shifting to 2nd

[kramer747]

I am a new 83 Porsche 911SC owner and the car drives great except for when I shift from 1st to 2nd it seems like the shifter is a little resistant to go into 2nd. All the other gears are silky smooth. Am I doing something wrong? Should I push the shifter to the left or right?

[GrantG]

Upshifting or Downshifting into 2nd? On the way up, try taking a short pause in neutral after coming out of 1st and before going into 2nd.

Downshifting, it may help to blip the throttle (if you're not doing that already). If you're already blipping the throttle, you may need to double clutch (blip the throttle with the tranny in neutral and the clutch out), before clutching and selecting second.

[kramer747]

going from 1st to second - I'll try what you are saying. Sometimes it is somewhat smooth. Maybe it is just a touch/feel thing i need to get used to?

[kramer747]

what is blip the throttle?

[michael pagano]

Blipping is when you hit the gas a little while you have the clutch in to bump the revs up, you might even be braking at this time too. This matches the rev between the engine and tranny, letting it shift easier.

[Flieger]

Check out Vic Elford's High Performance Driving Handbook. There is a section on gear changing- double clutching, heel-toe, etc.

Pelican Parts.com - Porsche High-Performance Driving Handbook

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by Flieger

Check out Vic Elford's High Performance Driving Handbook. There is a section on gear changing- double clutching, heel-toe, etc.

Pelican Parts.com - Porsche High-Performance Driving Handbook

+1
This is a book I pull off the shelf and peruse again and again. Not only is it great for hp driving but there are some great tips on being a safer everyday driver.

[79 Euro]

I changed the transmission fluid on my 79 911 from Swepco to Kendall NS-MP. Four quarts for less than $20. Noticeable results after 30 minute drive. After 200 miles, I thought I had a new transmission.

[Wil Ferch]

Blipping the throttle is better done with the clutch "out" while in neutral.....

Down shifting mantra from 3rd... "in/shift/out/gas , then in/shift/out/gas"........ momentary stop at "neutral" while doing this, with some gas "blip" assist. "In" = clutch to floor.

if upshifting....you can "double-clutch" to take some load off the synchros.... shift into neutral form 1st, let up the clutch, then depress the clutch and continue into 2nd.

[Matt Monson]

While the 1-2 shift can never be hurried on a 915, revving the engine up to around 4000rpm in 1st gear helps.

[aualexa2]

I have a similar issue on my car ('87 911) except it's a G50. When cold, shifting is a little notchy into 2nd and 3rd. After 10 min., it goes away. I've replaced the shift rod and cup bushings, and my transmission fluid was changed several months ago. I think the fluid was Mobil. Anything else to check out, or should I just accept it for now?

[ghamilton]

Is the shifting any easier after you have warmed it up 5-10 miles at least? My'82 is a little grumpy 1-2 up shift when it's stone cold and OK once it warms up.

[2Utes]

Also, adjust your shift linkage and check the shifter bushings. They may be failing. Cheap to replace. This made a big improvement in my 82SC. Here is the link to the Pelican Tech Article. TRY THIS LINK.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_shifting_improvements/911_shifting_improvements.htm

Have patience as you may need to perform the adjustment a couple of times to get it really good.

[woland]

Anyway
I always wonder why
my 1969 Opel GT had a perfect shift
my Astra F (price 500$) has a perfect shift
fast and precise...
and my 1980 SC has to be so reluctant
shifting from 1st to 2nd
and vice versa?

[Wil Ferch]

My 253,000 mile Corrolla shifts perfectly too.....don't ask this kind of question... .. think instead... " A Stradivarious is hard to play"....

Double-clutching works well to help....

[Flieger]

The synchromesh is a different design- that is the main thing, but I like Walt's answer better.

Originally Posted by Wil Ferch

" A Stradivarious is hard to play"....

Double-clutching works well to help....

[axvel]

Try tightening/changing the tranny mounts as well as the engine mounts. I had a difficulty 1 to 2nd and after i put the car on the lift i noticed my tranny mount bolt was stripped from the previous service. Someone really messed it up when they tried to reinsert it. So i brought it to the shop and they fixed it. Now it's smooth. And i was even considering wevo shifter, not anymore.

[911freek]

The 915 is notorious for that...
My case was the synchro for 2nd gear - had to rebuild. If it "jumps" out of gear, then teeth are broken in the 2nd gear.

In any case, its good to stall in N shifting up or down, drag-racing is not for the 915 :-)

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by aualexa2

I have a similar issue on my car ('87 911) except it's a G50. When cold, shifting is a little notchy into 2nd and 3rd. After 10 min., it goes away. I've replaced the shift rod and cup bushings, and my transmission fluid was changed several months ago. I think the fluid was Mobil. Anything else to check out, or should I just accept it for now?

That's just cold. It will get better once the snow melts...

[aualexa2]

Thx for the feedback, Matt. It's reassuring.

-Alex