1986 Porsche 911: Shifting Gears in a 915 Transmission...What's It Like?
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- Опубликовано: 11 ноя 2019
- Curious to learn what it's actually like to shift gears in the 915 transmission? In this video, I demonstrate what it's like to shift gears in my 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera (featuring the 915 transmission).
There's a lot of great info out there about the Porsche 911 915 transmission; however, there's also no substitute for watching someone use it while sharing their impressions!
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Porsche 911's I currently own or have owned:
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- 1976 Porsche 911S in Ice Green Metallic
- 1977 Porsche 924 Martini Edition Safari Car
- 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera in guards red
- 1992 Porsche 911 964 in Amazon Green metallic (SOLD)
- 1995 Porsche 911 993 Coupe in polar silver
- 2007 Porsche 911 997.1 Turbo in guards red (SOLD)
- 2009 Porsche 911 997.2 C4S PDK (SOLD)
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Thanks for making this very objective and thorough overview of the 915. I'm driving one for the first time soon and this is a great resource on how to drive that gearbox! Subscribed.
Thank you 🙏🏽
Yes the G50 transmission on my 993 turbo was easier to shift. On the 915 transmission, like I tell my Grandkids
" patients is a virtue" Make sure all bushings in the shift linkage are in good condition. I have a spare clutch cable in the car. If it breaks in the middle of know where who is going to have one! Another trick is on startup when the engine is cold and reving high and you want to back up, put the 911 into 2nd gear before going into reverse. No more gringing going into reverse at high revs! These cars really need to warm up! When cold I take my time shifting and sometimes double clutch until transmission is warm The 915 are good tough transmissions, you can't fight with them : )
Excellent work on the experience, you nailed it with the 915. I have an 86 911 Targa Carrera and I truly love the intentional connection when shifting and the deliberate action of the car! Thank you for the content Will!
Interesting detail! I like the practical aspects of fun car ownership like this. Thank you for making this video. Hope one day I can try this gearbox too.
Your shift timing and technique almost precisely matches the cadence I've been taught by my '80 SC. I'm glad to know my 915 is typical then lol. I re-bushed the shifter and upgraded the coupler and replaced the clutch. Minimal slop but literally everything you said and the way yours shifts is my car. Good to know. Thanks!
Nice video Will. I have heard the debate over and over between the two gearboxes. This video was well done and helped me to get a good sense of the difference. Keep em coming!
Thank you sir! More to come for sure. I’ll be releasing my overview of the 86 here in the next day or so.
I also have a paint correction reveal coming.
As an aside, I need to get a little more disciplined about publishing consistently. From a visibility perspective, RUclips favors that, along with a lot of other factors.
Thanks for commenting 👍🏼
Totally true! 915’s make you a better driver. With a few mods - aftermarket coupler, wevo shifter, bushing refresh, good fluid exchange, it is a different car. Goes from “bowl of soup” to an actual feel of a shifter! They say to do the internal gate shift and it really tightens up the feel and helps ensure you are in the right gear.
I’ll need to look into these mods. How expensive is it to put all of these in? How difficult? Might be something for me to tackle during lockdown.
The parts are fairly inexpensive, and are relatively easy to install. Totally suggest DIY, only basic mechanical skills necessary -adjusting the coupler can be a bit fiddley! Pelican parts is a great resource for the parts.
Brings me back. I had an 84 in Guards Red for 13 years. All stock with zero modifications. Sold it for more than I purchased. No syncro from 2nd to 1st so you have to be stopped. Sometimes my gear would pop out in 2nd and 3rd. Watch that 5th to 4th shift, my friend almost took out my transmission that way. Engine runs smooth when up to temperature, feels a bit rough when cold. Don't really miss it though, but glad you are enjoying the retro experience. Had a 17 Cayman manual and now a 19 911 C4 PDK. I must be getting old ...
Thanks for the video. 86 911 is my dream car.
Great video and cars. I am looking to go from a 2002 Boxster S to either a 911 930 or a 964 in a few years time as finances allow. Love videos like this, thanks for posting 👍🏻😊
I just bought my first Porsche, an unmolested, low mileage
81 SC. I love every aspect of the car and how engaging it is to drive. The 915 ‘box is an absolute delight and the car loves to be driven hard. When you get all aspects lined up i can’t imagine a more fun and involving car to drive. Learning to heel, toe as the manufacturer intended will add a whole new aspect to this car and the ability to drive quickly and smoothly. Just FYI my shifter does not make those “snicking” noises. Great video and a lovely car, thank you.
