How important is a G50 Transmission in a 3.2 911

[Starion1974]

I am deciding between an '87 and '86 911 that are the same price. The '86 has less miles and is in very slightly better condition. With all things equal, how important is the G50 transmission in the '87?

[Porsche_monkey]

Haven't you driven them both?

In terms of driving experience you should be able to determine that by comparing the two cars. Most, but not all, prefer a G50. I certainly do.

In terms of reliability the G50 is better, but the 915 is no slouch. And the 915 is fairly easy to fix.

In terms of resale value? The G50 is going to hold it's value better, but it is not going to be a huge difference.

Drive both cars, buy the one you like the 'feel' of.

[RWebb]

The G50 detracts from the true sports car nature of the car*



* which is to make driving as difficult as possible so that only the skilled who are willing to compromise features, luxury,, and ease of use will be able to drive it.



Extensive discussion a few weeks ago if you search.

[porschenut]

I'd go with the '86 because of mileage and condition. Which tranny it has would be a minor point.

The G50 is more expensive to fix, more expensive to replace (if you ever need to), about 25 lbs. heavier, and has a 9:31 final drive ratio compared to the '86 915's 8:31. But, it's generally a little smoother shifting than the 915. Like Porsche Monkey said, you really won't know unless you drive them both. But even then, a fair comparison can only be made if both transmissions, clutches and shift linkages are in good working order. Many 915 shift linkages are not (a condition which is easy to fix).

[plymouthcolt]

I've driven both, and except for the shift pattern, I can't tell the difference. Buy whatever car is in better shape.

[Wickd89]

Originally Posted by RWebb

The G50 detracts from the true sports car nature of the car*

* which is to make driving as difficult as possible so that only the skilled who are willing to compromise features, luxury,, and ease of use will be able to drive it.

Extensive discussion a few weeks ago if you search.

Correct me if I am wrong but the 3.2 got the G50 as an upgrade because it was already being used on the turbo model.
Would anyone say that the 911 turbo should have a weaker 915 transmission to make it a true sports car?
Now when i test drove a few Boxsters, I really disliked that transmission since it kind of felt like a toyota..;-)

I like my 3.2, l like my G50, and I like having a cab. To each their own I guess.

[Wickd89]

I has in the same position a few years ago.
Found a nice 86 and then drove a few 88 and 89.
G50 was my choice and I love it...

Excellence mag would agree overall.

[bell]

i have driven both, my 915 was tired so i always thought the g50 felt better.......
then i had my 915 rebuilt and changed my mind......
imo a perfect shifting 915 adds a visceral feel to a 911, although the g50 is a very nice transmission it doesn't have the same personality

[Raceboy]

Originally Posted by Wickd89

Correct me if I am wrong but the 3.2 got the G50 as an upgrade because it was already being used on the turbo model.
Would anyone say that the 911 turbo should have a weaker 915 transmission to make it a true sports car?
Now when i test drove a few Boxsters, I really disliked that transmission since it kind of felt like a toyota..;-)

I like my 3.2, l like my G50, and I like having a cab. To each their own I guess.

3.2 got G50 in 87 and Turbo didn't have G50 until 89 model year, the final year.

And to be correct, 930 gearbox is NOT 915, but in fact, 930. It's different inside and most parts are not directly usable between two. And besides, 930 gearbox is much stronger than 915.

[m110]

The G50 is more robust and seems to last longer in terms of maintaining shifting bliss. There was a recent thread on how no one posts about rebuilding g50s; partly because they are newer, partly becasause it is not straightforward. When both are newly rebuilt (and the 915 with a few upgrades) I would take either. The G50 is more modern and consistent (even when cold) which is important to me. Porsche changed for a reason.

[CMXI]

Got a -84 with the 915 and a -87 with a G50.

I would say that they are very equal..
I personally prefer the 915 over the G50.
The clutch for the 915 is lighter and the shifting with a good 915 transmission is great.
The trick is to not shift up until you hit about 4000revs.
The gearbox is a bit heavy and hard to get into 2 gear at low revs but the more you rev the easier it gets!
The hard part is not to grind the gears shifting from 5-4 when it is easy to hit reverse.

The G50 is smooth all across the rev range and is possibly a little better if you are using the car as a daily driver.

Just my thoughts!

//Patrick Hansson

[RWebb]

not weaker -- harder to use

what you want in a sports car is maximum difficulty and extreme compromise with luxury, comfort, etc.

keeps away the Lexus drivers

[Wickd89]

Originally Posted by Raceboy

3.2 got G50 in 87 and Turbo didn't have G50 until 89 model year, the final year.

And to be correct, 930 gearbox is NOT 915, but in fact, 930. It's different inside and most parts are not directly usable between two. And besides, 930 gearbox is much stronger than 915.

Hi Raceboy,
My understanding is a little different.
Porsche Turbo had G50.1 for a few years. In 87, a G50.2 version was used on the 3.2 Carrera, and then (maybe 89), the turbo got a newer G50 version than those.

Anyone else with more details.

[javadog]

No, the 930 didn't get the G50 tansmission until 1989. The Carrera 3.2 got the first one in 1987.

JR

[Blackie911]

Have owned both and much prefer the G-50 -- every wrench I have asked only had to rebuild 915's. Even more importantly, 911 Carreras from 1987 onwards had improved hydraulic clutch, 14 more HP, halogen headlights rather than sealed beams, and electric oil cooler fan.

[ToddM]

Originally Posted by RWebb

not weaker -- harder to use

what you want in a sports car is maximum difficulty and extreme compromise with luxury, comfort, etc.

keeps away the Lexus drivers

Agree; that's why I'd pick the lower milage 86

I also prefer crank-start over an electric starter. I think the electric starter is a huge diservice to driver-car bonding.

[javadog]

I'd buy the car that is in better condition, regardless of the transmission.

JR

[esample]

Originally Posted by Starion1974

I am deciding between an '87 and '86 911 that are the same price. The '86 has less miles and is in very slightly better condition. With all things equal, how important is the G50 transmission in the '87?

I asked this same question before buying my '86 and was ridiculed for doing so. But I will tell you I haven't had any problem with the 915 that proper adjustment couldn't take care of. Mine shifts fine at high(er) revs. Got used to it the first day of ownership.

Javadog is right.

YMMV.

[DUK]

Originally Posted by bell

i have driven both, my 915 was tired so i always thought the g50 felt better.......
then i had my 915 rebuilt and changed my mind......
imo a perfect shifting 915 adds a visceral feel to a 911, although the g50 is a very nice transmission it doesn't have the same personality

I totally agree.

[Trog]

Replace all these bits and your 915 will be fine.