Transmission rebuild cost

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

What is a ballpark figure for a 915 transmission rebuild by a reputable shop? I'm not looking for a bargain basement price, but the price a reliable mechanic would charge.

Superman · 08-09-2002, 07:52 AM

My guess is that $1500 gets the job done nicely, as long as some synchro sets are okay. !st and 2nd will need replacing, and bearings replaced, and that is several hundred in parts alone. But I think a skilled, experienced mechanic would be done in just a few hours.

Neilk · 08-09-2002, 08:17 AM

I am not sure why you are thinking about a transmission rebuild, so let me tell you my story.

I thought my transmission was on it's way out., so I changed the transmission oil which made a small improvement but not much. Then I noticed that the shifter bushings were gone. I replaced the bushings and now the car shifts perfectly.

Like Wayne wrote on page 106 of 101 Projects "A mere $45 spent on new bushings is a heck of a lot cheaper than a $1,500 transmission rebuild."

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

My problem is 1st and 2nd gear shifting, which I imagine to be worn synchros. 1st is bearable, since I shift into 2nd before shifting into 1st. 2nd is what's driving me crazy - it only seems to shift in when the engines running at ~4000 rpm. Otherwise, it won't go. Other than 1st and 2nd, the transmission shifts easily.

I'll probably try fresh fluid and a new bushing first. Even if that doesn't work, I probably won't rebuild the transmission anytime soon - I was just curious as to what they cost.

Neilk · 08-09-2002, 08:37 AM

Steve,

When I got my gallon of Swepco, I asked the shop how much a transmission overhaul cost and they also said about $1,500. The price tag made me investigate my transmission problems a little more and led me to disintegrated bushings. I am not sure if your transmission tunnel is different than mine, but on the passenger side of the tunnel by the shifter housing there is a little inspection hole where you can check on the condition of the bushings. That's how I could tell mine were shot.

If you haven't changed the fluid in several years, new Swepco will make a nice difference. Good luck.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

I paid $2500 about 3 years ago for a trans rebuild, clutch, shift coupler, carrera tensioner install, and some other little tidbits.

Dan Owens · 08-09-2002, 10:53 AM

It depends on what you consider a trans rebuild. It can range from $1200 to $2500 if not more once you consider clutch package and other things that you should do while it's out. You can also buy a rebuilt one from *********** for about $1300 plus your old one in exchange, if you don't care about not having your original one back. I'm sure there are other places too that'll either sell you a reuild or rebuild yours. Oh and that doesn't cover the cost of yanking yours out and putin the new one in if you don't do it yourself.

Dan O
'84 3.2 Targa

aseem · aseem's Garage

I would also check the the shift rod coupling and try to adjust this. Open the lid in the tunnel behind the front seats, and you have free access to the coupling.

I had BIG problems shifting into reverse, and sometimes first. I found a loose set screw in the coupling. I noticed after the first try, that the reverse problem had dissappeared but second was getting tricky. After a little more fiddeling, the gear shifts were really smooth.

Tinker · 08-09-2002, 01:55 PM

Thom,

$2,500!! OUCH!! Man if I had to pay someone to do my trans, I couldn't afford the car.

Tinker
(Poor Porsche Owner)

APKhaos · 08-09-2002, 06:53 PM

Steve,
Call Gary Fairbanks, who has a well earned reputation as a 915 zen master. Gary will send you the packing crate to ship your trans, and will usually turn around in a week or less.

No association, not even a customer, but I know wrenches who rely on Gary to do their 915s. He is in CT 203 866 2466