[cwitt]

Hi all,

I'm considering purchasing a Carrera 3.2 that has 107K on the clock, and had engine and trans rebuilt ~4K miles ago. I drove it and, to me, this 915 trans seemed to require a lot of effort to engage all gears. No grinding or anything, and no unusual issues in finding the gears, just very slow shifting and a lot of effort required to engage the gears, even when you're giving it plenty of time to shift. I know the 915 trans isn't a slick shifting machine like the G50, but this one requires much more effort than my buddy's well worn 915 trans in his SC.

It's got a new Porsche factory short shift kit in it. I doubt that the decreased throw/leverage could account entirely for how it feels, but it's probably a contributing factor. I know that fluid could also be a factor here, but I'm not sure what fluid is currently in it.

I asked the owner about it, and he said the trans still needs to "break in". The local shop that rebuilt it (a reputable place, by the way) is also claiming the need for break-in, and added that they think the short shift kit and it's adjustment could be part of the problem. Another reputable local shop said that the break-in theory is at least plausible.

To me, this is just counterintuitive. Shouldn't a rebuilt trans shift best right after the rebuild, and then slowly degrade again as the new synchros get milled down by the sliders? Or is there truly a break-in period after a rebuild? If so, how long should break-in take? (it's already got ~4K post-rebuild miles on it)

Your thoughts/opinions are appreciated.

Thanks!

Curtis