Ultimate 915 Shifting

[rfloz]

Like most with 915s, I have gotten used to the very deliberate shift to second and the sloppy downshift from fifth. Not to mention the dance required to get it into first approaching a changing stoplight. But, after driving a friend’s WEVO equipped Carrera, I am ready for a bit more precision.

My 3.2 shows 80,000 miles and while new synchros might not be a bad idea, the cost of a transmission rebuild, since it would likely not be limited to a couple of synchro rings, is a bit daunting. So, I am considering upgrading the shifting mechanism, from knob to rear coupler, first.

So, how to make a 915 shift like a Miata? (Ho, ho, ho.)?

First, I am thinking good shifting needs a good foundation. To wit, newer or better transmission and motor mounts to reduce movement of the engine/transmission. So what would be “best”?

New OEM mounts on my aging steed would probably bring some improvement, I am leaning toward OEM sport/convertible trans mounts to firm things up a bit more. WEVO makes some well-received trans/motor mounts, including some nearly solid, I believe. My car has been used primarily for auto-cross the last five years, but I am leaning towards more street oriented driving. Solid, or even near solid mounts would be fine for a/x but a bit much for street use methinks. Has anyone compared the WEVO semi-solid or softer mounts with the factory stuff?

Shift couplers – Ed/IvanGene’s home brews have gotten very good reviews. It sounds like they have less slop than new OEM couplers. Is there any other alternative to consider?

As noted above, I was highly impressed by the WEVO shifter I tried, although the price is a bit stiff. At the low end is the Seine shifter which seems to work quite well and in between is the RennShift. I believe Ed has a new mid-priced shifter coming out. Any one tried this or compared the others?

It seems to me the combination of a short shift kit and a longer shift lever would be about ideal. The shifter would be closer to the steering wheel and the actual movement at the knob would be about the same as stock. Am I correct this combination would alleviate the issue some short shifters seem to have of abusing the trans internals? Who makes the best short shifter, I am leaning toward the OEM one (or stock ’85-’86, which I believe is a bit shorter than my’84). Which shifters come with or can be adapted to a longer lever? I know WEVO has this, anyone else?

Finally, the knob. While the trick drilled out aluminum knob I have seen looks cool, I suspect it gets pretty warm after sitting in the California sun for a while. So, either the tasty balsa 917 replica or an OEM knob should be fine. I suppose one ought to have a knob showing the 915 shift pattern just in case I allow someone else to drive the car in a weak moment.

So, the question is – which combination of the above components (or any other that spring to mind) would make up the Ultimate 915 Shifter?

[JWest]

The RennShift is available in stock length or 2" longer stick.

It is also user adjustable for 20 or 33% reduction in throw.

There's much more, of course, but I'll refrain from making this an advertisement.

[Craig_D]

Hi Bob, I'm running a '78 SC with some fairly old syncros, but have some of the upgrades you ask about.

I have a WEVO vintage look short shifter with a MOMO polished stainless steel shift knob and love that combo. I'm also running the WEVO performance coupler, and the WEVO black (softer, or less hard) tranny and motor mounts.

Some notes:
- The WEVO short shifter and performance coupler were a HUGE improvement right off the bat. I do not abuse my syncros with the short shifter because I know how to shift, heal/toe, declutch and double declutch, and I still let her take her own time to slip into gear. Love it!

- The MOMO polished shifter is another love for me. It doesn't get hot on very hot days, but does get cool on very cool days, but I wear batting gloves (they look like driving gloves) all the time when it's cool, so it doesn't bother me and has excellent grip.

- The WEVO tranny/motor mounts were another improvement in shifting precision, just not as big as the initial WEVO shift/coupler install. Some notes: The Tranny mounts added some noise to the cabin, so expect that. You could go with sport tranny/motor mounts from our host for an improvement over stock, and less vibration/noise than the WEVOs.

I love my setup! To me, it's ideal...I will be saving up for a tranny overhaul in the next year or so though.

[Autoban]

Bob:

When I purchased my '86 Cab last year in January with 66K miles on it I also had a very sloppy shifting gear box with a second gear refusing to go in sometimes when I down shifted. Since then I have replaced all the bushings (using Ed's coupling bushings) and since my car came with Swepco gear oil I changed it to Kendal oil (I know some of you love Swepco). In my case all of these changes made a big difference (but every car is different) and now (7K miles later) I am happy how it shifts. I can even get it into first gear either sitting still or while the car is still moving slowly forward with no problem. You may want to try these things first and see what you get.

Juergen

[Arne2]

I've got much of the above in my '84.

• The synchros have about 10k on them (fairly fresh).
• Fresh Kendall gear oil.
• New mounts a couple months ago, sport/cab at the transmission, normal OEM at the engine.
• Ed's coupler bushings (last year).
• New cup and shaft bushings (also last year).
• Factory short shift kit (installed by PO).
• Seine Gate Shift Kit (last year).
• Leather ball-shaped knob (with pattern).

While I don't have lots of 911 experience, I'd say that I'm pretty happy with how it shifts. Is it Miata-like? Certainly not. But is it reasonable? Yes. In fact my wife has no problems with it, just a mild comment that it does take a bit more effort than our other cars.

[Packet82]

Bought mine with 143k on the tranny. It ground when shifted, syncros were almost completely gone in several gears, had an aftermarket short shifter on it, and when taking apart the shifter found the PO had put shift coupler bushings in it.. somehow.

A tranny rebuild, factory shifter, ed's couplings, and a seine shifter kit later and it shifts like a dream. I can't think of anything else I could do to it to make it shift better.

[James Brown]

just the opposite Bob up in colder climates, the metal shift knob gets ccccold in the wee hours making a glove necessary to hold the darn thing so wood or plastic knob is essential. A trans rebuild is the ultimate fix but if you have a balky trans. try everything you can the improve the input to the transmission. Bushings, motor/trans. mounts, new shifter, upgraded coupler, kendal fluid, good clutch, etc. Each change is a vast improvement but the biggest bang for your buck is the coupler, wevo-style would be the best. Short shifters do place more torque on the transmission and can have a negative impact on old worn out syncros so that might not be an option

[euro911sc]

Shift lever extension (ala John Walker)

Modifying the shift lever arm... I have a factory short shift kit and custom extension that brings the knob up to about 2" below the steering wheel. Works awesome on track and street. It does wobble since there is only a spring in one axis with the stock setup. I can probably make one for you if you like. See the thread above..