Trans - what should I do?
04-23-2003, 02:37 PM
#1
1st Gear
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Trans - what should I do?
My 968's transmission lost its fluid drain plug (the only service to this was by an independent wrench back in fall of 2000), overheated, and seized. 6-speed manual.
I can pay $7300 to have a dealer install a "new" rebuilt transmission from Porsche, with a warranty.
Or I can accomodate my ex-dotcom once-again-student budget and buy a used transmission and have Engineered Automotive (highly recommended by people on 968.net) rebuild it; the rebuild will include the pinion bearing. Going this route, and having an independent mechanic (different one; a guy who works on a friend's 993TT and 328GTB and who comes recommended as well) will save about $2500.
Saving the cash means I can have the work done this month, as opposed to having the car towed back down from Santa Barbara to store some place local (have to find a place to park it, as my subterranean garage won't accomodate a tow truck), then tow it to the local dealer, etc., etc. Big hassle. I'm not sure when I could come up wit the rest of the cash; probably 2-3 months.
(I'm riding my bike in the meantime, which is fine; it doesn't rain here 
.
What would you do? Any huge gotchas with the transmission, or would a quality rebuild on a used trans, using Porsche OEM parts by a reputable shop, be as good as the Porsche rebuilt? Bear in mind this car only goes a few thousand miles a year, tops (5500 miles last year), as I commute on my motorcycle.
Your opinions greatly appeciated!
Yours,
Chris
I can pay $7300 to have a dealer install a "new" rebuilt transmission from Porsche, with a warranty.
Or I can accomodate my ex-dotcom once-again-student budget and buy a used transmission and have Engineered Automotive (highly recommended by people on 968.net) rebuild it; the rebuild will include the pinion bearing. Going this route, and having an independent mechanic (different one; a guy who works on a friend's 993TT and 328GTB and who comes recommended as well) will save about $2500.
Saving the cash means I can have the work done this month, as opposed to having the car towed back down from Santa Barbara to store some place local (have to find a place to park it, as my subterranean garage won't accomodate a tow truck), then tow it to the local dealer, etc., etc. Big hassle. I'm not sure when I could come up wit the rest of the cash; probably 2-3 months.
(I'm riding my bike in the meantime, which is fine; it doesn't rain here .What would you do? Any huge gotchas with the transmission, or would a quality rebuild on a used trans, using Porsche OEM parts by a reputable shop, be as good as the Porsche rebuilt? Bear in mind this car only goes a few thousand miles a year, tops (5500 miles last year), as I commute on my motorcycle.
Your opinions greatly appeciated!
Yours,
Chris
04-23-2003, 03:23 PM
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tennessee
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What year 968? I heard that early models had some type of problem. Would probably go for a later model swap from a reputable salvager and forget the rebuild if unit had less than 50K on it.
04-23-2003, 03:27 PM
#5
Race Car
I put a 951 tranny in it for a while until the rebuild or replacement tranny is found. If not too many hard parts are broken, the rebuild wouldn't cost as much but if it got so hot that parts are warped (ie casing), then you may have surprises. A good used unit is always a good option especially if you can find a LSD unit. After you fix your problem, you can probably sell the 951 tranny for about the same $ you bought it for and still have no downtime. This would be great if you know how to replace the tranny yourself since it takes me about 3 hours or less to replace one.