Thanks for watching and congrats!
I am thinking the clicking noise on my car is tied to the factory short shift kit. It doesn’t impact function at all so I just ignore it
Thanks -- very helpful in my search
I recently did a PART 2 to this video about what this transmission is like with the Wevo Classic Shifter Kit installed. If you’re considering a 915, this is a MUST WATCH.
Porsche 915 Transmission Short Shifter: Is The Wevo Classic Shifter A Game Changer?
ruclips.net/video/RBaJP-MgVWw/видео.html
I have a 915 going in my kit car and I have to design my own shift linkage as I have just under 2" between the seats and if I used the stock shifter, it would be about to the middle of my ribs! :)
It's a nice chunk of math, but I'm making it short shift easier.
Just take your time. It’s one of the coolest cars made and it’s not about rushing it thru the gears it’s about savouring the whole experience ❤️🏴
Early on with my '86 I discovered it's better to feather the throttle between 1st and 2nd vs letting off which makes for a much smoother upshift.
I am picking up a 1986 convertible tomorrow. Exact same color and interior as yours . I am so excited !!
Congratulations! You’re gonna love it. Thanks for watching.
I have a SC 911 with 915. You either love it or hate it. No middle ground. It is agricultural. But I love it.
Nicely done. I’ve been curious about the differences between the 915 and G50 gearboxes. Before purchasing my 88 Carrera 4 years ago I did a lot of reading on the subject which led me to the G50. After seeing this video I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a 3.2 with the 915. Great content - keep the videos coming. 👍
Thanks. This video has gotten a ton of traction so seems to be a hot topic.
Based on messages I’ve gotten and conversations I’ve had as a result of the video, you just want to make sure you get a well-sorted 915. I think the ones that haven’t been maintained or rebuilt can be problematic.
Thanks for watching and pls be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already!
I have an '87 Carrera with the G50, but also have a 356C. From watching how deliberate your gear changes need to be in the 915, it reminds me more of my 356 than my '87, so I get your comment that it makes the car feel like an older Porsche. That said, changing gears in a freshly-rebuilt 356 has a rifle bolt feel about it - solid quality.
awesome car we have a shop 911 with the slant nose conversion and 915 transmission. you also showed shifting perfectly people dont understand you just have to keep the rpms at a nice level and you are good
I own a 993 and would like to add an earlier vintage to my garage. Your video just reinforces my next purchase. Very nice car.
Ken Lakin thanks for taking a minute to comment.
I am thoroughly enjoying both of mine...2 very different experiences and each has its benefits and strong points.
I find the 993 as a model to be absolutely gorgeous but there’s also something so right and iconic about the G body cars.
Good luck with your search!
Hey Ken, hope this is not out of line, but considering selling my 78 911SC with 57k miles......health issues : ( silver/black
Great little informative video. I've been thinking about this a lot as I look for an air cooled stable mate for my beloved 996.
John Connor nice. Should be plenty of content around this channel for you to access to help drive your decision making.
I’m working on a “10 reasons I love my 993” video currently and will most likely publish on Thurs evening.
@@Rennthusiast I like your format so far, the videos have a slightly different feel than most of the stuff out there, almost like a conversation I would over hear at PCA event. If you ever feel like doing a comparison between the last of the air cooled and the first of the water cooled let me know. I'm not far from you (I think) and would be happy to offer up a car.
Thanks for the support. Always looking for interview opportunities. Please me a message on IG @RennthusiastTV and we can go from there. Thanks!
I love my new-to-me 1986 911! One of the most interesting differences between it and my 993 is the experience of shifting the gears. The 915 transmission is definitely a different animal than the G50 transmission. Have thoughts about which one you prefer? Let me know in the comments!
Bavarian Enthusiast TV I’m thinking about buying the same car with the 915 box would you recommend it if you had the time again
If I couldn’t have 2 air cooled 911’s and I had to only have a 3.2, I would get one with a G50.
The 915 is cool to drive as a “relic” piece, meaning it’s nostalgic to drive and is a unique experience; however, I have to be in the right mood to drive it.
When I’m in the mood to really drive in a spirited way, the 993 (with a 6-speed G50 derivative) is always my first choice.
