Could my Synchro have fixed itself? Check this out!!

[jbripps]

Hi everyone;

I don't claim to be a DIY guy, but hear me out. I purchased my '85 targa about 2 months ago. It is gorgeous, but always grinded from first to second gear if the rpm's where anywhere above 2500. Otherwise, smooth as can be. I've been driving it for now to get some of the excitement out (hasn't worked yet). I planned on bringing it to my wrench Friday, to have a tune up and a look at the transmission for an evaluation. Get this, I just dragged a Mustang (not crazy speeds though, so calm down, and yes, we prevailed!). When I went to do a high RPM switch to second, it just went without a grind. I thought the loud engines covered up the noise, but sure enough, I tried 3 or 4 more times, and NO GRIND!! Even the wrench said it would need work when it grinded for him a few weeks ago. DID I SCREW SOMETHING UP? Still feels and sounds awesome. One thing I noticed when I looked under the hood, was that the compressor belt was spinning too. Usually, the fan belt is only spinning. No A/C or fans were on. Is this normal? Am I in the clear? Did I rattle something back into place? What the heck? Any insight is much appreciated. Hope I don't sound too much like a bonehead, but I leave the tech talk to most of you.

thanks so much,
JON
'85 targa (48,000 miles and growing faster.

[Wayne 962]

Uhh, the compressor belt better be spinning. Synchros are curious beasts - unfortunately, it will probably start grinding again soon...

-Wayne

[R22tech]

My 85 Targa w/44,000 miles had the grinds from 2nd-3rd. It also seems to have fixed itself. Well, not really. Two things have occured to really resolve this problem:1) I have finally mastered the art of shifting the 915 and 2) I had the shift coupler, shift rod bushing, and guide sleeve replaced. If you are on the originals, I would go ahead and replace 'em. Also, don't be surprised if you wear out the synchros at a fast rate: our cars, specifically the 1985, came with the short shift from the factory and cause us to shift before its time. So rev her up, clutch, pause, shift, de-clutch and go! You can also substitute a blip for the pause for more spirited driving and smoother shifts.

[R22tech]

Almost forgot-yeah! the compressor belt better be turning! And it's funny, my 1st race was with a Mustang as well.LOL Then I figured out that porsches that race mustangs are "pfopa'" (sp?)

[Roland Kunz]

Hello

Maybe you have adjustet your shifting skills.

It is always funny when people come with ther old 911 or 914 and say it is impossible to find a gear or shift without grinding, then you go out with them for a testride and it shifts smooth and a bit sloopy but not to worse.

the reason is they had been used to modern cars like BMW, Toyota or a 944.

Grüsse