In need of some help and advice.

[old man neri]

Hi!,

I am new to this forum but have been around other car forums for a while, the people at rennlist told me I should post here as well. I am currently trying to pursue my dreams of owning an older 911. I have researched it as much as I can (even got a book from a peter zimmerman). My research has lead me to the conclusion that I should get a 87-89 911. However I have a few questions.

1) Is the G50 transmission really all that more than the previous generation, 915, transmission. I notice a price jump from a 86 to an 87. Is it really worth it? The kind fold at rennlist told me the 915 is more fun but perhaps more tricky and that the G50 is more like driving a honda. In any case, that I should try many of the different types.

2) I have seen a few 911s at a dealer called Midwest Performace Cars. Does anyone know how reputable this dealer is? I plan on getting PPI no matter what but I would like to get a feel for this dealer.

3) Lastly, does anyone have any good recommendations for car shippers, either ones with transborder service or not?

Thank you all for you time and help
Cheers!
-matt

[RWebb]

That would be considered the newest of the real 911s -- not an 'old' one...

The G-50 is more "American" than the older gearboxes - IIRC, it uses Borg-Warner synchros instead of the Porsche type synchros. Apparently, it also rattles. Some like it. It will shift faster.

[livi]

Welcome to the premier forum for vintage Porsche. This has become my second home - and all the way from Sweden too! There are other forums like Rennlist with a lot of knowledge, but what sets this place apart is the intimate feeling of family. I can not imagine any other Internet site with so many nice guys coming together.

There is a wealth of knowledge in the history file. If you have not already - try the search button. The collected wisdom and experience is amazing. All but every question one could think of has already been debated several times.

As for your specific questions, I have a 3.2 '85 with (as you know) the somewhat idiosyncratic 915 box. I have tried cars with the G50 and, sure, they are more easy to live with - but, IMO the 915 has a soul that surpasses every other gear box I have tried. It is utterly mechanic to itīs feel and when you learn how to negotiate it, it gives me more pleasure and satisfaction (and sense of sports car) than anything else. It needs to be set up properly though together with an accurate clutch.

Welcome and good luck in pursuing the dream we all have had!!

[scottb]

A properly adjusted 915, especially one with a Seine shifter, Wevo shifter, or Rennshift, is a great transmission. I wouldn't rule out a car simply because it has a 915 tranny in it.

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by old man neri

Is the G50 transmission really all that more than the previous generation, 915, transmission. I notice a price jump from a 86 to an 87. Is it really worth it? The kind fold at rennlist told me the 915 is more fun but perhaps more tricky and that the G50 is more like driving a honda. In any case, that I should try many of the different types.

If you ever have to lift a 915 and a G50 transmission you'll immediately realize a substantial weight difference (some say this is bad but the G50 can handle more torque). The crack about it driving like a Honda is to say that almost anyone can shift it without stripping gears or hitting a wrong gear. The hydraulic clutch is a ton easier to drive but the rubber centered version that was stock needs to be replaced with a spring centered clutch (more durable) when you drop the motor (it may already have been replaced).
The G50 cars also have more HP, better AC & suspension, more standard items.
I love my `87. I admit it isn't as polished and comfy as a 993 or 996 but I wanted a raw classic machine for special trips and not a comfy daily driver.