Hope that helps.
I recently rebuilt my shifter with new factory bushes, adjusted to factory specifacations, and it is smooth to operate, it was inexpensive, and was able to do it myself easlily, good upgrade. Great car.
That's good to know. While I feel like mine has good action on it, I am always curious about ways to improve so I'll have took like into this. Do you have any links to a tutorial or anything?
Thanks so much.
I have a 1986 with a 915 as well. I am pretty certain that the snapping noises are from the short shift kit. Mine, without the short shift, does not do that. I can second everything else said and shown here. And yes, it is true that you better come to full standstill before shifting into the 1st gear. Great vid!
I appreciate the insight about the snapping sound. It’s always good to hear experience from someone who has the same car but with a slightly different set-up. Thanks also for the compliment!
86 911 Carrera.... That's my dream ride.
Glad I found this! I just got a 86 Targa. Has a short shift kit installed, the Porsche one, Notchy 1st and you couldn’t be more on point with making sure you are stopped before putting it in first. Finding third buy driving it it up fast is a scary thing too. Had 1-2 grinds on that and scared myself. I use 2 fingers now and until I’m very well sorted with it I’ll go easy. Great channel, nice to compare notes. Any way to DM you?
Sure. You can shoot me an email at bimmerspecialtygroup@gmail.com.
coco mats are they only mats that should be allowed in these cars! I have them in all of mine. I actually live about 10 minutes drive to the factory (tiny little place) so picking them up vs shipping saves me a bit! you are in NC?...which part? I am south of Charlotte. Current cars are 718 Cayman GTS and an 89 944 turbo in basically new condition. Have owned 13 Pcars and one of those was an 88 911. Loving the channel!
That click you hear going into 5th is the detent to block you from shifting to reverse when you downshift to 4th.
Hi Will, great video and cars. We like the same stuff, I have a 96 993, a 1989 Carrera 3.2 convertible and a 1986 Carrera 3.2 coupe. What you did not point out is that the 915 is a Porsche made Gearbox rather than a gearbox made by German Getrag i.e. bought in. The 915 is lighter partly because it did not need an external oil cooler in most markets and it has been used by Porsche in Race applications, which is pretty cool. I prefer the 915 as it feels more vintage Porsche. I think the 915 has a bad rap as it is easier to damage and harder to get set up correctly, so most people have only driven poorly performing 915s.
I cant comment on the 915 but my R-1150GS constantly gets called "agricultural" with regard to shifting. Day 1 it took some learning. Its not a Suzuki gearbox. Nonetheless, I can work it now as smooth as anything. To me this is all among the joys of bonding with your machine. Like a marriage, it takes work and finesse to make it worthwhile.
I have owned four G50 cars and one 915 car, which I currently own. I have come to love the 915, after initially disliking it. I added a WEVO shifter and coupler and it made a lot of difference. But it still takes a transmission in good condition and a deft touch to make it work well.
Agree on all points. I have found my Wevo needs a little adjustment right now. I have knicked reverse a couple of times coming out of 5th into 4th. Not good!
I know we would win you over the BMW guy...Will a new to you Porsche. What a beauty in Guards Red. Now all the Porsche guys are jealous. Congrats.
This is interesting to hear how a 915 trans compares to a G50 from a 993 owner. I have been tempted to bring home an 88 911 (I love G bodies). Thanks for sharing your point of view.
Thanks for watching. I love both cars - and their respective gearboxes - and both are perfect when I’m in the right mood for one or the other.
As I talk about in the video, the 915 gives me a very classic - or vintage - experience when shifting. It requires more concentration and timing.
The G50 gearbox is way smoother so if I’m wanting a more modern experience I take the 993.
Honestly - and this will sound perhaps crazy - but the 993 feels almost Lexus-like after driving the 86 for a few days.
Both cars are fantastic, though. That’s the bottom line.
Thanks again.
I bought my first Porsche last year and it’s a 1986 with the same trans as yours. Love the car, not crazy about the transmission. In fact, to me, it takes a lot away from the driving experience. I also have a 2004 BMW Z4 and it’s the most enjoyable car I’ve ever owned/driven. Of course, it’s much newer but it’s a joy changing gears with such ease. I have a guy looking into the Porsche next week to see if there’s a way to adjust it to make it better. It took quite awhile for me not to grind gears when downshifting from 5th to 4th. My car is in near excellent condition. I’m hoping I can make this transmission work. Can’t imagine how much it is to swap it out for the newer transmission. Thx so much for the video. There’s not many on these particular cars.
