rushSC

Ok, I've noticed that G50 cars command a far higher premium (several thousand) over SCs...With Wevo, Seine Syst., Rennshift all cost about a grand or less, a 915 equipped car looks to be pretty attractive buy.

So, would any of those solutions mentioned above make it comparable to a G50, if not better?

Edward

The various "shift improvement" systems are basically variations of self-centering the shift lever to help prevent mis-gated shifts, and to improve feel. Still, the 915 is a 915, some better than others, but it does not have the "notch in gear" feel that a good G50 has. The G50 has the "modern" gearbox feel that most are accustomed to whereas the 915 feels antiquated by comparison. Also, the G50 can handle more torque than the 915 which is only a concern if planning on serious HP mods, but it does come with a slight weight penalty. That said, can the 915 still be a joy to drive??...you bet! And many are very successsful on the track with the humble little 915. I, too, plan on doing such improvements on my (very nice shifting) 915, but have no illusions...it will never feel like a modern tranny. All IMHO

Edward

Eli K

Keep in mind there are many other reasons why these G50 cars command a higher premium. They're newer, significantly more powerful, etc.

JackOlsen

Yeah, an SC is older, which is the biggest reason for the price differential. The SC also has a smaller engine, smaller brakes, and a softer suspension. A G50 is a better transaxle for a number of different reasons, but it's also heavier (and not without its own problems).

The Seine and Robotek devices prevent accidental mis-shifts. The Wevo does that, and also makes a number of other improvements (depending on which Wevo components you install). Rennshift is also an improved shifter. 915's are older than G50s, and so have older bushings, sychros and bearings. A well-rebuilt 915 is (in most cases) a great gearbox. When these cars were first reviewed, the 915 was seen as the single best feature on the car.

RC76

I have to admit that when I first started looking at buying my SC, I had the pleasure of driving a well sorted 83SC and a 88 targa back to back. I have to say that I preferred the 915, but I have also driven 915s that are not up to par. Correct me if I am wrong, but the 915 is a very tough tranny, and will last a good time period, clutch included, if not abused.

86NOH2O

89's are worth more than 88's and so on down the 3.2 Carrera line. G-50 or 915 it seems to be about the same difference between each model year with regards to price. (see excellence market report) So, I have never seen any "G-50 premium". I would assume it's the same with SC's. There were a few thou more G-50 3.2's made than 915 3.2's (US models,Porsche Redbook) so it should actually be easier to locate an 87-89' car. As far as a 915 car being an attractive buy? All 3.2's seem to be taking a turn up in price, at least in my latest search helping a friend.

BTW, I love the SC and hope to have one some day.

g-50cab

errr... No. Drive a well sorted out example of both and then decide.

Drew Theodore

G50 is just a different transmission. It has a numb feel to it compared to the 915 and it shifts easier than the 915. Once I got used to a 915 and then drove a G50, I did not feel as much contact with the G50 car, but I could go through the gears quicker. It just loses some of the raw sports car feel.

RoninLB

all imo

the 915 can be a great tranny. I hate it. It has to be shifted perfectly or the tranny will pull the engine up or down. i can't slam the 915 around if I want to. A G-50 up-grade is about $6k for parts, I think. It's about 25 shop hrs for the install.

creaturecat

G50's are for girly boys !

JackOlsen

Girly boys... and anyone building a serious race-prepped 911. A lot of people get fed up with old, out-of-spec 915's and make more of the difference than makes sense, in my opinion. But ultimately, the G50 can handle more torque, more reliably, than the 915.

That said, for most of us, even on the track, the difference just isn't that dramatic. For me, the cost of changing over to a G50 would be way out of step with the benefits. Six grand spent without my lap times coming down? That's simply not going to happen.

g-50cab

Let me guess, starting to get a little cold in Canada?

86NOH2O

I thought the saying was "girlie men" ala Arnold S., gov of CA?

JCP911S

IMHO as long as the synchros are good, the 915 is functionally as good as any street synchro gearbox measured in terms of safely changing gears in X amout of time... it may not have the same "feel", but that is a subjective thing... personally I think an extra $1,000 in my pocket subjectively feels pretty good.

Except when my linkage broke, I have almost never missed a shift in a 915 in 12 years of driving one on two cars including DE and Racing. It is all a matter of using the right shift technique. most people I see do not use the proper technique....WEVO, Robotec, etc, etc may make the shift feel better, but in terms of lap time, I see no benefit to justfy the $$$.... at least for me.

Jay Gratton

I have a 915 in my 1985 911 and although I wish it had the G50 in it. I have no problem with the 915 at all. I agree that the 915 gives a little more feel while shifting over the G50. Basically, I wouldn't go out only looking for a car with a G50 tran. in it. I would look for the best 911 that I could afford regardless of which transmission came in it. Best wishes - Jay Gratton