Porsche tranny doesn't seem weird to me...

I was reading an article, and noticed many articles on Porsche always say the trannys shift pattern is weird. I have a 901 4 speed, and I don't see how they think it's weird. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th are all in the right position in my mind. Reverse might be a little weird because you have to bring it to the left, forward and then it sort of "slides" right and looks like it's in first. But that doesn't confuse me in thinking that first is reverse. How about the five speeds? I think maybe they were talking about those, because they have 4 gears on the top row?

[s_wilwerding]

I believe on the five speeds, first was over on the left, second and third were up and down, and fourth and fifth were up and down. I guess people think it's a little weird to go over from first to second rather than up-down.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I'm guessing "they" are referring to the 901 5-speed pattern, which is:

R 2 4
1 3 5


Frankly I think this is the "correct" layout for a 5-speed, because you've got the perfect "H" for 2-5 (how often do you use 1st on the track?). I imagine some people complained about accidentally hitting reverse instead of 2nd (or was there a lockout?).

The 915 (and most other) 5-speed is:

1 3 5
2 4 R

Don't know what the 930 4-speed gearbox looks like.

The current trend (that I've seen) in German 5-speeds is:

R 1 3 5
.. 2 4

I don't care for that much either. Both VWs and BMWs that I have driven use this. It makes sense for a 6-speed, though.

YMMV.

[Wayne 962]

In strange cars that you're not familiar with, you could put it into reverse on the highway if Rev is below 5th...

-Wayne

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Wayne, if you're redlining in 5th gear on the freeway and need to upshift, please send me the number of your insurance agent.

[Paul-V.]

Nearly got into several accidents in my brother's '69 with that stupid 4 speed shift pattern. I mean if you learned to drive on "normal" manual transmissions, it can really throw you off. In this case, I'd *think* I was putting it into 1st gear--and I am one of those who likes to do a jackrabbit at a stoplight--not think about it and have a very unpleasant surprise when I'd release the clutch and give it some gas. I really, really, really hate having reverse where first rightfully should be. The 5 speed 901 is a little better, because you tell yourself that you just got to start it in 2nd, but it still takes some getting used to.

[304065]

The 901 pattern is ideal on the track. You use 1st to get out of the pits and the rest is all 2-5. It's old, funky, and therefeore ultimate cool.

The only drawback is, your average parking valet will inevitably bring you the car with the shifter in second and the clutch smelling. Yet another reason to self-park.

[eion]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
The current trend (that I've seen) in German 5-speeds is:

R 1 3 5
.. 2 4

That's what my 964 has. Seems normal to me, but it's the only manual transmission that I've really used much.

[CamB]

"It's old, funky, and therefeore ultimate cool."

These are the words I couldn't think of! I liked my 901. After a while you start almost pretending you have an incredibly short geared 6 speed you start in second. Or something like that.

[justin]

930's are like this,

1 3
2 4 R

I think....I will have to go look at my gear knob,I haven't got to drive it yet..

[beepbeep]

justin:
Make sure you check it out before you drive it, it might get expensive otherwise!


930 shift pattern is:

R 1 3
.. 2 4

Reverse is spring-loaded.

[Adam]

Well,

R 1 3 5
.. 2 4

is the pattern in my Carrera. I actually still think it's wierd... , but!

...my 928 was

R 2 4
1 3 5

It was surprisingly comfortable.

[Rot 911]

Try driving British cars. Each manufacturer has their own ideas of what is the ideal shift pattern! For example MGB shift pattern:

1 3
2 4 R

There is no fifth gear, but an electronic overdrive was an option and works in 3rd and 4th gear. But if you forget to turn it off, after a stop, and shift into reverse say "rebuild time!"

[Paul Franssen]

Now, Kurt V, THAT is what I call a weird pattern...

[Victor]

Ha!

Any of you ever driven a Citroen 2Cv? Well, I have and you have to be off your nut to understand the "pattern" of bizarre twists and turns of the umbrella handle like protrusion that sticks out of the dashboard. There is no logical way it makes sense. Pure automotive entertainment. Try it, you'll be hooked. Don't get me started on the window "opening" mechanism.

[KTL]

I don't particularly care for the left of first location of reverse on some transmissions. On the G50, if you are too quick/pull too hard when moving left for a downshift to second, you can grab the reverse "spring gate." When you pull down for second gear, there's nothing there. I imagine this would provide a good opportunity to miss your marks when approaching corner.

[Sean Hamilton]

Originally posted by Kurt V
Try driving British cars........if you forget to turn it off, after a stop, and shift into reverse say "rebuild time!"

Crikey, I've had my TR4 for 6 years now and never knew that
1 3
2 4 R
Electric Overdrive in 2, 3 and 4.
Great fun in the twisty bits when its not 2nd and not quite 3rd - just flick the electric overdrive lever up and down. Same for 3rd and 4th. I wish it were the same for my Porsche.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by Kurt V
For example MGB shift pattern:

1 2
3 4 R

Hey it's Monday morning! Of course what I really meant was:

1 3
2 4 R

[JWest]

If you look way back to when 3 speeds ruled and 4 speeds were few and far between, the common pattern was:

R2
13

The 901 5 speed pattern:

R24
135

does not seem so weird in that context.