Quote:
Originally Posted by tumamilhem
What are the pros and cons differences between the 915 and G50 transmissions? What year did they switch?
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they switched to the g50 in 1987. The 915 is an older design that uses porsche's synchros (the g50, built by getrag, uses borg warner synchs) and a cable actuated clutch (the g50 uses a hydraulic clutch).
The 3.2 engine apparently pushes the limits of the 915 transmission's capacity (the 930 used a different, beefier, 4 speed transmission instead) and the 915 has a habit of wearing out 2nd gear (and first gear) synchros.
OTOH, the g50 is heavier than the 915 and allegedly has steeper gearing (for better EPA numbers) than the 915.
Although many curse the 915, I really enjoy the 915 in my '86 carrera -- I'm at 165k miles and my 915 remains "factory sealed" (i.e. it has not yet been rebuilt/etc.) -- it's important to get the shift linkage/couplers "dialed in" correctly, etc. While I need to be mindful to smoothly shift into second, I consider the 915 to be an integral element of my carrera's character. That said, the only g50-equipped cars I've driven were a 996 and 997 -- so I lack the context of how a g50-equipped carrera would shift/etc.
Best suggestion is to drive both and see. I suspect (but have no first-hand knowledge) that the 915 would likely share many of the "attributes" of a 914's transmission.