G50 or 915

[Spede]

If you wanted to get a 3.2...

1. Money is not a consideration
2. Two cars are basically the same except one has a 915 and the other a G50
3. Car would be a daily driver
4. Want the best fun drive out of the car
5. Not worried about being stuck in traffic

Which would you go with?

[tony9704]

G50- no matter what the scenario!

[kenikh]

This isn't even poll worthy. G50 all the way.

[Bill Verburg]

I'll go the other way, 915. But you have have the linkage tightened up, it has to be in good shape and you can't expect to power shift

[RWebb]

the 915 is lighter
the 915 is cheaper to rebuild
the 915 is cheaper to re-gear

the G-50 has a more "modern" synchro design and is easier for the unwashed masses to shift

[sjf911]

Originally Posted by RWebb

the 915 is lighter
the 915 is cheaper to rebuild
the 915 is cheaper to re-gear

the G-50 has a more "modern" synchro design and is easier for the unwashed masses to shift

The G50 will handle more HP/torque for those people trapped on the slippery slope.

[dw1]

Originally Posted by sjf911

The G50 will handle more HP/torque for those people trapped on the slippery slope.

+1

Eventually you'll want more power. It is inevitable. Do not resist.

[911st]

I like the 95 lbs savings of a 3.2/915 Carrera. If I was to turbo it, a G50/3.2 would be a must.

I think of the 915/3.2 as the poor man's Club Sport. Add 15" Fuchs and take the spair, tools, jack and rear seats out and you can have a 150+lb advantage over a stock G50/3.2.

The 86/915 is a special car with lower seat tracks (more room for helmet) and stiffer sways and rear springs.

The 87-88 may have P&C's that are not the best for adding a turbo. The 84-86 &89 has the better P&C's and comes with 8" rear rims from the factory. The later car has a better factory chip for HP to over come the added weight.

They are all good.

I bet the pool follows more what people own than anything. (Mine is a 85/915 w 86 suspension, chip, cat bypass, 7&8's, LSD, factory sport seats.)

I would love a euro 915/3.2 with LSD, factory trans cooler, and sunroof delete.

[Scooter]

901. j/k

[Bill Verburg]

915s, w/ the right upgrades are good through stockish n/a 3.6s, beyond that you will want a g50.

[livi]

Never tried a G50, but I love the mechanical feel of my 915. Of course, mine work very well. I think it adds a great deal to the very special feeling of driving a vintage 911. Negotiating that lever together with the direct sensation of the clutch does not compare to any other cars I have driven. Its more work and takes more concentration but once mastered its very satisfying.

[burgermeister]

Originally Posted by RWebb

the 915 is lighter
the 915 is cheaper to rebuild
the 915 is cheaper to re-gear

the G-50 has a more "modern" synchro design and is easier for the unwashed masses to shift

+1
And I own a G50.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by Scooter

901. j/k

heh-heh MY vote also but that wasn't the question...

livi put it well...

[vanwyk4257]

I've had in order:
1 - 901
2- 915
1 - G50
I can't say the G50 diminishes the experience for me at all. I do prefer the shift pattern of the 901 though. I could shift my 915's and 901 just fine, but both the 915's with all new bushings still felt a little sloppy and both had weak synchros in 2nd gear.
My G50 has more miles on it than any of my others with a new clutch, and it shifts up and down through every gear with no complaint.
Am I part of the unwashed masses, I thought most of them lived in the PAC NW?

[petevb]

The G50 will need fewer rebuilds given equal treatment, and on average shifts noticeably better.
The G50 is both heavier and places the engine further back than the 915, so weight distribution noticeably worse.

For a daily driver most would enjoy the G50 more and have fewer issues with it overall. For a medium-powered track car a modified 915 may be the way to go due to the weight issue, but the modifications and extra rebuilds required likely make it more expensive in the long run. For higher powers (over 300-350 hp) the G50 is the only practical option. The 6 speed G50 is far ahead again in terms of shift effort and speed, but unfortunately is heavier still.

[KTL]

I thought Randy proved with some Porsche factory documentation that the 6 speed G50 is no heavier than the early 5 speed because of lightened components in the 6 speed?

I am one who almost always chimes in on the G50 threads to give feedback on fixes and common issues, so i'm a bit biased. The G50 is VERY good in that it is somewhat bulletproof gear-wise compared to the 915. G50 can handle MUCH more abuse and still operate quite well. 915 on the other hand is a bit unruly when things are worn out.

That being said, i'd have to pick G50 for your criteria you listed because as a daily driver it performs pretty much without issue (as long as the clutch release fork shaft is in good order) and requires virtually no maintenance. Whereas the 915 requires some finesse (and upgrades- the floppy, non-spring-centering shifter is sort of ridiculous) and periodic maintenance with the clutch cable adjustment.

However if it were a car for customization/track purposes, the 915 wins hands down for lighter weight, ease of servicing (and a wealth of service information RIGHT HERE ON PELICAN in general), cost of repairs and re-gearing. Everything on a G50 is more expensive- clutch components, gears, bearings, synchronizer assemblies..... The 915 is a picture of beauty in its functionality and simplicity.

[Porsche_monkey]

I had a couple of 915's, now I have two G-50's. Wouldn't go back....

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by KTL

I thought Randy proved with some Porsche factory documentation that the 6 speed G50 is no heavier than the early 5 speed because of lightened components in the 6 speed?
* * *

No, someone correctly contradicted me on the wt. -- The factory numbers include the heavy flywheel (or was it the PP?) so the G50 assembly can be "modified" to make it not a whole lot heavier than a late-model Al-cased 915.

I forget the thread and what the exact outcome was - it was in the last few months. Search terms would include 915 + G50 (or G-5) and my screenname...

The really lightened components are in the 993 trans, and is, as Bill has pointed out, a G-50 (sorta, kinda). I bet adding dun + drill* would pop that thread up for those interested.

[CAPierce]

I've done the 901, the 915, and now the G50...

This question was exactly what I considered for my most recent purchase. I love to drive. So I loved the 915. After everything I read about the differences I thought the G50 would make me feel really really detached from the driving experience. It does not.

One of each please depending on my mood! But I ultimately went with the snappy G50...

[DanielDudley]

I really like G50s. I have only ever owned 915s. I like them quite a bit, but I do not think they are the best feature of the cars, and they do not stack up to the world's best trannys, but they do work, and they can work well. The thing is, a G50 always works, and it always makes the shift. It is a pleasant experience to drive a G50 car. I would let my wife go to the store in a G50 car. She will never ever drive one of my 915 cars.

If price were absolutely no consideration, I would go right to an 89 Carrera. Then I would have it regeared to be a snappy dancer.