915 and city traffic

[Hnichols]

Hi folks,
At the risk of opening up the old 915 vs. G-50 debate, I'd like some advice as I contemplate my first 911 purchase. The take-away from what I've read is that while the G-50 is a clear improvement, the issue tends to be over-rated, so one shouldn't exclude a good 915 car from my search. That's what I want to hear, because I'd like to consider an SC.

My concern, though, is that I do alot of city driving (I live in Chicago). In fact, I'd like to use the car for my daily commute. So I'd like to hear from those of you with SC's (or other 915 cars) who do alot of city driving whether it's an issue.

I should also mention that I am used to old manual cars -- my DD is a BMW 2002 -- and I double-clutch and match revs as a matter of habit.

Thanks in advance!

Hugh

[esample]

Originally Posted by Hnichols

So I'd like to hear from those of you with SC's (or other 915 cars) who do alot of city driving whether it's an issue.

It isn't.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by esample

It isn't.

Agreed. No major deal. Make sure everything is properly adjusted and that the clutch cable is solid, and well lubed and you will never think about it.

[szyzygy]

I drive mine everyday in stop and go traffic. I try to be very careful with the clutch and it's no big deal.

[Arne2]

No issue at all, IMO. I drive mine to work a couple of days each week, all surface streets, no highway.

[DaveE]

When I drove my SC every day people at work would threaten to punch me because of my morning grin.

[NewfieMZ3]

I've driven both and prefer the involvement and personality of the 915......when properly sorted, fluid, bushings, alignment.

[Jdub]

As a subcomponent on the list you will assemble for checking your SC, you will be sure to ask about the state of the trans, plus the two components extending from the trans: the shifter all the way back, and the clutch pedal all the way back. Be sure to ask for records (replaced bushings; changed trans oil regularly; used proper Goetze parts in rebuild, etc.).

Otherwise, I just make sure that I snick mine into 1st as I roll to a stop - like butter. I am not hesitant to play with the shift coupler to find that perfect feel slotting the shift into each channel. Your job is to determine where the trans may be weak and be sure to calculate that into the final overall cost.

SC is a great car and a SUPER bargain nowadays for getting into the 911.

[Josh D]

Mine shifts great in stop and go, especially after replacing the shift linkage bushings, which is an easy and cheap DIY.
You'll appreciate that lower than necessary first gear when stuck in traffic or creaping around a parking lot.

[Autoban]

I just did the shifting coupler adjustment on my '86 Cab (915 gear box) last night and took it for a spin. The shifting is no problem, I actually like the "feedback" the transmission gives. My 16 year old daughter drove it and had no problem shifting it.

[nick_911]

I also have no issues in traffic.
Sometimes a slow 2nd gear take off is in order as I couldn't be bothered going to a near complete stop to get first but enough torque to pull from about 20km/h in 2nd.
I have never thought twice about driving my sc in heavy traffic.
And think of the leg workout you will get with that heavy clutch.

[kazlx]

I just purchased a '70 with a 901 and drive it all the time. I just replaced all the bushings and it made a huge difference. I don't have any issues driving it around town.

[rfuerst911sc]

I have an SC and a 914 with a 901 and both are fine for city driving. As others have mentioned all bushings need to be in good shape and all adjusted properly and it all works great. Let any of these items wear out or get out of adjustment and that changes.

[Koizumi]

It's a little tiring in L.A. traffic. Good shifter bushings makes for easier shifting. A Steve Wong chip makes the car rev thru the gears much more smoothly over the stock chip. The combo helps out a lot. The clutch is still tiring in stop & go traffic though.

[pete3799]

Never had any trouble.......oh wait we don't have traffic.

[Canada Kev]

Just be happy that your traffic moves well enough that you CAN shift...

[ivangene]

OK I admit...once a few weeks ago it took an hour to go a mile and a half...slight uphill and traffic would not stop or go but just nudge along....

I could not get a big enough gap to just idle in first for more than a few yards and back on the clutch....then it would move a few yards...I depressed the clutch a lot...more than ever and I got to the point my foot was aching - I began to wonder if I would have to pull over and rest a while (I know I am old now right)

but that was the only time in over 2 years of DD moderate to heavy traffic that it happened - but it sucked and i wanted a lighter clutch that day

there i said it

[GaryR]

Depends on what oil you run in it.... tic tic tic

[Sparkman]

Shifting the 915 is not a problem for me (even better with Ed's coupler and Seine gate add on but a simple part caused some problems. My '78 had 133K miles and the clevis pin (900-166-002-02-M260) which holds the clutch cable to the pedal mechanism snapped which left me with a clutch pedal on the floor. The clutch pedal shaft hole for the snap retainer clip was nearly worn through as well. Who knows what the POs did... These are all inexpensive parts and easy to inspect and replace, but plan to at least look at them on a 30+ year old car as a DD.

[DanielDudley]

I have driven a lot of 911s and I have owned three. I like a good 915 box, but I have to say there is no comparison to the way they shift, and there is only one way to compare the two, and that is to drive a good example of each. Pretty much every example of a G50 I have driven has shifted well, the lever just sort of pops into place. With the 915 boxes, I have driven everything from wonderful to horrible, and I don't mean shifter bushings. Unless you have a good one, you can't appreciate how nice they can be, but they still don't shift like a G50.

The 87- 89 911s are great cars. Don't kid yourself that they are the same. Drive them.

This is from a guy who chooses 915 cars. There are a few tricks to rebuilding these units, and they are not all the same. It could cost you a few thousand to have one put right, so get a PPI, and DRIVE the car you intend to purchase. Drive as many as you can, so that you can have a baseline for performance. There is a lot of difference between individual cars. If I had to choose between a stock SC and a stock Carrera, I would choose the Carrera every time.

Of course none of my cars have ever been stock...