Early 5 spd vs G28:10+

Danglerb · 04-04-2007, 02:59 PM

Porsche continuously improved the 928 manual transmission, but the early boxes in good shape seem a LOT easier to get ahold of at a good price. The 5 spd in my 83 has 145k miles on it, and still shifts "ok" up, and not "ok" down, double clutch required, but with the bad input bearing ($422 input bearing) I'm planning on replacing it instead of rebuilding.

My only driving impression is from my car, and it needs syncros, so I can't really judge what an early box shifts like. What do some of you with early boxes in good condition think about an early vs newer 5 spd?

DanielDudley · 04-04-2007, 05:07 PM

Newer boxes will always shift better than an early box. I have had both, and it is true. However, the early box has the gearing and ratios that I prefer in the twisties. A good early box can shift well if driven right. It is not cheap to rebuild a box, but any box you buy is likely to have the same issues, so IMO, it is better to spend upfront and know what you have. I also believe that later boxes bolt up to a different TT, so get all the parts upfront. Once you get used to an early box, it is easy to get fond of them. Also, unless your ace mechanic does a lot of rebuilds, I would go to 928 Int. As always, YMMV

DanielDudley · 04-04-2007, 05:16 PM

Maybe I wasn't clear. Later boxes shift like normal trannys. Early boxes always feel like early boxes, and need to be shifted with the momentum of the driveshaft taken into account. Second gear syncros will always be a weak spot on early trannys. You have to work hard to screw up a later box. It wasn't until I drove early 911s on a regular basis that I really came to terms with the early units, and I always double clutch down, and sometimes blip on the upshift. If it don't want to go, I don't make it.

Danglerb · 04-04-2007, 08:07 PM

Long ago I had a 914 2.0, and got used to "patient" shifting, but since then its been a T5 in the Mustang, and I power shift that one. I can live with mine for a fair amount of time, my concern is a traffic situation where I have to slow down, then need to quickly speed up, and that means down shift. Right now I get used to either not down shifting until fully stopped, or doing it very methodically, and that doesn't work when you need to do it quickly.

Part of why the early boxes seem cheap is that most need a rebuild, and most later boxes don't.

Rebuilding doesn't look like rocket science, but seems like it does take a trained eye to judge what acceptable wear looks like, especially on the dog teeth.

I may just go with the first good tranny I find at a good price.

Rixter · 04-05-2007, 10:24 AM

hey danglerb
I have a 79 box here at the house and another 79 car I'm picking up sat (supposedly rebuilt box) both are available
make a reasonable offer and pay shp
rixter@rennlist.net

Danglerb · 04-05-2007, 09:02 PM

I was under my car today, it has a G28:08, any issues with using an earlier box?

I've got two private responses ahead of you, and I am working through details on each in order received. I'll post as soon as something gels, so far all are early boxes, one with LSD, condition varies.