Another 911 shift coupler question

[hughc]

I realize this subject has been discussed a zillion times but I'll broach it again since my shifter still isn't as nice as I'd like (or expect).
I've replaced all pertinent bushes both in the coupler and at the base of the shift lever and this has resulted in a somewhat improved operation, but I feel there is still room for improvement.
I've come to the conclusion that adjustment of the shift coupler is a lot of trial and error and at this point, since the shifting has somewhat improved, I'm reluctant to mess with it again.
As I stated the shifting is tighter and better under most circumstances but occasionally I have difficulty engaging first and occasionally reverse gears and I am wondering at this point what sort of adjustment I should try next,
If I understand correctly there are two basic adjustments that can be made to the coupler.
1- Move the coupler forward or backward on the shaft, or
2-Rotate the coupler slightly one way or the other on the shaft.
At this point I am wondering which of the above adjustments I should try given the type of shifting problems I occasionally have. I don't want to make it worst and have to start all over again.
So, Should I try 1 above, or 2.
I realize I may be making this sound much more complicated than it actually is but bare with me and offer suggestions based on your personal experience.
Thank you,
Hugh

BTW. It's an '83 SC

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Hi Hugh - I've attached a link to one of our site's DIY articles on shifting improvements. I hope this is helpful for you in getting it to your liking!

Porsche 911 Shifting Improvements | 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article


-Dmitry

[Eli W]

If I was to make one suggestion get a Wevo short shifter. Adding the WEVO is night and day different. The accuracy of the shifts are much improved and the step into 2nd is a lot easier to get around along with going into first. And the block out for reverse is defined. All the classic 915 slop is gone as well. The Wevo is the first thing I would do.

That is of course if you don't already have one.

[hughc]

Thank you Dmitri. I've read those instructions before and I should read them again as I may have missed something.

Thank you Eli for your suggestion. I've looked at the Wevo, but unfortunately that isn't in the current budget and as nice as it might be, I'm not totally convinced that I need that level of performance.

Surely to Allah these transmissions shift quite nicely when they leave the factory and I should be able to adjust mine so that it shifts as well as when it was new. Maybe that's just wishful thinking.

I don't expect to be driving like a crazy man but I would like to have smooth shifts into all gears without having that slight crunch as I sometimes get going into second gear(mostly).
Also, I really hate it when it refuses to go into first and/or reverse. It doesn't happen often, mind you, but it can be somewhat embarrassing if there are other vehicles nearby waiting for me to get out of their way.

As I mentioned in my first post it seems to be a trial and error type of adjustment so I guess I keep fiddling with it to see if I can improve things without loosing the small gains that I've already made.

Thanks all for taking the time to reply and offer your suggestions.
Hugh

[911obgyn]

Did you check, replace the shaft bushing inside the tunnel?

[David 23]

Originally Posted by Eli W

If I was to make one suggestion get a Wevo short shifter. Adding the WEVO is night and day different. The accuracy of the shifts are much improved and the step into 2nd is a lot easier to get around along with going into first. And the block out for reverse is defined. All the classic 915 slop is gone as well. The Wevo is the first thing I would do.

That is of course if you don't already have one.

Agreed. It is an amazing transformation of the shifting experience. I don't think it is a case of "needing" that level of performance as much as it is such a wonderful instrument that makes every shift a joy. IMO there isn't more bang for the buck.

[Eli W]

Thanks David I was going to say that, it really has nothing to do with performance shifting it is more about just being able to shift.

But I totally get the budget, it was my birthday so I just ordered it. Even when the 915 is ready to go with everything lined up it feels like a stick in a bucket.

Actually mine was not bad before it was just I had to learn the car and the way it wanted me to shift it, I wanted to shift it this way and it said NO my way! Funny thing too the car shifted better when you were really pushing it, in traffic and puttering around showed its flaws.

[hughc]

Originally Posted by 911obgyn

Did you check, replace the shaft bushing inside the tunnel?

Done.

[hughc]

[But I totally get the budget, it was my birthday so I just ordered it. Even when the 915 is ready to go with everything lined up it feels like a stick in a bucket.] Eli W

Well, I'm probably being brave (or nuts) saying this on this (or any) forum but I like Trump. If I read him correctly he wants to make life for the average American better. And under most circumstances that is OK. Nothing wrong with that.

But, some of his decisions are causing the $Can to get even weaker, which in turn makes specialty item purchases even more expensive. But like everything else, if we want it bad enough we'll find a way to buy it. No doubt I'll someday reach the point where I'll say "frig it" and buy the Wevo unit. Until that day I'll make do with the current set-up. Right?

[mickey356]

Hugh, I'm going through almost the exact same symptoms you describe, only difference being I have a rennshift in my car....and it's a 912 5speed.
I'll be curious to find out what solution you come up with.
A properly adjusted shifter with good bushings should shift smoothly. Yes, a short shifter of any kind will crisp things up but won't mask improper adjustments.
I'm hoping with my symptoms it's not actually IN the gear box. That said these cars are no stranger to worn out gears, especially the lower gears.

