Quote:
Originally Posted by darrin
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.
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I suppose the preference is personal. I gather the 915 is more connecting to the driving experience and requires a bit of finesse in its shifting (like the 901, which I'm very familiar with), as well as the infamous 2nd gear (also of the 901). I also understand the 915 clutch us adjustable? And the G50 is not? Also the 915 is a longer throw (like the 901), which if true, I don't mind. I'm not racing my cars. Is one more reliable than the other? What are the problematic parts that I should be aware of (ie 2nd gear synchro on the 915)?
Thanks so much for your input, guys! It seems other than the two transmissions, there's not much difference in the 15 year run other than a couple engine changes and horsepower and some slight body styling changes after the first couple years. Among the different SC engines and different Carrera engines, are there any differences other than horsepower? Are there any problematic characteristics I should be aware of? For example, when the F model 911 engines had magnesium casings up to the 2.2 which would get too hot and sometimes warp, thus going to aluminum from the 2.4 and on. What about issues of damaging valves if the timing belt breaks? Didn't they engineer a remedy for that at some point?
Also, what kind of gas mileage does each engine get between the SC and Carrera?
Sorry for so many questions. I'm trying to educate myself as quickly as I can while I'm looking and ownership experience us the best knowledge than anything. As long as I've loved the 911, I dont have too much knowledge and experience with them, while I'm very prevvy on the 914. I'm also going to order that book the one member recommended. Thanks again so much, guys!
