transaxle identification basics
 

I've traded for a pair of transaxles, and I get to choose from a selection of them. I have a '68 911 body that will be pushed by a '67 912 motor, so I want an early transaxle (901?). Questions:

1) Which transaxle do I want and how do I identify it? Where are the numbers and what do they mean?

2) How do I tell a 4-speed unit from a 5-speed?

3) Anything I should be looking for or guarding against?

Thanks as always.

Hello Enrique,
The transaxle type is stamped on the bottom of the case. Here is the information that I have from a reference book:
5 speed:
901/0, 901/02, 901/03, 901/50, 901/51(for hill climbs), 901/52, 901/53(for airport races), 901/54(nuerburgring ratrios), 902/1, 902/02, 902/50(sportomatic).
4 speed:
901/10, 902/0, 902/01, 905/00(sportomatic), 905/01(sportomatic).
The book also lists the ratios, if you are interested.
I don't know anything about buying a used transaxle or what to look for, sorry.
If either of the transmissions are a 901 or 902, they would likely be a 65 thru 68.
If one of the transaxles are a 915, it is a newer and superior unit and probably worth more money.
I hope that this helps.


------------------
Adam White
68 912 Coupe

Hello

Questions:
1) Which transaxle do I want and how do I identify it? Where are the numbers and what do they mean?
901 ( 911 )and 902 (912 ) tranys are very close in the ratios as the 6 just could rev far past 4 redline. But there are several types around.

Check that page: http://members.rennlist.com/chuxter/901&915ratios.htm

The # is on the underside on the longtitunal boss on the main housing

2) How do I tell a 4-speed unit from a 5-speed?

Buy the # & shifting in 6 gears, 3 left 3 right. If one is missing its a 4.

3) Anything I should be looking for or guarding against?

Hard to say without testdrive or dissasemble.

I like to see dirty tranys so you can tell how they where used and how stressed they got in the case. Look for a bend shifterrod and cracks on the nose. Speeedodrive loose ?

There is allways some play on the driveshaft studs but they are not really loose. Just a bit like the wheelbearings on a 912 frontaxle.

Look also for the clutch forck with the guiding tube and the TOB. The guiding tube showing to much wear needs to be renewed ( or turned by 180° ) and the TOB should run free and still have the pads on the "ears" where the fork slips in.

Grüsse,
Roland

Thanks for the info guys! I picked a 4 and a 5 speed. Installed the 4 speed and drove it for the first time yesterday. Seems to work quite well, though I only drove about 4 blocks (car is still mostly taken apart).
I assume the four speed shift pattern is different from the 5 in that there is no gear under reverse?

Cheers.

Hi,
Yup, no gear under reverse in the 4 speed.