Scott Koehn have you seen this video?
Porsche 915 Transmission Short Shifter: Is The Wevo Classic Shifter A Game Changer?
ruclips.net/video/RBaJP-MgVWw/видео.html
@@Rennthusiast thx! I’ll check it out. This may be the solution for me
It will tighten up the throws and make it more precise. Will also guide the shifter back to the center when in neutral so it’s not just kind of floating around.
You may want to have your fluid changed as well if you haven’t already.
At the end of the day, it’s a 915 gearbox and isn’t going to have the same feel as the G50.
That said I find it charming and vintage and also very capable. I have road rallyed in it and kept up with the G50 cars.
Thanks for watching.
@@Rennthusiast I’ve never been into cars until I bought the Z4 two years ago. Now, I’m in trouble 😳 lol It took 2 years to get a deal on the 911. I just need to tweak it out. A 2002 or a 325 might be in my future, too 🤦🏼♂️
We’re on the same page with the Porsche and BMW thing.
Thx for you videos. I enjoy them
Scott Koehn thanks again for watching and for your support 👍🏼
'86. nice year.
Great video, just curious on what you do on the downshifts. Do you blip it before shifting, downshifting at a certain rpm range?
I tend to rev match on downshifts, especially when accelerating through a curve. I don’t rev match when engine braking/decelerating.
Well I also had both, a 1996 993 Turbo that I just sold recently and I still own a 1978 911 SC with 56k miles. I called them Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Yes the G50 gearbox is much easier to use as you really don't have to work at shifting it. With the 915 gearbox I always say "patience is a virtue. My 915 gearbox shifts great as long as all the linkages and bushing are to factory spec. A few things I do: on startup when it's cold and the engine is idling high, I always put it into second gear then into reverse, if I have to backup. Until the engine warms up I double clutch I try not to force the shifter into position, rather let it find it's own path ( Kinda like king Fu ) : ) The 993 was a beast and amazing to drive. I enjoy the 911 SC just as much ( well maybe almost as much) as it's so tactile and rewarding to drive when you get it right. I always tell my friends I could drive the car to Alaska and back ten times and never have an issue. Great video keep them coming
Jack Westfall thanks for sharing your insight and experience.
The point of this video was to make it informative for people who are researching the 915 so I appreciate you taking a minute to lay out your experienced-based opinion.
Thanks also for watching!
@@Rennthusiast
Hey no problem and hope I gave some insight into owning a air cooled Porsche
Hey did I see a round taillight BMW 2002 in your video??
I had a 2002 ti, 2002 tii plus all the older M cars over the years
Jack Westfall good eye. Yes, it’s a 1970 in Granada.
I haven’t done much on it on the channel yet, but more will come. In fact, I just shot a bunch of footage of me painting e30 spare steelies for it with chrome lugs and center caps. Subscribe if you haven’t already! 👍🏼
I have a 915 equipped 911. Part of what everyone “feels” today is the miles and wear accumulated by others. After a rebuilding and replacing the worn parts, like dogs and synchros, there is no vague searching for a gear (like 1st in your vid). That said, even an “as new” 915 is “slow” and requires proficiency. It won’t “make you look good.” Yet, somehow it was a dominant racing platform through the 70’s and 80’s even with the 915. There is a great video of an ace just crushing the Nuremberg in a vintage ‘77 911 - and, yup, his shifts are patient.
Angry Gardener thanks for weighing in. I am thoroughly enjoying my 915 and the challenge of learning how to really make it work well.
I think I am lucky in that mine is pretty darn smooth. I have zero grinding issues and have been careful not to force it into gear.
Mine will click into gear with light pressure when it’s ready...and I dig having to master the skill required to do that well.
Bottom line for me is that I’m so glad I went with a pre-G50 example. My 993 gives me the more modern feeling shifting experience when I want it.