[Eli W]

yep, you can replace all the fiddlly bits you want but they all connect back to the metal dogteeth in the transmission sliders and what not.

First is hard to get in, can you down shift into 2nd from 3rd? If you can't no plastic linkage or bushing is going to fix it.

[wayne robson]

Hughc, another good source to help adjust is ---Alex Ranarivelo-- controledexplosions.
If you enter these words on google--
Howto adjust gearbox coupler for Porsche 911.
It will bring Alex up regards .

[bkreigsr]

Here's a plug for the Stomski (Precision) coupler.
I talked to Steven at Hershey on Saturday at length about what his set-up is all about.
Bottom line: there is zero play built into his coupler, and likely it will remain that way for the life of the car.

Normally I would have tried to adjust the trans on my new '76 as per all the posted instructions. I thought the trans was one step from a total rebuild - would not go gently into 5th and the 5-4 shift was landing in R more times than not.

Long story short - the engine was removed a short time before I purchased the car and the shop did not take the time to re-index the shifter to where it was. So my starting point was really no point at all.

When installing the new coupler, cup, and rod bushing it was trial and error until found the sweet spot.

Trans is now easy into all gears, and I'm waiting for some new Kendall Hypoid to complete the process.

Bill K

[Eli W]

Thanks for posting that, I think I will take a look at it. Wevo plus that coupler sounds like a great way to go. I will say the wevo has a lock out for R that is top notch, you would have to try and force it into reverse.

[hughc]

HI guys, Thanks again for the replies.
As our local weather improves I'll be driving the vehicle more, under different conditions, in the hopes of nailing down precisely what I don't think is right about the way it shifts.

You must remember this is my first 911 and obviously different than anything I've owned in the past. It all takes a little getting used to.

As I recall there isn't a problem downshifting from third to second but hopefully all the weaknesses' will show themselves after more driving under different conditions.

Wayne, I tried googling Alex Ranarivelo-- controledexplosions but didn't have much luck. I will try again; there must be something there if you've used the site.

Hugh

[cabmandone]

Shifting into 1 is different than most cars. For a good explanation of why see Gordo2's 915 rebuild thread and the differences between the "dog teeth". For R you could be a bit off on the fore/aft. With the car off, can you run through all of the gears smoothly? It has been my experience that if you're bumping R coming out of or going into 5 your clockwise/counter clockwise adjustment is off. If you're having a difficult time with engaging a gear, it's a very small fore/aft adjustment.

[Eli W]

Hugh, I bet you can wait to get out there and drive and shifting it will become easier.

When you can afford it get a WEVO shifter in there, I read a lot of posts on here and everyone who has put them in has loved them. Most people say the wished they would have done it sooner. Really nothing to do with performance just it makes the 915 box feel less antiquated.

Oh and it is easy to install.

One last thing, getting into first from still takes a double clutch for me at a light most times. If the car is rolling at certain speed I can get into it easy but if it has stopped I have to double clutch or if that is not the right term engage the clutch release it and the engage it again. Same for Reverse at start up, when the engine is at 2k RPM. I think all that has to do with the transmission itself and not the linkages.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by bkreigsr

Here's a plug for the Stomski (Precision) coupler.
I talked to Steven at Hershey on Saturday at length about what his set-up is all about.
Bottom line: there is zero play built into his coupler, and likely it will remain that way for the life of the car.

Normally I would have tried to adjust the trans on my new '76 as per all the posted instructions. I thought the trans was one step from a total rebuild - would not go gently into 5th and the 5-4 shift was landing in R more times than not.

Long story short - the engine was removed a short time before I purchased the car and the shop did not take the time to re-index the shifter to where it was. So my starting point was really no point at all.

When installing the new coupler, cup, and rod bushing it was trial and error until found the sweet spot.

Trans is now easy into all gears, and I'm waiting for some new Kendall Hypoid to complete the process.

Bill K

+1, love the Stomski. Took a few trial and error for the adjustment.

Coupled with the Seine Gate its perfect.

[hughc]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Shifting into 1 is different than most cars. For a good explanation of why see Gordo2's 915 rebuild thread and the differences between the "dog teeth". For R you could be a bit off on the fore/aft. With the car off, can you run through all of the gears smoothly? It has been my experience that if you're bumping R coming out of or going into 5 your clockwise/counter clockwise adjustment is off. If you're having a difficult time with engaging a gear, it's a very small fore/aft adjustment.

I tend to agree with your analysis of the situation.
Most times I can run through all the gears while stationary, but not always, and with respect to the question of accidently hitting R while coming out of fifth, I somehow think the adjustment for and aft would give better results.

I'm saying that because if fifth gear is properly engaged the little block out lever will be in its place and , I think, you will never touch reverse coming out of fifth.
That's my analysis at this stage.

[911pcars]

Installing an aftermarket shifter isn't the solution to selecting gears. Those products allow more accurate shifting from gear to gear. If you can't shift into a gear, it's either gearbox wear, shift linkage bushing wear and/or basic adjustment.

Sherwood