The most trusted transmission rebuild guys

H20911 · 03-22-2005, 01:52 PM

I got and Email asking me if I had a limited slip and who would I recommend for a 930 short box 4 speed rebuild. I said that I have never sent one out and if I broke mine I would probably just try and fix it myself.

I offered John Walker on the West coast because he seems (to me) fair and completely trustable. I do not know him but I get that impression from his posts.

The trans is a black hole that a Mech could really gouge someone on if they wanted to and I really don't think most people that drive these cars would know the difference.

That said, is there someone on the east coast that someone would recommend? Maybe someone else in the center states too.

If you took or shipped your trans to someone that you would not go to again that would be nice info too

thanks

304065 · 03-22-2005, 01:54 PM

Gary Fairbanks.

Carrera3.5L · Carrera3.5L's Garage

Brian Copans in Cincy, OH is one of the best on the East Coast, although his leadtime may be longer then normal because he builds the majority of transaxles for Grand-Am & ALMS Cup/RSR's and thus attends most of the Pro races to provide on-track support. He can be reached at (513) 779-3302. He can be gruff with people he doesn't know so you may be better served initially talking to his wife Pam, who is a real sweetheart.

Here in the SoCal area, Bobby Hart from California Motorsports builds alot of transaxles for customers and local shops alike. He is into desert racing , so he is building many for off-road buggies using 911 powerplants. He can be reached at (928) 855-5755. Probably would not be worth the expense to ship the transaxle all the way across the country though.

Ralph

john walker's workshop · 03-22-2005, 02:30 PM

i don't think gary does 930 trannys.

304065 · 03-22-2005, 02:40 PM

John, I am looking at his ad, it says 911, 930, UPS 2 day return. (203) 866-2466.

john walker's workshop · 03-22-2005, 02:51 PM

somebody said they called him and he didn't do them, so they sent it to me. so don't really know for sure then.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-22-2005, 04:42 PM

I've only driven 915's they've rebuilt, but Rensport has done a few that have felt like G50s.

they are in Framingham, MA
508 875 8911

ask for René

lendaddy · 03-22-2005, 04:47 PM

Gary did my 930 tranny, maybe 2 years ago. Excellent and quick.

Just like John Walker

H20911 · 03-22-2005, 04:56 PM

Good thead so far with good info. I guess what I would like to know is:
If I sent my trans to someone would I feel that I am getting the staight scoop and a fair deal. Someone that I would not have to feel like I have to be there for the tear down to see it first hand.

For example do I need a few low dollar parts and a gasket kit or do I really need more stuff that will get changed needed or not.

I know that some might charge based on the repair VS. total rebuild.

I guess a better question might be has anyone ever sent a trans to someone and gotten a nice surprise that it was not a big deal after all?

thanks

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-22-2005, 05:35 PM

You shouuld give Rensport a call tomorrow.

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

On the East Coast, Gary Fairbanks in Conn is the best known. That said, there are a lot of honest, capable, nice guys (like JW) in the Porsche business or at least that has been my experience. It wouldn't surprise me if there is a shop in driving distance that could do it.

Like the guy "Carrera3.5" mentioned (Brian Copans ), Gary Fairbanks is very gruff too - maybe it's something in the the trans fluid?

-Chris

YermanCars · 03-22-2005, 09:47 PM

H20911, you beat me too it,

Anyways, I called Gary he retired about a month ago.

And John Walker heard only the best of comments

I was going to send my trans then decided not too because those funds I am using for the engine rebuild but in a couple weeks, I will give John a call

rexav8r · 03-23-2005, 01:22 AM

I'm pretty sure Grady rebuilt mine back in the day (when it belonged to my Uncle in Colorado). Do you still get into that stuff for people Grady????

By the way, mines been fantastic for as long as I've owned it and EVERYONE swears I've got an RS 2.7 or at least something bigger than the STOCK 2.2 I've got. Probably got something to do with the Pat Moyle rebuild, but I give a LOT of credit to the trans rebuild and the ZD 5th gear !!!!

MysticLlama · 03-23-2005, 09:29 PM

I haven't had JW do my transmission yet, but that's where it's going when it dies. I'd definately say he fits your criteria.

I've only been into the shop a few times with my car and a couple with a friend, and he's only ever talked me OUT of doing things unless I have to.

Just in talking about mine, he has said that it maybe only needs 1st-2nd done and no need for a whole rebuild since the rest works just fine, I don't think he'd replace anything unless it needed it.

If it comes down to shipping it somewhere, he's definately someone to consider.

Quote:

Originally posted by H20911
Good thead so far with good info. I guess what I would like to know is:
If I sent my trans to someone would I feel that I am getting the staight scoop and a fair deal. Someone that I would not have to feel like I have to be there for the tear down to see it first hand.

For example do I need a few low dollar parts and a gasket kit or do I really need more stuff that will get changed needed or not.

I know that some might charge based on the repair VS. total rebuild.

I guess a better question might be has anyone ever sent a trans to someone and gotten a nice surprise that it was not a big deal after all?

thanks

MACHINEMON · 03-29-2005, 11:55 PM

Any one good on 915's in Central Texas?

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Good info here, thanks!!

Scooter · 03-30-2005, 06:28 AM

JW rebuilt my '84 prior to me purchasing it. Everyone that drove my car said it was the best shifting 915 they've ever driven. I don't care how far I would have to ship (fortunately I don't), I would send it to JW again without hesitation.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by H20911

For example do I need a few low dollar parts and a gasket kit or do I really need more stuff that will get changed needed or not.

Good question. From my experience and from what's been posted here the following are options:

- Minimum needed to get the job done
- Replace marginal parts
- Replace parts that will most likely go in the near future
- Utilize re-engineered parts (OE superceeded)
- Improved/performance/conversion parts (Wevo, new gearing etc)
- "While we're in here parts"

I've used a local technician who did the work at home and would ask me to come over, show me the opened unit, go through the current health of the box and discuss all the above options. Easier done in person for sure.

On a long distance basis there are few I'd trust more that JW. He gives this type of advice and attention here repeatedly......and for free. Add the low cost of shipping nowadays and you're good to go.

Vintage911Racer · 03-30-2005, 07:01 AM

Dave White, The guys at the 901 Shop or Klub Sport....possibly.

Evans, Marv · 03-30-2005, 07:38 AM

I don't know if JW works on transmissions shipped to him. I've emailed him twice about sending mine to him but haven't heard anything back. Maybe it's too much trouble for him to do it that way. I'm still looking around for someone in my area. Anybody know of someone in the S.D. area, let me know.