Bavarian Enthusiast TV Nice! Sounds like you got a good one that hadn’t been abused earlier in life. I also prefer the challenge of driving a vintage car well and they do become addictive (my second P Car is a 928)
Common 915 mythology is North Americans bang gears up and down stop light to stop light in their muscle cars and drove their 911 the same... causing synchro wear - mostly in 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
I specifically went for an '88 (also guards red) just because I heard a lot of negative things about the 915 compared to the G50. Recently drove a G body with a 915 and I'm honestly pretty happy I went for the G50. Granted, the 915 I drove did not have a wevo kit and my G50 has both the wevo short shifter and PSJ which improves it even further. So the comparison probably wasn't incredibly fair.
Also, the G50 in the 87-89 feels very different compared to the 993. It could be the gearing differences but it's my understanding there were a few other major changes that impact the overall feel when comparing 911 G50 and 993 G50. The 993 feels more modern and the gears are much longer. At least they seem to be.
Thanks for taking a moment to comment.
The best thing about what you said is that you landed on the right car for your needs.
The 915 is a distinctive experience and candidly I’m not sure that I would want that to be my only 911 if I hadn’t decided to own 2. Most days when I drive it I LOVE the engaging experience. By the same token, some days, I sometimes don’t feel like putting forth the effort after I’ve driven for awhile. So, by the end of the day I’m ready to put the car in the garage and take a break from it.
The 993 isn’t like that. It’s easy enough to drive that it could be a daily with no problem. The 86 might get a little tedious to daily due to the requirements of the 915.
I plan on doing a side-by-side comparison of the 2 cars, so stay tuned if you’re interested.
Any advice where to pick up a oem shifter/steering wheel ?
Rennlist classifieds
@@Rennthusiast thankyou
Will, thanks for doing this video. I just purchased a very nice 85 Coupe with the same wheel set up you have. I will likely return the car to original 16's, but it's a great look. This is my second G series 911, the first being an 84 Targa with 34k miles. The 915 isn't a mindless trans, which is why it's so rewarding to master. I can see that you agree. My new to me 85 has a WEVO classic, which I am not sure I like. Just doesn't seem to allow for the time the trans needs to shift. I am seriously considering a return to the original shifter. Does yours have a WEVO, or short shift kit? Do you like it? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Many thanks and keep the Porsche Vids coming!
First of all, thanks for watching. Glad the video helped out in some way.
My 915 has the factory short shift kit and nothing else so I can’t speak to the Wevo kit. Many people who have it are pumped about it so it’s interesting to me that you’re questioning it.
I like mine for what it is: a vintage feeling transmission. I don’t have another basis for comparison (without short shift kit) unfortunately.
Thanks for watching!
@@Rennthusiast Thanks Will. I' give it some time and let you know what I think. By the way, the paint correction work was AMAZING. Mine has 100% original paint and could benefit from that level of work. Looks very nice, but a scrutinizing eye will find some mind faults. Just don't want to burn through and regret it. Your guy did a fabulous job. Really impressive. Take care. Steve
My 86 930 has such sloppy shifting - typical for these cars. Even a short shifter does not make an appreciable difference. Just part of the experience. Congratulations on your new acquisition.
Thanks for commenting and for watching! The 915 makes for a great vintage-feeling shifting experience.
When I want slick, modern and fast, I go with my 993....but when I’m in the nostalgia mood is the 86 3.2.
Nice video. Unfortunately something I’ll never get to experience.
Never say never
I have a 1985 911 carrera. is it true that you can tell which trans is which...915 trans, reverse is located down to the right and G50 trans is forward up to the left?
Yes
I’ve owned a 84 and a 85 911, and I found that my 84 was harder than the 85. But I’ve noticed it would pop out of 3rd quite a bit.
Thankfully I haven’t had any issues with it popping out of gear. The one thing I need to keep an eye on is guiding it into 3rd out of 2nd. If I’m not careful it can want to go back into first.
Trans shifted fine 2 thru 5. Had to be at a complete stop for 1st and then it would go in easily. I felt gears 1-4 have to be hit just right else I ended up in the wrong gear. 5th & reverse had spring tension resistance that required intentional effort to shift into.
I have yet to look at documentation but supposedly recent engine rebuild from competent shop, new clutch, shocks & brakes. Is it possible that clutch needs adjustment for 1st or bushings? I didn't see any rust in the places people talk about. My intent is to get it up in the air to look at it but want to decide about the trans first. My big feet got caught in the pedals going for the brake - apparently gotta get used to where the pedals are.
a a 1st in mine basically requires full stop. Got better with Wevo Classic short shifter kit.
These transmissions are picky about when and how you get into gear.
