"Shift" from 901 to 915 Tranny

PCA7GGR · 01-12-2003, 02:58 PM

My 3.2 has gone through two 901 ring/pinion sets and a case. So I am in the process of going to a 915 tranny. I have picked up a '73 tranny. Yeah, the seal is a pain to replace but I can use my existing Quaiffe LSD in it.

Here's my questions:

1. What linkage should I use? I am on the waiting list for WEVO's new setup but I am also interested in what other options are out there.

2. How do I hook up the speedometer to the 915 box?

3. Any words of wisdom/caution from those who have travel down this path?

Thanks

chief914 · chief914's Garage

I think you just removed any doubt from my mind that I should use a 915 rather than a 901 with my 3.6 conversion! I have wondered how truly reliable the 901 would be. I see so many references that it can handle 300hp and is OK with V8 conversions that I have considered trying it first and replacing it with a 915 if it breaks, but that means a wasted 3.6/901 DME flywheel and probably an untimely flatbed ride. Did yours fail while whoopin' on it?? Were your trannys old or fresh?

I do like the weight and shift pattern of the 901 and it's gonna cost a bunch of bucks to do the 915 properly. The tail housing/shift conversin alone is about $1800 bucks!

John Rogers · 01-12-2003, 09:30 PM

Probably the "best" way to go (but not cheap) is a Fortin mid-engine tranny case and Hewland sequen- tial gears! I hear that combo is good for 1 to 2 seconds off your time at Willow Springs? Good luck.

campbellcj · 01-13-2003, 10:52 AM

I think one big reason many "hardcore" racers use the Hewland boxes, is you can change gears very quickly and easily (relatively speaking). So, you can exactly match your gearing to each track. It is a much bigger deal to do this with a 901 or 915 box, and some guys just keep 2 or 3 trannies around instead, with different setups.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Full-throttle shifts.

--DD

campbellcj · 01-13-2003, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave at Pelican Parts
Full-throttle shifts.

--DD

Oh yeah, that too -- you don't have to use the clutch much, once you get going, woohoo...

echocanyons · echocanyons's Garage

When using the 915 what do you do for axels?

PCA7GGR · 01-18-2003, 05:38 PM

I don't know. I will let my mechanic figure that out. I just know that I won't be the first 914er with a 915 gear box. Several club members use this set up.

echocanyons · echocanyons's Garage

Sure and it was also used in competition by the factory not to mention in the 916.
I plan on going the same route I was just wondering if you use 915 flanges/axels out to the stub.
I'm guessing yes but I think that they are longer than the 914 axels

fetus · fetus's Garage

Patrick Motorsports in Phoenix, AZ has special axles that use the 915 cv on one side and the stock 914 cv on the other.
I have a 3.2 with the 901 gear box and I'm also looking into the 915 gear box.

PCA7GGR · 01-20-2003, 09:56 PM

I heard that VW bus axles will also work.

echocanyons · echocanyons's Garage

I really like the looks and design of the www.wevo.com 915 sideshifter.

IF anyone is running these Id like to have there input.
-
Kelly

echocanyons · echocanyons's Garage

http://www.wevo.com/wevo915sideshift.htm

Otto · 01-21-2003, 11:15 AM

Once again, all of you disbelivers, the 901 trans will work! You just have the wrong people working on it. Chris Campbell has seen me in my 914/6 3.8 RSR Motec 395 Jerry Woods dynoed HP engine still using a 901 that has been in the car for the last five years. We modify the differential housing so the pinion shaft will not walk on the ring gear. I had a916/Velious gear box in my 993 mid engined car, and even after Jerry Woods re-did the Velious stuff, it did not work all that well.

Otto · 01-21-2003, 11:39 AM

BTW, Brad Roberts does not have five 901 transmission that I built that wore out the ring and pinions! The dick that broke ONE ring and pinion did not warm up the transmission properly and it did break. Whenever I build a transmission I send along instructions for usage. Simple-warm it up! You wouldn't jump out of bed and run a ten K without warning up would you?

chief914 · chief914's Garage

Otto, Could you outline what would be required to mod a 901 in order to have it live behind a 3.6 DME motor and give me a cost factor starting with a supplied 901 core? Respond either here or by PM. I have heard that if anyone can make it live, it's you!

Thanks!

fetus · fetus's Garage

Otto good to hear from you. I still have the home made silver 914-6 that you fixed up for me. You installed the Rich Johnson center motor mount, autopower roll bar, rebuilt the carbs and rear brakes. Your probably going to hate me but instead of overhauling the 2.7 motor I sold the motor with the carbs and bought a stock Euro 3.2 motor. I'm using the Kennedy stage 2 9" clutch and the stock 901 trans. The clutch does not feel right. At times its hard to shift and occasionally when I shift into 5th it pops out of gear. Once its in 5th it doesn't pop out. What are your recommendations for putting a 3.2 in a 914. Otherwise the car runs and rides great. The only thing I miss is the beautiful sound of the Webers.

regards,

Steve Faddis
Laguna Niguel.