How would a 951 drive with 3 sp auto compared with 4 sp Tip?

[RichMason]

I have a post on the n/a board but I haven't heard from all of the turbo guys. Due to knee problems I'm looking into converting my turbo to automatic or tiptronic. I have found a shop in NJ that has experience with installing both into manual cars so technical feasibility has been resolved. Cost is not objectionable either based on early estimates. My main concern is drivability and durability. I already know that the manual is the best option for the turbo. Setting that aside, how do people think the 3sp auto would do from a performance standpoint? With that transmission, I would have to leave my engine fairly stock due to the durability issues. I'm sure it would be slow off the line because you can't slip the clutch but I think with the long gears it could be a lot of fun once you get it moving - like on the track. The tip has the same lack of clutch slip potential but a wider range of gears and more potential for power increases. Plus, as I understand it, the tip can be programmed to match the shifting to the engine since it ties into various parts of the DME. The auto will run around $6k with a rebuilt and beefed up unit. The tip starts at $10k but it should outrun a 968, especially with a GURU MAF conversion... Besides the obvious visceral opposition to the idea, are there any thoughful comments about the best way to eliminate the clutch in my 951?

[Britwrench]

For $10k (and it will be more) for the tip conversion plus the sale of your 951 you could buy a 964 Tip or a 968 Tip or a Boxster. The VW auto trans is a non-starter, as durability is limited with anything more than stock 944 power. I'm was under the impression that the 968 Tip was designed for use with engines of less than 250hp. It's basically the ZF 4HP with some changes. This was used in BMW and Jaguar, among other vehicles.

[ronin]

oh, and Brit forgot. it would run like absolute shyte

[awilson40]

From a durability standpoint I would go with the Tip.
If I were in your shoes, thats what I would do.
I dont really like the 968 and prefer the looks of the 951.
When you get it done, I would love to drive it. You are about 80 miles away.

[Lukesportsman]

Have you considered a non Porsche transaxle? The cost of fabrication could be set off by the lower cost of parts. If you want to keep your 951, which your question seemed to indicate, then we need to come up with a conclusion. Which is more important: keeping the 951 or keeping the 951 "stockish"? I'm not a transaxle specialist, but other cars than Porsche ran inline auto transaxles. People are always adapting other engines to the P trans, why not the other way? P is not known for its autos and plenty of companies have gone to GM for autos in the past like RR and Jag. Just don't close your blinders and negate yourself to less hp. Isn't hp one of the things that drawed you to the 951 over a 944? If not, buy a body kit and an auto 924!

[STIFEKAT]

richmason what shop is this. i live in new jersey and i know alot of the prosche shop guys. who could to for alot less than that.

[RichMason]

Motodyne is the place I've been speaking with. Of course, the promised estimate has not yet been produced...

[STIFEKAT]

THERE GOOD! EITHER WAY NO MATTER HOW MUCH THE GAURANTEE THE WORK IT'S STILL SO FAR AWAY IF SO THING MINORS WRONG WITH THE CAR THE TRIP MAY NOT BE WORTH IT. TO BRING IT BACK TO THEM TO FIX OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM.