1st Drive in a Porsche

I have just has my first drive in a Porsche ('81 SC, 134000 miles) and have a question:

How should the steering feel? At cruising speed in town (40 mph) is felt very light around the straight ahead position. Is this normal?

Unfortunately drving conditions were awful (raining, getting dark, car fogged up!) and I couldn't get a real feel for the car around corners. I realise the best way for find the answer to this question is to drive more 911's but I just wondered if this was a characteristic (I can't believe it is).

Also the gearbox didn't centre between 3rd and 4th gears but was loose in the plane between 1st and 2nd, and 3rd and 4th. To reach fifth it did require to move the gear lever against a spring. Is this normal (I expected the gear level to auto-centre between 3rd and 4th)? (There is no record in the car's history of any work ever being done to the gearbox!)

Thanks
James

oops double post

[This message has been edited by Rufblackbird (edited 10-08-2000).]

I have a '76 but I'm sure we're talking about the same 915 trans. As far as I know(at least in mine) the shifter does not auto-center., and mine is loose between the 1st and 2nd and the 3rd and 4th planes. I know for a fact that there is a spring that you have to move the shifter against to engage 5th. As for the steering feel, can't help you there. I think it depends whether or not it has turbo style tie rods or not. Mine doesn't and is in need of replacing. I'm sure someone else can help you with that. Oh yeah and yes, definitely drive more 911s...it's an addiction.

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Jeff
1976 911S

Drive many, trust few.

The majority of older 911s for sale are not financially viable, even if they were offered for free. The exceptions tend to be cars owned since new (or nearly new), and those that have reliable and detailed paper trails pointing to aggressive maintenance and care that stretch back for at least a decade.

Otherwise, repair, maintenance and upgrade costs will almost always end up exceeding the market value of the car. (Ask me how I know.)

Porsches should be an addiction, of course --but choose your drug and your dealer carefully. They can also be a financial affliction.

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T sunroof coupe

Now you know why 901/915 trannies are affectionately (?!) referred to as "stick in a bucket".

blue

As far as the steering, this can be a complaint with some early 911's. Many people upgrade to the turbo tie rods to get a more responsive steering feel. However, since Im not sure what you felt, there may be some sort of linkage, rack, or tie rod wear evident in this car. Your best bet is to have the car looked over by a shop that knows these cars well, or a dealer, and to look for a car which has all records, and/or one owner. You will probably pay more for this car, but its worth it in the long run. JackOlsen hit the nail on the head: drive many, trust few. Once you catch the bug, even several 4 figure repair bills may not throw you into withdrawl.
Nick
82 911SC 78K

When going straight ahead at 40 mph. the steering shouldn't feel over light. The steering in a 911 is relatively light, but you should always have the feeling of control in spite of that. When in neutral the gear lever can feel a bit loose, but it should "jump" back to neutral if you declutch and push the lever out of say fourth or second. A spring makes mine jump back into neutral when I do it at least. To make the gear lever feel less loose in neutral there is a screw that can be tightened. My workshop did it to mine. Now my gearlever feels much firmer and more precise. Don't buy a 911 without help from a Porsche expert.

The steering feel can change substantially depending on the amount of gas in the car. If the tank is almost empty the steering can feel rather light at speed. The car has a more balanced and firmer feel when the tank is full. Just one of those things that make 911s' unique. Bobby