I like my 915

[jeffbottman]

Recently, John Walker replaced my clutch and refreshed first and second gears in my transmission ... new synchros, sliders, along with various other parts. The invoice for this work was very reasonable, and he provided a few used but perfectly serviceable parts that saved money over new.

After this work, the transmission performs flawlessly, and is a delight to drive. Before, the shift from first to second took more effort than higher gears. Now, it's about the same. Also, pushing into first from a stop is easier and consistent. Before, about 1 in 10 times it would just not want to go into gear.

Anyway, my point is that a properly functioning 915 transmission is great fun to drive, and I think the bad reputation relative to the G50 derives from worn parts that may be endemic in higher mileage cars (like mine).

It's sad that the market has devalued 915 cars so much ... most ads for '87 and up Carreras specifically refer to the vaunted G50 transmission. On the other hand, I won't be selling mine anytime soon, it's more fun than ever!!

[DRACO A5OG]

Well from my understanding G50 was more for the street and our 915 was meant for the track due to it's lighter weight.

As far as 1st, over time it will get better, everything needs to settle in. JW is a master so you are in good hands.

Consider a Gate shift kit and maybe a Derlin type coupler, you will say G50 who???.

Congrats, now go break her in

[Arne2]

My 915 now has about 15k since it was rebuilt, and the synchros work well (after a change to Kendall gear oil). I've got the Seine Gate Kit and delrin coupler bushing, had a short shift kit but went back to stock. Shift quality is great, much better than I had expected for a 915. About the only complaint I have is that my 915 makes a variety of odd noises at times, but I consider that to be part of it's character. Hasn't diminished my enjoyment at all.

[RichardNew]

I still like Swepco. Hey, I'm old.

I have never been a fan of the short shifter kit.

Richard Newton
Car Tech Stuff

[NYNick]

My 915 is brandy spankin' new….that is to say, completely rebuilt from top to bottom, all stock.

It shifts flawlessly, at any speed. The synchros work perfectly, and I've got zero complaints. I had an 89 w/G50 also for a while so drove both of them. I'd say the G50 is more exacting when finding gears, and that you have to search a little more in the 915. I think my initial comment was; it's a little loosey goosey, like my old 912 and Beetle.

But I wouldn't change a thing. People say to get the WEVO gate shifter, but I'm fine with it as it is.

[OldSpool87]

Nick,

Who rebuilt your 915? Sweet car you have.

[NYNick]

Rennwerke Porsche.
They restored the entire car, including the engine.
You should see and hear THAT baby!

[billybek]

My 915 isn't all that great but I still like it.
Without it I would be shiftless....

Glad to hear yours is working out so well.

[OldSpool87]

My car is at Rennwerke now. It's my second favorite place on Earth. I'll send you a PM when it's ready. I'd love to see your car in person. Sorry to hijack this thread!

[NYNick]

OldSpool…pm sent.

[DRACO A5OG]

915s, you got to try a 915 with a properly installed gate shift kit. It is a total game changer. My buddy with a G50 was amazed at the precise shifting. There is one caveat. You have to re-learn to shift. Because it wants to center at neutral, you have to get use to conciously pulling the shifter to the driverside to get into 1st and second, just like when you have to push to 5th or reverse. No more "loosy goosy" shifter.

The best is when shifting into 3rd in a cambered high speed turn, absolutely no miss shift into 5th or worse down shift into 2nd when you wanted 4th

[Tippy]

Awww, hate to pee-pee on the 915 love fest, but can your 915 shift as fast as my G50?



Just playing, glad to hear you all are happy. My G50 shifts better at WOT than cruising around. It's in a need of rebuild.

[jeffbottman]

Oh yeah?? I can shift my 915 that fast ..... ONCE!

Originally Posted by Tippy

Awww, hate to pee-pee on the 915 love fest, but can your 915 shift as fast as my G50?



Just playing, glad to hear you all are happy. My G50 shifts better at WOT than cruising around. It's in a need of rebuild.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by RichardNew

I still like Swepco. Hey, I'm old.

Swepco was my second choice. After reading all the various bit on gear oil and the 915, I came to the conclusion that Kendall and Swepco were the two top choices. Swepco is probably better for protection in severe (race or DE) use, while Kendall might have a touch better shift quality. Since my car sees street use and no track time, I went with the better shifting.

Originally Posted by RichardNew

I have never been a fan of the short shifter kit.

I'm not now, that's for sure. My car came to me with the factory short shift installed by a previous owner (twice removed). It was OK, but coupler adjustment was very fussy (had issues getting the reverse lockout to work reliably), and the shift effort seemed excessive to me. I bought and installed a stock shift tower to see how I'd like that and loved it. Much nicer shift action, reverse lockout works perfectly every time, and I didn't really notice the increased travel.

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

915s, you got to try a 915 with a properly installed gate shift kit. It is a total game changer.

Yes, it makes a big difference - a paradigm shift, even. (Sorry, couldn't resist. ) When I installed the stock travel shift tower to test it, I missed the additional precision of the gate shifter immediately. With that swapped on as well, it's great! Shifts enough like other cars that I don't hesitate to let other people drive the car now.

[Tippy]

LOL, Jeff!

[tips]

I love my 915 with wevo

[OldSpool87]

Wow Tippy! I measured the throw from second to third on my 930 box and it was right in factory spec: .914 meters (1 yard)

I have heard that come rebuild time, the 915 box can cost a lot less to rebuild. But man that G50 is fast....

[Tippy]

Wow Tippy! I measured the throw from second to third on my 930 box and it was right in factory spec: .914 meters (1 yard)



I have heard that come rebuild time, the 915 box can cost a lot less to rebuild. But man that G50 is fast....

Yes, I'm grateful for having a G50, since they can handle over 1000hp as long as the diff cover is billet.

[porsche0nut]

Specifically searched for a 915 when I bought my car. Drove both and loved the gearing and the interaction you get with the car in the 915 - the mechanical feel and need to be conscious about your shifts... with the 915 you are operating a piece of machinery, and it is rewarding to get it right! When you nail that heel/toe downshift from 3rd to 2nd and it slips right into gear.... aaah that is pure bliss! It's a race-developed gearbox for the enthusiast driver. I know a few people who have had one, sold for a G50, and quickly gone back to another 915.

[porsche0nut]

Originally Posted by Tippy

WOW that thing hauls! But all I hear is wastegate.....