where to buy 915 synchros, gears etc... ?? used??

[Baby]

Where do you guys get your transmission parts? Is it worth it to try to find used stuff?

[Peter Zimmermann]

For starters, read my repair Tutorial at;

Welcome to Red Line Porsche Wiki - Porsche Wiki

Scroll left side of page, click on "915," under "page tags," and the site will take you to the Tutorial. If you plan to do the repair yourself this will give you a solid head start.

Used parts such as wear items like bearings and synchros are never recommended. Used gear sets are good candidates, but someone schooled in transmissions should check them for you prior to purchase. Our host has some inventory so definitely check with them, but don't waste time guessing what you might need, Disassembly and inspection come first, then you get to spend money.

[Maltese Falcon]

California Motor Sports, Lake Havasu, Az.
Go with new parts !

[Baby]

Thanks for the advice on parts, gents. Peter, I'm familiar with the tutorial. In fact, I read that front to back before I even bought the car a few years ago and have looked at it a couple times since just to try to learn a bit about the transmission. I'm not planning on buying anything until I do a thorough inspection, probably with the help of someone who knows this stuff. That said, I'd like a ballpark range of what I might be in for.

BTW, my buddy (and former Mercedes tech), who was driving the car when it broke, heard a pop from under the car and immediately pushed in the clutch pedal. Once he rolled to a stop, he found the rear wheels locked, and the car wouldn't go into gear. Shift lever felt like it was going into gear for all but 2nd, which would not engage. This was on moving day. Had it towed to the new garage, have been reading threads for a while and finally got around to pulling off the plate today. Yuck. At least the wheels turn now.

[red911sc83]

Gary Fairbanks in CT, Matt at Guard, Tom at Carquip to name a few.

[johnsjmc]

Used gears yes ,used bearings probably not. Used syncros maybe.
You can flip over the syncros in a 915. I rebuilt one years ago and replaced 1 and 2 with new and turned over 3,4,5. The box had the ususal worn out 1st engagement teeth and worked ok in other gears before the repairs so I knew what I was looking for before disassembly. I also knew there were no unusual bearing type noises before too.
You do need to open it up to really know , but you can expect certain parts in most of them.
Unfortunately $1000 in parts will fit in a ziplock sandwich bag so I understand why used is a question.

[KTL]

I agree disassembly first is a must to assess everything.

There are good sources for used parts here on the forums from some guys who are transmission addicts. Porsche84 (Jerry) has a good collection of transmission parts. Also z930 (Galen) has built many transmissions over the years and during the builds he's wisely saved parts he felt were still in good condition. Parts like operating hubs and sleeves are quite expensive new & difficult to source. So good used ones are a fair substitute IMO.

Not trying to be penny wise and pound foolish. I just feel comfortable using some old used parts, especially on a street car, when you consider that much of the new stuff (that isn't OEM Porsche) is suspect in quality. Rauch & Spiegel is one of those suspects.

[Matt Monson]

Gary Fairbanks in CT, Matt at Guard, Tom at Carquip to name a few.

I appreciate the mention but I sell almost exclusively new parts if my own manufacture. I've got some good used stock ratio gears kicking around and very rarely have a used race ratio gear.

I would never sell a used synchro or bearing. Too much risk and liability. Things like shift forks or rods or cases sure. But the usual wear items? I will only put them into my own personal boxes where if they fail I've just got me to blame and the teardown wastes my own weekend.

[Trackrash]

+1 KTL

Try a wanted ad in Porsche 911 Used Parts For Sale & Wanted here on Pelican. I have had good luck there.

[zorro77]

Please contact GBox at (303) 440-8899 (Porsche Transmission Specialists) . Tell the tech that you are interested in purchasing gears/synchros from a transmission which is on hold there for Fernando to part out. The tech should be able to help you locate the gears/synchros that you need. Please feel free to thoroughly question the tech as to the condition of the gears. They are very helpful, candid and trustworthy in my experience. Prices are set by GBox and are very reasonable and negotiable.

[armandodiaz]

I'm rebuilding my 915 for track use. There's nothing wrong with it, other than a little grinding into 3rd. Some time ago I heard of going with 930 trans parts. They are supposed to me more heavy duty. Does anyone have any info on what is interchangeable and what I should be using?

Thanks

[KTL]

Here you go. Matt @ Guard is the man for providing this info to us

915 4th gear issues