Busted Trans

[lousailor]

Lost my tranny on the way home (high pitched grinding noise and clunking). Now I'm looking at my options. Should I rebuild it myself? Send it out for a rebuild? Replace with a rebuilt? or Replace with a used? I am seriously considering upgrading to an LSD since I would like to start running DE's. I really don't want to spend more than the value of the car on just a trans, but...

What does everyone think? Anybody do any of these recently? I've talked to Guard about a torque biased or LSD unit (pricey), but I've also seen some used or rebuilt LSD trannies on Ebay. Also I heard that 944online does rebuilds. All inputs appreciated. Thanks

[JustinL]

I'm sure you've already done all this, but make sure it's your transmission before you start buying parts. Check your clutch and CV joints.

As for a LSD, I would say it's not worth the cost in an N/A unless you are having trouble with inside rear wheel spin on tight corner exit. Start off doing DEs and autocross with what you've got and then upgrade when you find weaknesses. There is way more time to be found with better brakes and tires than with a LSD.

[lousailor]

I'm fairly certain it's the trans, although I will double-check it all. I replaced the original rubber clutch a few years back with a spring centered Sachs cluch, and did the CV joints last year. It would not roll off the truck in neutral when I got it home, and when I shifted into reverse to see if that would help there was a pop that sounded like a piece of something was catching in the gearing. I've been driving AX with the local clubs for a while, but had heard that a torque bias or LSD diff might help get out of the corners quicker. I've made some basic performance, suspension and lightening mods that put me in CSP, so anything that will help overtake the Miatas will be beneficial.

[jcommin]

I recently responded to this problem a couple weeks back. I have an 83 with an LSD trans. Here are the options I faced.

Buy a rebuilt trans w/ LSD from Porsche, 2yr. warranty - cost $8300
Buy a rebuild trans w/o LSD from Porsche, 2yr. warranty - cost $3300

Repair my trans - from the Porsche dealer - $5300

Buy a used trans from ebay, pelican, rennlist member - didn't like this option very risky to me especially if it needs repair:

Rebuild it yourself - didn't like this option either: I know what I know and I know what I don't know. I don't know how to do this.

Contact: George from 944ecology (a member on this board) rebuilds go for around $1900 - $2000. Excellent reputation; a very knowledgeable man.

Contact Ian at 944online. He will rebuild only if it's together. 1 yr warranty
Excellent reputation. Very capable; just don't disassemble the trans.

Both have trannys in stock - LSD's are very rare.


What I did: My trans was already apart and Ian would only would touch it if it was assembled. I can understand his position. I considered it until I talked to George at 944ecology. He gave me a name of a person who rebuilds transmissions. He is finishing mine as we speak. He replaced bearings, syncos and repaired my third gear. Inspected my LSD unit. His name is Kevin Gross, Cattelus Engineering out of Stow, MA.

To say that I am happy spending $1900 - $2000 plus shipping is a far cry from $5300. I'm ecstatic. I expected a very big repair bill.

Another option is to get an non LSD trans and get a seperate LSD unit and have Cattelus put it together. Kevin can do this. He has all the tools, fixtures and manuals.


Tell me: how does one not spend money on this car that is less than than the street value???

Good luck

[Eldorado]

a blown out wheel bearing can cause a high pitched sound and clunking....

[jcommin]

Kyle,

A blown out wheel bearing vs a tranny problem??? Like nite and day,

[Eldorado]

Originally Posted by jcommin

Kyle,

A blown out wheel bearing vs a tranny problem??? Like nite and day,

ya think?
I was driving one night, and heard an *unbelievable* squealing sound followed by what sounded like a 2x4 jammed into the spokes of my fuchs... caused the back end to buck quite a bit...

I thought the worst...
then I pulled the wheel and found this.



I know they're like night and day... but rule out the simple things first.

[S-G-Covin]

Gawd Kyle. Seriously, some pics should come with a little Psycho theme music attachment.

If you have to ask, don't rebuilt yourself. The tools for some of these jobs are worth more than the street value of these cars and tranny will be right up at the top of that list.

one question though: does anyone know a good new sport tranny to put into one of these cars that will fit without too much to-do? If there's a 6-speed that can be squeezed into a 944 without too much extra work....it might fit my 924

[d.a.autry]

What typically happens with these early transmissions is the carrier pin breaks. It's usually catastrophic and damages the ring and pinion. The failure most often starts by running on a damaged rubber center clutch disk.

You should be able to find a working early model trans for around 400 to 500. But be aware that it could be on the same road to failure.

I've blown one so far and have replaced it with the one from my parts car. . . so far so good. The entire ring, pinion and carrier are wasted in the one that blew. I'd be interested in rebuilding my blown unit if I can find replacements for the damaged components for a decent price, but from what I'm to understand in reading the factory manual the setup on the ring and pinion is a royal pain the butt!

[jcommin]

What typically happens with these early transmissions is the carrier pin breaks. It's usually catastrophic and damages the ring and pinion. The failure most often starts by running on a damaged rubber center clutch disk.

Very true. The rubber clutch disk can cause transmission problems. I'm going to replace my clutch disk with a spring loaded design. (more money). Lucky for me, the ring / pinion set is in good shape. The re-builder is going to check it for cracks before assembling it.

To rebuild it yourself requires tools, fixtures, shims, manuals etc. For me this was not an option

A used LSD tranny will cost more than $400 but I wouldn't trust it. If there are problems, at a $90-$100/book hour , you could exceed the price of a rebuilt tranny from 944online or 944ecology.

There isn't a cheap choice here. If the tranny has failed, imo, you need to inspect the clutch. Again it comes down to cost: If you budget is limited and you know where the tranny came from, buying a used one is an option. I chose the rebuilt path. I got more money poured into my car than I got brains.


Kyle: All I can say is WOW!!!

[lousailor]

Hear, hear, on the "Wow!" Kyle that was a mess. I will definitely check the rear bearings. In fact, since I hadn't done much in the rear yet, I'll probably swap out a bunch of things, including the torsion bars, bearings and bushings. I've already upgraded to the 19mm anti-sway bar. As far as checking the clutch, It's scheduled for replacement in synch with the trans. I've got a Centerforce unit, and I'm looking at a Fidanza flywheel, as well as new master and slave cylinders. I already replaced the clutch fork and bearing on the last clutch job so they should be good.

I am also in the 'more desire than brains' club. After giving a pickup a ride on my 924S hood, I bought the 944 as a daily driver while I gathered parts to start a rebuild. Then the clutch gave out and one thing led to another. My basement has a whole wall of shelves with nothing but Porsche parts (All of which I tell my wife, I need!). Unfortunately in the interim I started Autocrossing with the local clubs, so I've probably spent twice the purchase price of my beater in the 5 years I've had it. Oh well, a man's gotta have a hobby (and it keeps me out of the strip clubs).

[legion]

A previous owner of my car paid $3,500 for a custom-built trans. It has straight-cut 3-5 and a nice LSD (that I know works!). I think it might also have an S2 R&P. Sounds like he got quite a deal!