As far as pedal location, yes, you’ll need to adjust but then it becomes second nature.
Here’s a follow up video to this one that you might find interesting.
Porsche 915 Transmission Short Shifter: Is The Wevo Classic Shifter A Game Changer?
ruclips.net/video/RBaJP-MgVWw/видео.html
@@Rennthusiast garmet red, NA with whale tail. Saw that config "sheep in wolves clothing " it looked sweet.
I have owned a 901, and a 915 gear box and I think I really enjoy the 901 better. But the 915 beats the $j!t out of a TIP! Just saying! lol great video
Brian Minson I haven’t experienced a 901 but now know I need to give it a shot.
The 915 is great when I’m in the right mood for it. When I’m not, I just roll in the 993.
And no offense to anyone who owns a tip but I don’t really understand why anyone would want an auto 911. The market agrees, I guess, if prices are any indication.
Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you haven’t already!
I had to pass on an 86. PO said it had a new clutch but it required a complete stop to get 1st. PO said it was a nonsyncro 1st. It made me question his other statements since he wasn't ignorant about these cars.
This purchase will be my 1st 911 and the price was high enough that I couldn't stand a major repair.
a a sounds like you avoided mistake #1 made by first time Porsche buyers: falling in love with the car and talking yourself into buying it despite red/yellow flags. Congrats. Keep looking. The right one will show up.
@@Rennthusiast I'll keep looking. I really could have lived with the trans and bushings or linkage adjust/mods may have helped and the engine was rebuilt but the price was close to $40k with several k in cosmetics. Too bad. I liked the car.
a a what color was it?
OK.. I had a 912E and my understanding is it has a similar trans with different gearing. It was like shifting a tractor, haha. Someone had gone through it because it shifted very tight and you could feel it lock into gear, but you did have to learn how to shift it correctly.. You couldn't just slam it around. I'll be honest, I have a G50 now and it is obviously a more sophisticated trans but I miss that clunky trans. I originally reached for an SC, because I wanted that 70s G body experience but then my 87 came up at a good price and here I am. If I get another G, it'll be an SC.
I prefer the 915. If I want a more modern shift experience my 964 and my 993 deliver it. I love the analog feel of my 86.
Thanks for watching!
Would you systematically get a grind from 2 to 3rd in low revs?
Worn synchro perhaps
@@Rennthusiast thank you, its has only 115k KM and am 4th owner so I would be surprised. I will have it checked, thanks.
@@RennthusiastI drove mine today as it's cooler here in AZ now, and good to know on the synchro...I have that grind
How is the clutch of the 915 compared to the g50 ?
Great question and one that I’ve given a fair amount of thought to because it’s hard to explain. They are definitely different from one another.
The take up point (I think it’s called) or engagement point on the 915 is very well defined without being abrupt. It’s east to manage and easy, for instance, to balance the car on a hill using only the clutch.
The g50 clutch feels less “springy” than the 915 clutch. It isn’t any more vague or anything like that...but it just doesn’t have the same type of resistance that the the 915 has.
I actually prefer the clutch action on the 915 to the g50 clutch. The g50 has a great clutch and the strong point compared to the 915 transmission is definitely the gearbox and the shifter feel itself...but the way the 915 clutch springs back from being depressed is a little more fun, at least for me, in the 915 vs the g50.
Bavarian Enthusiast TV . Your feedback is explaining very well the point. There’s any kit on the market to improve clutch and gear for a 911 sc ?
Acarsfault not sure, but I know there are several mods that can be bought to sharpen up the 915 in the 3.2 so I’m imagining there have to be some for the SC. Some quick research will help you. Good luck.
Any idea how many miles are on your trans? I've always wanted a 911 and am considering an 86 but haven't driven it yet.
I don't believe that Porsche could have done as well on the track as they did if these transmissions were as touchy as people who own them now consider normal. Grinding going into gear is not "normal" for a trans working as designed. It may be "common" sort of like high blood pressure and diabetes are common in old people who have spent their life eating the high fat, high sugar American diet foods.
a a My 86 has 80,000 miles on it. Had the transmission fluid changed when I bought it. It does not grind or catch but does require finesse and focus.
I just had the Wevo Classic installed. Definitely made the shift action better. Here’s a video I did on it.
