Quick Shifting Problems
 

I've heard that the 901-915 trannies don't like quick shifting, is this true? If so, why, and how can you fix it?
Thanks,
Cale

Several things conspire to prevent really fast shifting on a 901 transmission: the design of the synchros and gears is antiquated and designed for slow precise shifts. Second, the shift linkage is nearly as long as half the car and even with new bushings has a lot of free play. Finally I think the idea behind the deign of a race car in the early 70's was to make it last and not have to worry about a 5 minute drive train swap like the Audi's do at LeMans now. If you watch some of the videos with old race cars from the 70's and 80's, all shifting is slow and precise by today's sequential/electric standards.

Yes, that is true.

It is mostly due to the "balk-ring" synchro design, and is evidently a limitation of the design itself. Carroll Smith, in his "___ To Win" series, had a bunch of things to do to transmissions to get them to shift quicker (and without the clutch). "If you've got a Porsche transmission, though, just keep it in good shape and learn to deal with it."

You could get one of the WEVO 915s with "dog ring engagement" (I think that means it's a crashbox with no synchros) which can be speed-shifted. Bring money.

Otherwise, take Smith's advice and keep it in good shape and learn to deal with it.

--DD

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Pelican Parts 914 Tech Support

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