915 vs. G50

BlueSideUp · 11-21-2006, 05:47 PM

I've read a lot of posts about how the 915 can be made to shift nicely and how the G50 is durable if a bit vague at times.

I've driven a car equipped with a 901 which needed a little attention and a stock G50 car. I have also owned cars that had delicate transmissions. I've never driven a 915 equipped 911.

The G50 shifted much like any other modern car and the 901 was pretty much a guessing game.

Is the 915 just a mix between the two or is it closer to the G50? Of course I'm talking about a 915 in decent condition.

Basically I'm looking at a late 915 Carrera or a G50 car.

Thanks!

Blackie911 · 11-21-2006, 07:12 PM

915 are great trans-- when they're working. Have owned both and prefer the G50 as is the case with virtually every wrench i've quizzed. My previous 911 had a rebuilt 915 and still wasn't 100%. Search for other threads- you will find the guys that own 915's poo- poo the G50 and vice-versa...

tfiv · 11-21-2006, 07:18 PM

I owned both at the same time for a short while and have to say I preferred the 915 by a slight margin. That said, there is no doubt the G50 is a stronger, superior piece of machinery from a durability standpoint. Most folks that complain about the shift quality of their 901s and 915s have some part of their linkage worn out. Every single old 911 I have owned had one or more worn bushings in the linkage when I got it.

Ken911 · 11-21-2006, 07:20 PM

drove both liked the g-50 better, but my car happens to have a 915 so i live with it. my turbo has the 4 speed one also but havent driven it yet.

BlueSideUp · 11-21-2006, 08:31 PM

Thanks for the information...it's exactly what I was looking for. I think if the right car came along at the right price a 915 wouldn't be a huge downfall.

Two of the cars are almost identical down to color, the 915 car has sport seats and the G50 has comfort seats. They are very similar price wise so the nod seems to be to the G50 depending on the PPI.

livi · 11-21-2006, 11:51 PM

I have never driven a G50 but all other cars I have driven for 20+ years have been manual. Compared to them my 915 (that is in good shape), feels much more like a sports car gear box. A very direct, mechanical feeling.

As long as it works properly, I would not want to change it for a more modern type of feel gear box. It goes very well together with the rest of the machinery in the old girl. Makes me feel real cool driving it..

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 11-22-2006, 04:17 AM

Nothing wrong with the 915 other than that it's an ancient gearbox and feels it. The cheapest modern manual transmission is an order of magnitude better.

Jeff · 11-22-2006, 06:26 AM

The G-50 has a centering spring so the shifter sits in the 3-4 gate when in neutral, this discourages the dreaded 3-2 shift when aiming for 4th. There is an aftermarket centering spring that can be added to the 915 shifter itself. I like the "notchy" feel of the 915 over my G-50.

All that being said, I find it hard to drive a 915 in anger (at the track). I prefer the G-50.

JohnJL · 11-22-2006, 07:20 AM

This was the exact topic of an extensive side-by-side comparison in Total 911 last month I believe.

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

I have both and i'll take the G50 over the 915 EVERY time!

JBO · 11-22-2006, 07:33 AM

The 915 takes getting used to, and once you do it is acceptable, but the G50 is superior. If I was buying right now I think I'd get a 964, with the G50 AND much more powerful 3.6. I have an SC, and the feel of the power difference between the SC and Carrerra is negligible, but the difference between the SC/Carrerra and 964 is huge. And 964's are cheap right now, and most have now had the necessary updates. Better yet, an SC or carrerra with a 3.6 would be the best! Raw feel and great power! Those are hard to find in decent condition.

rallyracer · 11-22-2006, 09:00 AM

Depending on your intended usage, you might want to check rebuild costs for both, and which one is a better DIY rebuild, if that matters. The 915 is pretty cheap and easy to work on in comparison. Personally, I don't like the feel of either.
David

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by rallyracer
Depending on your intended usage, you might want to check rebuild costs for both, and which one is a better DIY rebuild, if that matters. The 915 is pretty cheap and easy to work on in comparison. Personally, I don't like the feel of either.
David

Thing is the percentages of G50 vs. 915 that NEED a rebuild is about 1000 to 1...

BlueSideUp · 11-22-2006, 01:19 PM

I agree on the 964 but it is really difficult to find a decent car that has been maintained. It seems that in general the Carreras have been used as fun weekend cars and lovingly maintained. A lot more of the 964s have been used as daily drivers and the owners were not as particular about their cars. I know there are really nice 964s out there but they are priced accordingly.

Palum6o · Palum6o's Garage

I vote to go with a G50. I was going to defend the 915, but it just behaves so weird sometimes, just can't explain it.... If you get a 915 get a spring loaded gated shifter, they feel nice.

Jay Auskin · 11-22-2006, 02:26 PM

A G50 Carrera will hold it's value a lot better than a 915 model. The G50 is a lot nicer shifting, and I owned a car with a very good 915.

crashmy911 · 11-22-2006, 04:48 PM

Every one talks about how bad the 915 is. Once you get used to it you don't think about it any more. I love my 78sc it shifts wonderful. But I have new bushings and it is adjusted. I have a bmw m3 and the shifting is nice I prefer the 915 becasue I'm used to it. I like the mechanical feel to the 915. Just don't try and rush the shifts and don't try and slam it in first gear.

carrera · 11-22-2006, 06:10 PM

915 oh 915 what fun you are. So much fun. Particularly at the track.
My personal opinion is that the 915 is a real drivers car. Where as if I am feeling lazy or tired I will drive the g50. The 915 demands your full attention.
At the track the 915 is the box of choice for me. So much so that the g50 will see no more track time and return to being a garage queen.
The 915 feels really tough and durable. Whilst, dare I say, the g50 has lady like qualities. So smooth and light.
Primarily the difference is that you have to get to know the 915, the g50 you can just get in and drive.
As mentioned previously the problem with many 915's is that they require rebuilding because drivers did not become familiar with them and just tortured them. My 915 has 130,000 miles and feels as it did at 40,000.
First gear is not a problem and the 1st to 2nd shift is similar in both cars.
If you really want to feel connected to the car and you have some patience then the 915 is a friend you want to meet. Probably not as a daily driver for most folks but it works for me.

In closing I will add that my opinion and others are of little value as it is a personal choice that must be made by the individual driver.
Enjoy, and remember there are no bad Porsches just bad drivers that made them so.

disclaimer :your results may vary.

Palum6o · Palum6o's Garage

Like Jim said, if you don't mind getting out run by a mom in minivan while you are waiting for a smooth shift into 2nd, you'll be fine in a 915.

M491driver · 11-22-2006, 06:29 PM

I own both and like certain qualities in both. I like the clutch better in the G50 car but there seems to be more foot room for the clutch peddle in my 915 car. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this. My G50 is a Targa and the 915 is a coupe. Mybe the footwell is different in these two cars.