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915 gear shift quality?

911hillclimber

911hillclimber

PCGB Member
Member
My 915 was rebuilt years ago, maybe 6K miles ago by one who knows and things are great, but every now and then getting into second from 3rd and 1st can bulk (not crunch).
Over the years I've fiddled with the lever (I have the tall gear shift unit) position and changed all the bushes and recently changed the UJ couping at the gearbox end of the shift rod.
That improved the throw no end, but i still have the bulking at times (hot gearbox and cold).

I'm not going to get the box out and have it opened-up, but any tips?

On another thread someone said a 915 should change like a knife through butter!

Really? Both my 4 speed 915 and this one have never been like that and both have been rebuilt.

Also, any thoughts on a real quick shift for hillclimbing? I tried a Porsche one once and it was not good...but that could have been this bulking problem.

Maybe I should try another oil? (it has been in there for maybe 8 years now I'm embarrassed to admit.)
 

ORIGINAL: 911hillclimber

On another thread someone said a 915 should change like a knife through butter!
Click to expand...

yes, saw that quote but can't remember who it was. Thought at the time that the only way a 915 gear lever would feel like a knife through butter, would be if it was disconnected!
 
Interesting to read your comments. I would say the gearchange on my 915 is absolutely beautiful almost all of the time. It will baulk a little changing down from 4th to 3rd maybe one change in 25 but never going up the box or any other gears. Same on road or track. Changing gear done holding the shifter lightly between thumb and one finger only (ie using very light touch and hardly any force). Never try to force the change but let it do it in it's own time.

I assume that I am lucky as my box must be well adjusted and aligned and that at some point it will become more difficult as things wear. It was rebuilt 3 years ago with new syncros thoughout BTW. Everything is standard (ie shifter, linkage, box internals).

The fact you have tried lot's of adjustments and changes would suggest one of the internal levers inside the box is either slightly bent, out of alignment or worn. It would be worth trying an oil change though. Many people seem to like SWEPCO oil for these boxes (is it the 201 that is recommended?).

As for shortshift kits the WEVO one seems to be very popular. I shall be trying one this year. Mind you nothing will make the shift faster. I have adjusted my technique when downshifting to take account of this by depressing the clutch slightly earlier than normal when under braking and let it take it's time so clutch is released at the same point. Took a bit of getting used to as the brain is telling you to do it all as late and fast as possible.

I would be interested to hear if anybody has fitted the WEVO internal gate kit to a 915 box. This is also supposed to improve the gearchange further.

Ian.
 
Thanks Ian. I learnt long ago never to push a change in (my) 915 boxes.

Could be I've a bent selector, but as you say, it is only every now and then, but always 2nd.
I will live with it unless I have run out of travel in the gear lever housing.
I have set the lever upright (the section of the lever that just come out of the rubber gaiter) for neutral when the box is neutral obviously, but there is a 'bit' to be had to almost move the horizontal bar of the 'H' gate forwards a touch allowing a l o n g throw down to 2nd.

After the rifle-bolt Impreza gearbox this will feel a challenge!

Certainly, in the 915 boxed 911's hillclimbing there were some that had a very fast (for a 915) change, Jonathan Williamson for one. Must chat to them this year.
 
In addition to the sugesstions of Swepco etc, I would remind you that she's 30-40 years old and they don't like to be rushed. My 915 is stock standard and has never been rebuilt. Sure, it's not a rifle bolt, even when new, but but gettin git right every time, on and off track is all part of the joy and challange of driving these elderly ladies.

cheers
 
Yes, point taken.
Mine are both rebuilt with stacks of new parts, £1200 8 years ago cost, loose gearbox, no car to work on.

Just want to max the situation as I'll be racing very hard to keep up with the fire breathers in the class...
 
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