915 Gearbox ?

[dashmore]

Hi, I bought my 3.2 Carrera in January 2014 and love it to bits. The only downside is the change quality of the gearbox. I had, of course, read about the difficulties of this gearbox but couldn't really believe that they came out of the factory which such a poor gear change. Shortly after I got the car i took it to a Porsche 'Specialist' for a full service and check over, and asked their opinion. They filled it with Swepco oil and said it was 'ok'.
A few months later I took it to another Porsche 'Specialist' for a second opinion.. They took the 'box out replaced some gears, syncro rings, gear selector bushes and fitted a new 3 piece clutch kit, charged me £3K+ and said it was as good as could be expected..
I am learning to live with it but still don't think it can be as good as when it left Porsche - and no matter how old the car is the gearbox now should be as good as new.
I recently had the car suspension set up by a well known specialist (superb job btw) and he said the change was definitely poor ...
So - my question is: can anybody out there recommend someone who can really sort it out. After all that has been done (or i have been charged for) it could just be the linkage or something simple. But whatever.. It is the only thing that spoils the enjoyment (have just been to the South of France and played in the Alps) and I would like to sort it. Thanks.

 

[IndischRot]

You don't mention the specialists by name but if you haven't already done so you might wish to speak to an aircooled 911 specialist, ideally one who works daily with the impact bumper cars, rather than a broader Porsche specialist.

How confident are you that the linkage has been adjusted properly? Even a fresh box and clutch will be badly let down (and damaged!) by a poorly adjusted linkage.

 

[chrishak]

Mike Bainbridge at MB Engineering is your man - if you are near Cumbria. I haven't used him but know people who have and his reputation is second to none.

 

[dashmore]

I thought it best not to mention the specialists by name .... But they certainly weren't specialist in air cooled/ impact bumper cars. I was hoping for suggestions and recommendations for such people.

 

[dashmore]

Thanks for that Chris. I am not near Cumbria but if no one suggests anywhere nearer ( I am in Derbyshire) and that is what it takes I will go to Cumbria.

 

[Signor]

Greetings.
Well mine's a '85 car so I know the 915 box rather well! I've had the car 11 years now and have certainly got used to it.
However a couple of years ago it was rebuilt by JZM in Kings Langley. it now behaves very well but don't expect swift changes.
I find everything about the box has to be slow and deliberate, well slowish. I've never driven a car with the G50 box so can't compare.
But it does seem that your gearbox may not have been set up right. Given the choice again I'd still buy a better car with a 915 box then a poorer car with a G50 for the same money.
Maybe, if you could, drive another car of the same year to compare?
I don't hear people complain about a 915 box in their 2.7RS!!!!
Take a trip to NW London and try mine
Cheers
Alex

My wife doesn't understand me officer?
I was doing "How Much"

 

[IndischRot]

I'm on the south coast so can't help you with someone local. If you don't get any replies here try asking on impactbumpers.

 

[kevin bryant]

My box was rebuilt by Ben from Rennspeed, recently moved from Gainsborough to bigger premises at Retford, so not too far away from you (I'm Nottingham)
I rate his work as excellent and a very nice chap to boot. He's been looking after my 930 for three years now.
He is a Porsche specialist, always has a selection of interesting cars he is working on. Give him a call on 07841 911911
regards kev

 

[911 targa]

I have a 87 targa with the "desired" G50 and have driven both box types and the G50 is a lot better but your probs seem to excessive Marque 21 in bridport Dorset are the bees knees on air cooled nice place for a dirty weekend

 

[Alan Mendelson]

Hello All
I used JZM for years until I moved to Staffordshire. Then needing some one closer I started using PCT at Coventry for all repairs and major servicing.
Nick, Dave and Richard know and love air cooled cars, I have total confidence in recommending them.
Hope this helps.
ALAN

 

[John Chesworth]

Have a chat with Robert Gant of Gantspeed Engineering......... he's brilliant. If the box has been correctly rebuilt, then a good look at the linkage, it's adjustment and the bushes might improve things.

 

[38F3E1]

You should certainly make sure the linkage from gearstick to gearbox is all in tip top condition with no play in it. There are also modifications you can do to stiffen the linkage up. The 915 can be nice on a road car if you accept you don't rush the change. I literally hold the gearknob lightly between finger and thumb with minimal pressure to change because I don't rush it. I have seen the other side though and when on track and wanting to change aggresively you have be quite brutal.

If you are prepared to go down the M1 then GCR are in Leicester are a well respected air-cooled specialist. He builds a lot of aircooled engines and gearboxes.

Ian.