Transmission...

[Mitch Leland]

Howdy,

My burning question for the day: when I put the transmission into first gear, sometimes it doesn't want to go with the first try. I usually will put it in second, let the clutch out, then back to first. However at a stop light this takes some time since I don't leave the car in gear while waiting for the light to change. When the light goes green I always feel like the guy behind me wants to jump my bumper while I go through the gear thing.

The car is new to me and I haven't serviced the transaxle. Are there additives that will improve the shifting? Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,

[EarlyPorsche]

There is a good deal of linkage between your hand and the exact shift point. I would rebuild some of that. If it doesn't feel sloppy and its just hard to put into gear you may need to just replace your transmission fluid. Its a bit of a mess so you could have a shop do it for under $100 with fluid.

[mossguy]

Mitch - Last week I replaced my transmission fluid in my 901 with Swepco 201 from our host. It made a noticeable difference: quieter and smoother. Give it a try. Can't hurt, might help!

Tom

[Scott R]

I had this problem, searched the archives here and found out that a bunch of others did as well. I won't tell you to not check your linkage, because that's where you should start, however I needed a rebuild. I may be getting it back today, I know so far that it needed a 1st and 2nd syncro, and well the rest of the syncros as well.

[azasadny]

New shifter bushings and Swepco 201 will make a big difference, I bet!

[Mitch Leland]

I appreciate all the great input... I've ordered a gal. of Swepco from Pelican Parts and will give that a try. Cheap enough... I did talk to a Porsche mechanic today and he was doubtful it would do the trick, but hey, for fifty bucks it can only make it better. Since it's a new car for me, I find that unless you've been there done that you really don't know what some body else has done. Or not...

Thanks again... You guys make owning a Porsche in the "sticks" manageable.

P.S. Will you know if the shifter bushings are bad by opening up the inspection areas and wiggling them? Or are they under enough tension so they won't give you a visual indication?

[c911s]

also replace the engine mounts with WEVO mounts and the transmission mounts with sport ones and you will notice a marked improvement in shifting...

[ChrisBennet]

It's pretty normal and has zilch to do with linkage IMO. Swepco never hurt anything though...
-Chris

[Porsche_monkey]

Read this.

Shifter Adjustment Procedure for 83 SC

But don't expect any miracles. I always shift into second, then go to first to solve this. Or I let the clutch out, re-clutch and then go to first gear.

It will never feel like a 'good' modern day transmission.