915 transmission question

[yalegolas]

My 915 transmission is difficult to shift from first to second and visa versa. it also likes to do a bit of grinding.
Does anyone have any idea what it costs to get a transmission rebuilt and good source to get that done?

[DRACO A5OG]

We need to know where you are located and year of your car.

but do the cheap stuff first.

Is your cable adjusted correctly?

Is the shift coupler aligned?

Jim

[yalegolas]

I have an 81' SC and am located just south of Seattle

I believe all of the adjustments are correct

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by yalegolas

I believe all of the adjustments are correct

You believe? Adjustment issues are very common, and the symptoms you described are consistent with it not being adjusted correctly. Don't go spending money until it's been checked out and you're certain.

[Peter Zimmermann]

"yale"; this is a pretty classic trans-is-ready-for-repair symptom. How many miles since the last repair? What was done at that one? How many miles total on the trans? With more info I can shoot some numbers to you.

Not sure if you're aware of my 915 repair Tutorial, but you can read through it at:

http://porsche.wikidot.com/

Scroll left side of page, down to "915" under page tags, click on that and you'll go to the 9-part Tutorial. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing (like, dude, it's a 5-speed, OK?), a lot of knowledge is power. Enjoy!

[Dodge Man]

I got a worn out '77 trans in my garage with the same problems you described. Kinda' sucks at stop lights & in traffic. IMHO Pete Z is spot on. I bit the bullet and got a low miles 86 915 from a reputable person because my cherry professionally rebuilt original 73 mechanical speedo 915 disappeared during my repair shop nightmare. I highly recommend spending a lot of time researching & adjusting before laying out several thousand $$. Lots of good posts on trans issues here on Pelican. Good luck

[yalegolas]

I do not believe the car has had the transmission repaired yet at 120k miles. It has had several owners, so it is hard for me to tell.

I will have all of the adjustments checked to the transmission before I do anything drastic.

I am looking to have someone in the future look at it, so I'm trying to get a general idea of what a "rebuild" is going to cost and a reputable place or person who does this kind of work, so I can plan for the worse.

[yelcab1]

JW in Seattle is pretty close by to you. He is the man for 911 in your neck of the woods. Lucky You

[theFONZ]

If you are going to pay somebody, go to John Walker's Workshop. I had an SC with a 915 rebuilt by him and it has spoiled me ever since. I wish I was that close to one of the best shops in the country.

[twin plugged targa]

It is likely you need a tranny refresh (new synchros) - may as well do them all whilst you sre in there.
Jonny Walker has a great reputation on this site so he would get my vote
It is not that difficult to re adjust the linkage yourself - just to rule out that adjustment
There should be a tech article here if you do a search - it only involves a philips screw driver and an allen key (hex key) and some patience!
I have had 2 915 trannies rebuilt (in Europe) at the same time replace the linkage bushings- this could be also be done buy you if you have basic mech skills to save money
Best of luck
Ben

[Skip1]

Ben,

Where is Europe did you have the transmission rebuilt? In France?

[Storage Man]

John Walkers work shop.
Porsche 911 Service | Parts | Performance | John Walker's Workshop, Seattle, WA

[LWJ]

Hello,
I have an 80 SC. Similar story. I did motor / trans mounts. Shift bushing. Trans fluid change. Other stuff. Bottom line? It needed a rebuild. I dropped the engine / trans and took it to Steve W.'s place in Tualatin. VERY good work. It is like new after three years of daily driving! J. Walker has a killer reputation also and he is in Seattle as everyone above has said.

If it was my car? Take it to Mr. Walker and have him check stuff out. It may just be low on fluid? Who knows? You may get lucky.

Larry

[yalegolas]

Awesome, thanks for the info everyone