have a new stock one and have the slop mentioned above.
there is a bit of play even in a new coupler. I would imagine its for vebration reduction.

sfoster13 · 03-13-2006, 05:09 AM

Wayne

I'll check when I get home from work, but I don't think I have much movement if I'm understanding you correctly.

Randy

My intention wasn't to review the value of the Wevo vs. stock. I love this forum, but not so much that I'd go through that process

I simply wanted to validate that the Wevo coupler was a worthwhile choice. I can't comment on the relative value to a new stock coupler.

Sean

Wil Ferch · 05:41 AM

A new stock coupler will show a terrible amount of slop. Why? Because it has to accommodate two planes of mis-fit...something only a universal joint can do without slop, and Porsche didn't want to go to the expense of a universal joint here.

Many have press-fit a tight-fitting bronze set of bushings in a stock housing..but this limits one plane of possible mis-alignment and can lead to internal trans issues...much better would be to use the tighter-fitting 914 plastic inserts, at least this way it can be "forced" into the alternate range of motion ( as a universal joint would allow) with a little bit of "give" that bronze" won't allow.

There was a long-ish discussion on this...I'll see if I can find and repost..

- Wil

EDIT--> here and the embedded threads New shift coupler - loose?

randywebb · 09:29 PM

That's fine - I just wanted to caution people who would read the review as Wevo vs. stock, rather than new Wevo vs. old stock.

... happens with tires all the time - yeh, the new tires are better than the old, hard ones that are worn down - rarely do people test new tires of the different brands - but always post as if it is the brand change that made the difference they feel...
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Bill V. has put brass/bronze bushings in, Wil. He mentioned some risks w/that...
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Wayne - are you saying that can feel a lot of slop _at the shifter/shift knob_ when a new stock coupler is put in (properly adjusted), compared with a Wevo? Or that you can feel the slop in the new stock unit when it is in your hand?

Oh Haha · 03-13-2006, 04:22 PM

I just came back from a test drive with my shifter setup. I think it is a close to no slop as a 915 can get. Without the WEVO gate setup of course.
It almost "snicks" into gear now. I am very pleased. Now if I can just leave the freakin' thing alone!!!

DG624 · 03-13-2006, 05:24 PM

The shift linkage is my favorite topic since I don't have it feeling right...still shifts hard...doesn't want to go into gear unless I release the clutch on some shifts... especially when standing still or down shifting to 2 or 3. Seems every gear is a problem on some shifts. I have replaced the bushings and installed a factory short shift. I tried to adjust the coupler but that had little benefit. I was told that a Wevo coupler is better than a new factory unit...Now I know that the busings and shifter are not causing the problem I guess I should try the coupler.

Oh Haha · 03-13-2006, 05:31 PM

DG,
It may not be your linkage.
Have you adjusted your clutch cable?
If the clutch is not releasing completely it could be your problem.
Is your trans in good shape? If not, it may need some work.
Sorry about the questions but I have asked the same over the years in my searhc to get my gear changes to be just right.

jpahemi · 03-13-2006, 05:33 PM

A factory short shift kit will make shifting more difficult in regards to resistance.
j.p.

DG624 · 03-13-2006, 05:45 PM

I had the trans rebuilt about 4 years ago. New clutch cable. I should recheck the freeplay. I think I should check the inexpensive things first. There is no gear grinding ...the previous owner chewed up the 1-2 syncros. Just a little stuborn and sticks.

Oh Haha · 03-13-2006, 05:54 PM

I saw a big improvement in gear engagement last year after adjusting my clutch. Myself, I like a slightly stiff shifter. I had a short throw B+M in my 94 Z28 and it was great. A different design, I know, but it shifted excellent. I got my 915 pretty darn close now.

1982911sc · 03-13-2006, 07:43 PM

Sean,
Sorry I am a little slow on this one...so all you installed was the wevo shift coupler on your stock 915 trans....not enhancing an existing wevo setup? All of my bushings have been replaced and I just adjusted the clutch to factory standards but I still have a stiff shift from 1st to 2nd...I wonder if this may help? For not too many $$ this may be worth a shot? Thoughts?

TCB · 03-14-2006, 05:04 AM

I also put the wevo shift coupler and new bushings in my 84 carrera and my shift from 1st to 2nd is also still stiff. The play is non existant now, very much improved. I'm going to try some adjusting to see if it helps. There's no grinding but it's just stiff.

sfoster13 · 03-14-2006, 06:03 AM

1982911sc

Yes, all I did was add the wevo coupler and replace the bushings to a stock 915. My first to second shift is greatly improved. In fact, it was one of the main reasons I did the work. I was thinking that I had a rebuild ahead of me it was so bad. Don't get me wrong, it's not perfect, but it is a huge improvement. The same for the other gears as well. Based on my experience, I would recommend that you give the Wevo coupler a shot.

Sean

1982911sc · 03-14-2006, 07:42 PM

Thanks Sean, I will give it a shot and let you know the results!