Porsche 915 Transmission Short Shifter: Is The Wevo Classic Shifter A Game Changer?
ruclips.net/video/RBaJP-MgVWw/видео.html
I'm going to drive it and negotiate if is isn't a project car. Car has upwards of 150,000 mi on it but supposedly has maintenance records. I'm guessing price in around $30K USD.
High mileage isn’t a problem with the right maintenance. Good luck!
Are you ready to sell the 86? If so I’m interested
Haha not yet...and not sure I’ll ever sell it. Car is so well sorted.
Why not rev-match downshifts?
Anthony Craig always a good option when done correctly and I have been doing it more often. When I shot this video I had just purchased the car and needed more seat time to get better at rev matching.
@@Rennthusiast Makes sense. Enjoy your G body and 993!
Anthony Craig thank you sir. Don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already!
In case you’re interested, I’m working on a First Impressions video of a new set of Michelin AS3 Plus tires I put on my 86....soon to be published.
Thanks for watching. 👍🏼
🏁🏁🏁😎😎🏁🏁🏁
I have an '84 Targa with this gearbox. Mine was a rebuilt unit that came with the car. The second gear was difficult to engage and it wouldn't pop in even with rev-matching on occasion. Threw a bunch of money at it including Wevo coupler, Wevo shift kit, JWest tower and rebuilt 1st and 2nd gears. Problem persisted. Basically had to replace the slider + dog teeth on second and it finally went away. That said, I've driven nothing but stick in the last 23 years and this is by far *the* most awful gearbox I've ever owned. Newer Japanese cars are leagues ahead of this relic in every single way except maybe the total feel. Ironically enough I own a '72 Beetle with a 4-speed and with a $150 short shifter it shifts so much better than the 915 it's not even funny. No idea why VW figured this out in early 70s but Porsche didn't until 1987. So after fixing mine it's tolerable but I can't say I enjoy it all that much. Way too archaic for my taste.
The 915 was designed and made exclusively by Porsche. The G50 was not. Old-school Porsche purists prefer the 915 as the last of the "real" Porsche gearboxes.
Im lucky I've got a 1987 911 G-50...Cab😀👍an also have a 1985 911 -915..... G-50 easier smoother for quick shifting like butter 👍🤓
I totally get why people seek the G50 and agree you’re lucky. If I could only have 1 air cooled Porsche it wouldn’t be a 915; however, given that I have the 993 and the turbo also, I rather enjoy the 915 for the vintage feeling it gives you when you drive it. It’s great when you’re in the right mood for it.
I drove this car very spiritedly, though, in the mountains a few weeks back at a rally and kept up with the G50 guys no problem.
I have driven an SC with the 915 transmission and shortshift since the mid 90s, and it is absolutely the worst transmission in the recorded history of the automobile. Anybody who has not been a proud owner of an aircooled 911 with a 915 transmission since before the mortgage crisis should very definitely avoid the cars at all costs, please stick to the 964s and 993s and leave those old relics and their mushy transmissions to us dinosaurs ; )
Both the 915 and G50 are old transmissions for old cars. Both are slow by today's standards. I don't understand the debate.
I have a 1986 3.2 convertible in A 1 collectors grade, no G 50 and I hate the car. It’s a bunch of overhyped crap those old Porsches. Sorry - and this is coming from a German.
Sell it and get something you’ll love. Life is too short to:
a) own cars you don’t love
b) own cars you don’t drive
Just bought my second Carrera with the 915 transmission, an 85 Coupe. My first was an 84 Targa. My 84 was developing synchro issues and a bit challenging to enjoy. The 85, with the WEVO Classic installed, is exceptional. Very nice shifting car but it definitely likes to be warmed up and shifted at higher revs. The WEVO is a game changer and makes this 915 actually very enjoyable to drive. Lastly, you must discipline yourself to come to a dead sop for 1st gear. The 915 does not like even the slowest rolling stop. I know there are lots of folks who swear that the G50 is the only classic Carrera trans to own, but do not rule out a nicely maintained 915. Just one car guy's opinion. Thanks for the video. Spot on
Steve K thanks for watching and for weighing in. I’ve found there has been a ton of interest in 915 content so your experience should be helpful to other viewers.
I used to downshift into first all of the time on my '81 SC. Car has to be warmed up and you must rev match
I Find first and second gear a bit of a challenge must look at clutch adjustment and bushes takes the enjoyment out of driving around town.