915 Break-in Questions

[Fishcop]

Hi All

I've just finished rebuilding my 915/62 with new bearings, synchros, brake bands, dog teeth and sliders. Thanks to everyone who's helped me out on the board - and a particular shout out to Hayden Burvill from Wevo.

I have Swepco ready and waiting, but want to know if the 915 needs a 'break in' period after a full refresh? If so I'm loath to use the expensive Swepco for this... I'm told Castrol make a pretty good oil for transaxles which is compatible with the 915 synchros and it's half the price.

Anyone have thoughts/experiences to share regarding this?

Cheers

[Porsche_monkey]

I use a cheap 75/90 non-synthetic for about 500 miles. Then I drain well and go to Swepco.

I don't think it's a 'break-in' issue as much as it is a 'clean-out' issue. Dirt, dust, the odd metal flake etc.

[Oh Haha]

+1 on what the Monkey posted.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

+1 on what the Monkey posted.

Same here so nothing to add...

Just something I noticed. You're using new Nyloc nuts for the differential side cover.

I think the OEM nuts are shore hardness 8.8 because there's a small 8 stamped on the side. (The studs are definitely 8.8)
I'm not sure if Nyloc nuts are the same hardness/strength as the plain OEM nuts.
Using Nyloc nuts to hold the other covers together is fine because those areas are not as stressed as the differential side cover.

Anybody know for sure? (Peter Zimmerman please chime in)

[RoninLB]

my 915 needed a break-in after a full expensive rebuild




I used Swepco for the 1st 500 miles and after. I figured why risk new syncros etc for $50us

my issue was from 2nd to 3rd. It was hard getting into 3rd.


my routine was shifting it at least 3.5k + rpm and shifting it correctly and "firm".

"firm" meant to have the balls to complete the 2nd to 3rd shift.


Also my tranny needs about 10 miles just to warm up the oil so it shifts correctly so I gingerly shift all gears until then, especially for the 1st 500-1,000 miles. This didn't hurt anything but it didn't help the break-in


also... I'm not a 915 tech so info was passed down by a real 915 pro


hope you have a good shifter and coupling?



ps: use some factory tranny wax or similar on case to preserve it

[Porsche_monkey]

I do not think you are 'risking' synchro's by not using Swepco, but if it makes you feel better, then by all means do it, because $50 isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things.

And I certainly echo Ron's other comments.

[Jesset100]

"Just something I noticed. You're using new Nyloc nuts for the differential side cover.

I think the OEM nuts are shore hardness 8.8 because there's a small 8 stamped on the side. (The studs are definitely 8.8)
I'm not sure if Nyloc nuts are the same hardness/strength as the plain OEM nuts.
Using Nyloc nuts to hold the other covers together is fine because those areas are not as stressed as the differential side cover."

This is what the Katalog says to use
N 012 241 8 spring washer B 8

900 076 025 02 hexagon nut M 8
maybe those nuts are an upgrade.

[Fishcop]

Thanks guys

Pete, I'll review nut thing... Basically the Wevo internal gate came with all the hardware to install including the nyloc nuts and correct wave washers for the perimeter. I had spare nylocs (they have an 8 stamped on them) so I thought I'd match up the side cover, but maybe there's a good reason not to use them. Thanks Jesset, I'll stick with the part numbers you've posted.

Ron, the car is completely set up with the Wevo shifter, PSJ, gate, one piece bearing retainer and engine/box mounts... so I'm pretty confident this should be a great shifting box once it's got a few miles on the clock. I've also picked up a can of Tectyl corrosion inhibiter (apparently pretty close to what the factory used) and I'll coat the entire transmission once I'm sure I've done everything prior to putting it back in the car.

As to the oil... Well Swepco is about $100 a quart over here... I'll run the Castrol for 500 miles or so.

Cheers

[Porsche_monkey]

Originally Posted by Fishcop

As to the oil... Well Swepco is about $100 a quart over here... I'll run the Castrol for 500 miles or so.

Cheers

That settles it.

[Bill Douglas]

Well done John. The gearbox is certainly looking newer (cleaner) than last time I
saw it. AND the garage is looking decidedly more civilised than it used to be too

Did you ever get the wiring figured out for the speedo to work with the gearbox?

[Fishcop]

Hey Bill

Yes a long time "getting 'round to it"

I bead blasted the exterior and painted up everything I couldn't be bothered sending out for plating (who sees it!). There's a brand new speedo sender fitted, so hopefully I'll be able to read my speed I'm really looking forward to driving the car with all the upgrades and the new Wevo Streetlite clutch package - the intention is not to touch it for another 10 years, so fingers crossed!

Garage is now a pleasure to be in... all the stumps are gone and the house is supported on RSJ beams, a new slab was poured and I scored a set of cabinets from a decommissioned laboratory. Just need a big screen TV

[Bill Douglas]

Very stylish. I always get jealous when someones garage is better than my home.

Good skills biting the bullet and doing the makeover (abeit starting on the garage ) on that fabulous property. Plus geat location near transport and town. The Boss and I loved Brisbane and the coast.

[Fishcop]

Cheers Bill

Small update: I was able to negotiate Swepco a bit cheaper than last time from the distributor so I'm going to go with Swepco from day one.

I also treated the exterior with Tectyl 506 for some long-term corrosion protection.

[sc_rufctr]

That Tectyl 506 looks OEM... Well done!

[Fishcop]

It smells like earwax, but I don't want to have to worry about the box for 10 years

[Matt Smith]

looks great John! Nice garage btw; we had a re-location of our lab at work. All I can say is that my garage has done well out of it. All legit of course. Viva la fish, they are SO hard on the gear, and so wasteful in their lives. We owe to them..!

[Fishcop]

Hey Matt
Good to hear from you. I think I might have found the Tectyl hovering around some vessel gear as well

Cheers

[sc_rufctr]

Is it in the car yet?

I'm curious as to how the WEVO Gate shift performs...

[Fishcop]

Should be completed this evening... I'm having to build a deck during the day - so much for relaxing on long service leave

I've driven a fully kitted Wevo car before and it is superb, that's why I've taken this path... not cheap, but I'm the custodian of this car until my little boy is ready to take the keys, so upgrades like these make sense for the long term

[RoninLB]

the 915 becomes transformed into an accurate unit instilling driver confidence with wevo tranny and shifter etc mods imo

the "w" in my signature means wevo