shifting problems

[losciuto]

I just got a 1981 911sc and it runs great. It has just one problem, it takes some force to shift into second and you can rarely find fourth without a fight. It has a short shift kit in it and I was wondering if that might be the problem, or if it might be something worse.

[JV911SYDNEY]

have you driven other pre-84 911s before? the 915 box has its "idiosyncrasies"

if its genuinely hard or grinding, get it checked out starting with bushings and coupler

also do a search, there are a few other box threads current. one for starters: Can't engage gears, horrible grinding noise

good luck!

[dipso]

I just went through this whole thing as well. I have read all the relevant forums and came to this conclusion.
First change all your bushings in the shifter and tunnel. Easy to do, cheap to buy.
Next get the wevo coupler and replace the stock coupler with it. Easy to do, Not as cheap but worth it.
After that change the motor and transmission mounts if needed.
You will notice a big difference in the way the car shifts before the third step.

You could try just adjusting the coupler, 10 minute simple job, but I would suggest the above things.

[HarryD]

Also be sure your clutch is adjusted and operating properly.

[911pcars]

The optimistic view is that it's worn shift linkage bushings, a clutch pedal needing adjustment or a change to Swepco could be the solution.

The reality could be, since second gear is probably the most used gear for both upshifts and downshifts, the already borderline synchros are currently beyond borderline. The Weltmeister, under indifferent hands, can exacerbate the wear.

Try the easy stuff first. Hopefully it's one of those.

Sherwood

[Cooper911SC]

I have an '81 and the gear box has always balked on 2nd since I've owned the car...The gear box was completly sorted about 1,000miles before I bought the car. I have put 90,000+ miles on it since I bought it in 2001. It still balks going into second when I try to 'speed' shift it.

I agree with the other posters...try the bushings first... if that doesn't help look for other problems.

How many miles are on the car/gear box?

My trans was re-built at about 180,000miles...now I have have 272,000.

This problem is somewhat "normal" for the 915 gear boxes, don't be discouraged.

Hope this helps, Cooper

PS Your're busted...please post some pics of your ride! It is a requirement for 1st time posters! =)

[javadog]

The higher shift effort into second is probably due to the age and wear of the second gear synchro parts. It may improve a little but I doubt it will ever be as good as the rest of the gears, unless you rebuild the gearbox. Losing the short shifter will lessen the force required to shift, at the expense of a little extra lever travel.

One thing you can do is time the shifts to match the revs needed, a little closer. The synchros job is made much easier if the work it has to do is less. A double-clutched downshift, if done correctly, will make for a quicker, easier shift.

The suggestions above are good ones. The Swepco prduct mentiuoned is their gear lube 201, available from Pelican. When you do the clutch adjustment, I suggest you do what is called a basic adjustment, which is a little more involved than just checking the free play. It sets the preload on the cable and checks the travel of the cable, too. It only takes 5 minutes or so and the procedure is described in one of the technical articles accessible from the Tech Info Center button at the top of this screen.

Good luck,
JR

[Mitch Leland]

I just installed a new clutch, rebuilt transmission, an after market coupler, installed the two nylon shifter bushings and the car still wouldn't shift very well. I adjusted the coupler so many times that I had stretch the clamping bolt to where I had to use a Dremel to cut it off.

Finally gave up and took it to my Porsche Mech, my problem was the PO had installed a after market short shifter... My mech installed a factory short shift kit and it works beautifully, albeit a little stiff since everything is new.