Seine Gate Shift Kit-a newbie’s perspective

[khamul02]

I guess the main purpose of a gate shift kit is so you don't blow up your tranny by selecting two gears at once, which does happen occasionally with the 915 according to some pelicanheads. So the kit at the least saves you that worry.

My expectations of a gate shift kit were high mainly due to a lack of technical knowledge in the automotive arena. I really thought that the gate would somehow prevent missed shifts and that nasty grinding noise one gets when they don't know where the gears are. My hope was that if I had to drop the car off to a unfamiliar tire place or wrench I would still have some dogteeth left after the local high schooler pulled in and out of the bay. The sound of a zero experience 911 driver grinding gears sends chills down my spine. I should know. I’m only one year away from that first 911 drive. And I’m sure it was painful for any onlookers to witness.

As suggested by the very well written directions, I made sure all of the gears would engage before leaving the driveway. This is when I found out that you could still easily create a melody of grinding metal. It was as if subconsciously I really wanted to prove to myself that a gated shifter would not allow me to grind a gear. My limited experience at least knows where my SC’s gears are but my hand just avoided them. Huge disappointment, but my expectations were off base from the start.

With all gears engaging properly out the driveway I went. My first impression after driving it for a minute was that it was actually harder to shift. I guess I have gotten use to that wobbly shifter just mindlessly floppy around down there waiting for me slap into gear. After cycling through the gears several times during a twenty-minute drive I came to the conclusion that it definitely felt better. It has spring to it. Those new tabs for third and fourth gear really do provide some guidance in an otherwise vague transmission.

I have to say that this gate shift kit makes a noticeable difference in the feel of the 915. The kit along with new bushing (might as well replace them since you’re in there) is definitely a project anyone can handle and be hard pressed to get more bang for the buck. Total tab $170. Money well spent.

[lateapex911]

Well, if you never want to hear gears grinding, which is a completely different issue fro selecting two gears at once, make sure that revs are matched.

Don't put it ina gear without pushing the clutch down, LOL, and, in some cases, where the car has been running in nuetral at rest with the clutch "up". it takes a second or two for the input shaft to stop the gears from spinning. Input shaft turning, output shaft stopped=grinding.

Seine seems to have good alternatives at reasonable prices.

[DW SD]

Sounds like your synchos may be shot. No shifter is going to fix that issue. How many miles on your transmission?

Did you change the shift coupler bushing (not cup bushing in the base of the shifter)? If not, I may recommend that change, too. It made a world of difference in my application. If you can do the Seine install, you can do the coupler rebuild or replacement, too. I used the hard plastic replacement bushings and pressed apart the yoke assembly with my bench vise. You can also buy a nicer solution from WEVO.

Doug

[buster73]

Agree the Seine system is a great improvement for the 915 at reasonable cost. Installed mine several years ago and it works reliable and without problems. Really helps to avoid "misunderstandings" especially in a hurry on the track. As stated above, scratchy gears might also have other causes. E.g. make sure your clutch is disengaging properly and you press the clutch all the way down while shifting. Try to slow down a little on your shift speed and give the synchs a chance to work, especially when the tranny is cold. Many other advice on this forum.

[kach22i]

I've had mine on for three years. It has allowed me to focus on other more pressing parts of the car calling for my attention.

A great bang for the buck - better than sliced bread.

Sounds like to me that you may need a little more adjusting to do. This is not all that hard to do after the shifter kit is in. You just have to remember that the adjustment methods all described in various publications and instructions assume you don't have a sping pushing it all to one side and you can keep the shifter in the neutral position between the gears.

Disconnect the spring before going back in and making post installation adjustments.

Mark everything and it's still more art than science, more guess work than knowledge, trial and error.

[RSBob]

I bought mine 1.5 years ago and love it. Great feel, very precise, with a 'lock-out' for reverse. My tranny was rebuilt before installing it, and gear selection is a breeze - no grinding - ever.

If your gear changes prior to installing it were clean - chances are you need professional help with installation. If not, you may be in for spending some bucks to get your tranny sorted out.

[Wayne 962]

Right-o - a gate shift kit won't replace a transmission rebuild...

-Wayne

[RarlyL8]

Wayne, I sure could use a "How to Rebuild a 915" manual about now. My R&P still whines and I simply cannot afford to pay the mechanic for ANOTHER complete tear down just to add new pinion shims.

I still have a Seine Kit sitting on my bench waiting for me to quit dickin' with this tranny and move on ...........

[snbush67]

dickin with a tranny......? LOL

[lateapex911]

Well, it DOES say, "Any curve, any time" in his sig.........

[RarlyL8]

Whoa there fellas. My wife already thinks I'm havin' an afair with this car, I don't need any help with that!

[snbush67]

Funny......You know your wife is right. As is mine...... we all probably speand more time and money "Dickin with our Tranny" so we can take "any curve any time" and occasionally we may even let the old lady sit in the navigator chair (that is the seat across from the drivers seat).