[kochtools]

I was reading the thread on rebuilding 915 transmissions and although I have never done this specific job, it seems like there's a potential exaggeration as to the difficulty level. In other jobs that I have done, the internet often builds an almost mystical aura around tasks that are often quite reasonable. Here's a random compilation of job's that I have done in my home garage ... no lift, but lots of tools ... and my personal take on difficulty:

1. Timing belts on a Ferrari 360 ... very easy ... completely do not understand the mysticism that the Ferrari community builds around this task.

2. Valve adjustment on an NSX ... difficult ... can't see anything on the exhaust sides ... working with a mirror helps, but it's long reach over the fenders.

3. Clutch on a 944 Turbo ... difficult, but mostly because the design did not consider serviceability ... 20 hours minimum

4. Rebuilding the final drive / rear-suspension subassembly on an XKE ... moderately challenging as long as you understand and approach it from the perspective that these are hand-fit parts and understand the concepts of shimming to achieve fit ... patience is mandatory ... I suspect the 915 transmission task is similar.

5. Balancing carbs on anything having 2 to 6 carbs ... moderately challenging ... but counter measured by a fundamental understanding of carbs ... especially failure modes that will challenge balancing ... the go to source for procedure here is the original factory literature (avoid the internet).

6. Midwest induced rust on the suspension / driveline of a daily driver that was built before 1995 ... just plain infuriating ... pay someone else

7. Rear brakes on Ferrari Daytona (not mine) ... difficult and infuriating, but mechanically straight forward ... no design consideration for service ... very limited space ... add safety wires to promote blood flow and extend the timeline.

8. Bodywork & paint ... this is for others with a less rational mind.

Feel free to build on this list with your personal experiences.