Shifter upgrades?? Help!

markmaunz · 07-09-2006, 11:13 AM

In upgrading shifter mechanics for a 915, what are the LOWER COST moves that I can make to improve shifting and move my car to more like a accurra or honda or toyota???'Grazzie!!!, Mark markmaunz@cs.com

livi · 07-09-2006, 11:21 AM

A 915 will never even resemble a Honda gearbox. There are several upgrades but I would primarily make sure the original parts are up to date. Bushings in the shifter, shift rod and coupler. Fresh gear lube preferably Swepco. Clutch cable in spec. Next would be looking deeper into the box. A well set up 915 is IMO a very nice box. A crappy one is a nightmare.

Do a search - there are plenty of info. Good luck !

randywebb · 07-09-2006, 01:00 PM

That lays it all out compactly. Separate each sentence and run a search for each one -- e.g "shifter bushings"

Goth · 07-09-2006, 02:18 PM

Markus really hit the nail on the head with his reply.

If you’re not using Swepco already, you may want to think about giving it a try. Although it won't put teeth back on gears, the stuff really does help (IMO).

I was having some intermittent difficulty getting into 1st gear when I got my 84 Carrera. I drained out what ever was in it (wrong color for Swepco). The used tranny fluid was pretty clean, so I really didn't expect much improvement. After putting in the Swepco; I was pretty amazed at how much easier I could now get the thing into 1st gear.

Best of Luck!

markmaunz · 02:53 PM

Swepco makes that much difference, eh?? The stuff must be really made of gold. (How much per qt or gallon?)?. My tranny going in only has 23K original miles so I feel pretty safe with this one. What shifters besides the wevo will make it shift closer to a jap car??? Thanks, Mark

randywebb · 07-09-2006, 02:52 PM

$35-$45.

Be sure to do the bushings too. 3 sets

markmaunz · 07-09-2006, 02:56 PM

Randy, is that 35-45 total or per qt and how many?

randywebb · 07-09-2006, 03:03 PM

per gallon -- Pelican has it. Most big cities will have a place you can get it at locally.

Early_S_Man · 07-09-2006, 03:22 PM

Mark,

What year car is it? If an early 915 ... it doesn't have the best shifter, they didn't come out with the adjustable forward pivot [Allen bolt with locknut on forward part of shifter casting -- under the boot] until '77 or '78 IIRC.

A significant improvement can be made in the precision and feel of the shifter by disassembling, cleaning with Brakleen, shimming the pivots until all slop is gone, and lubricating all of the internal moving parts with Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Grease with moly #985 or #986. Clean and relube/reshim every couple of years for best shifting!!!

A 915 needs approx. 3.0 liters or 3.2 qts of gear oil.

kenikh · 07-09-2006, 03:37 PM

You can make a 915 shift like a Honda. Just send it to Wevo for their 915 magic; expect to spend multiple thousands of dollars. That's the ONLY way.

That said, put in the Swepco, buy a Rennshifter or Wevo shifter in addition to the Precision Coupling Joint. That will do wonders.

911pcars · 07-09-2006, 06:11 PM

How come no one mentions inspecting and replacing worm shift linkage bushings? Probably the main cause of poor shifting characteristics.

- Ball socket
- Bearing bush
- Shift coupling bushings (2), not shown

Sherwood

Jeff Alton · 07-09-2006, 06:18 PM

Here is what I have done, I love the way it shifts........ Yes, I have owned a couple of G50 cars and service a few as well.......

I replaced all the bushings and use a WEVO shifter. I cringe when I tell people that the WEVO was the best 600 I spent on this car. (If you knew what I have spent on this car it may make sense) The 915 in my car is just the way I like it. Nice and direct and I never miss a shift, even on the track.

As for the swepco, I use it, and sell it, but I am not sold on the fact that it is the "miracle juice" some make it out to be. I tell people it is premium lube for your 915, don't expect a miracle. A lot folks (I think) are putting swepco into a trans that is long overdue for a fluid change and that may taint their opinions..... (just my .02 however) It IS good fluid, and works very well with 915 syncros, but that is all it is. But, what else can you expect a lubricant to do??

Cheers

randywebb · 07-09-2006, 06:44 PM

- Be sure to do the bushings too. 3 sets

-- How come no one mentions inspecting and replacing worm shift linkage bushings? Probably the main cause of poor shifting characteristics.

- Ball socket
- Bearing bush
- Shift coupling bushings (2), not shown

??? Unhhh? I count 1, 2, .... 3 sets.

Jeff Alton · 07-09-2006, 06:54 PM

I think I said that....

Cheers

anthony · 07-09-2006, 06:58 PM

Besides bushings and maintenance the upgrades would be (in order of increasing price):

Factory short shift or Seine Systems gateshift
Factory short shift plus Seine Systems gateshift
Rennshifter
Wevo Shifter

(None will make it shift like a Honda though).

markmaunz · 07-10-2006, 08:24 AM

Does a G-50 bring it closer to shifting like a honda???

kenikh · 07-10-2006, 08:38 AM

Yes the G50 is very nice (for a Porsche), but you'll spend a LOT of money doing the transplant. Many would say the G50 still doesn't shift with the effortlessness of a Honda. Again, do these steps:

1) Replace tranny lube with Swepco
2) Replace the tunnel bushings
3) Buy the Wevo Precision Shifting Joint (this upgrade is a no brainer; you can't make the stock unit work this well. EVERYONE should buy this)
4) After installing the PSJ, adjust your linkage with tenacity. You can't be lazy here.
5) Are you happy? If so, be done with it. If not, read on:
6) Buy a Wevo or Rennshift aftermarket shifter.
7) Again check the adjustment of your coupler.
8) You should have an incredible shifting transmission (for a 911); if not:
9) Your tranny has problems. Take it to a reputable tranny mechanic for assessment.
10) If a rebuild is necessary, you might consider installing the Wevo gateshifter (inside the tranny) at the same time.
11) If you are not happy at this point, test drive a G50. If you like it, buy one. If you don't like that car, sell your 911 and buy a 996 or S2000.
12) If you can't fathom selling your 911, still don't like the 915 or the G50 and you have unlimited funds, send your 915 to Wevo. They will make your 915 shift like a Honda for cubic dollars.

kucharskimb · 07-10-2006, 08:52 AM

sorry to rain on your parade, but...

which car do you have that only has 23K on it, anyway?...

if so original, why are you going to start modding it?...

swepco's biggest advantage is that you will now be able to differentiate between crank seal leaks and tranny input shaft leaks visually BEFORE dropping the engine.

i use the rennshifter... worth every dollar. it will give you a positive feel, but you still have to wait for the tranny to do it's job. it will not allow you slam gears.

unfortunately, if you can't accept the 915 for what it is, you will never be happy with it. yes, g50's use a "modern" synchro system. it is not a plug and play replacement, however.

just finished explaining the same scenario to a friend with a '78. he can't understand why he isn't able to make the 1->2 1/4 mile race shift...

kenikh · 07-10-2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kucharskimb
just finished explaining the same scenario to a friend with a '78. he can't understand why he isn't able to make the 1->2 1/4 mile race shift...

This should be Commandment One of the Porsche Bible. If you can't deal with this one, you can't join the religion.

Kevin Stewart · 07-10-2006, 09:16 AM

I dont think you will ever get the stock shifter to the point that you like it. I put a wevo in yep the best cash you can spend, but the couplers are pretty much the same thing any wear and yep sloppy VW bug shifter.

choices, Wevo shifter (or simular) a new coupler, new motor mounts. after that you have pretty much done all there is to do, probably still will not be a hondo shifter, but it will be tons better, Kevin

one of the problems is all thslop in the components