I just bought my first porsche - 1989 3.2 silver anniversary edition coupe with 76K miles. The car looks showroom inside and out. Previous owner recently put 5K into it including clutch adjustment, new shocks, front brakes, tires, AC unit and some oil hoses replaced. PPI by Munks in Detroit showed no major issues. I was aware before I bought it that the G50 is prone to making certain "normal noises", but which noises are normal? To my knowledge the clutch in this car is original and it seems to grab really well without any slip.
Thanks,
Scott

 

I test drove several G50 before I got mine. All the G50 car I drove has the rattling noise at around 10k RPM. I also heard that is normal of G50 tranny. Not sure if it's true. If it's not, I would be worry now.

 

I have a 87 with the G50 and I can hear the rattling noise at low rpm's as well. I can also sometimes hear a low rattling inside the car when idling in neutral. I'm not worried about this. I previously owned 95 BMW 525i with a 5 speed manual Getrag gearbox. To some extent I could hear the exact same noise in this car. For example I could hear it when turning of the engine and when the clutch was released. The noise is discussed on some BMW-forums as the "getrag noise". I think the noise is induced by the torsional vibration from the engine and the rattle comes from the unloaded gears.

 

For one thing, the clutch is hydraulically operated and there is no cable to adjust like on the 84-86 Carrera's. The only possible clutch adjustment is the height of the pedal from the floor which is done with the driver's floorboard removed and repositioning the rod from the slave to the pedal.

 

I think I have read that it was early G50s & by 89 they had it worked out???

My 87 is noisy. It seems to be when you not 'on' the gas but coasting in traffic 2500 - 3000 rpm in 2nd & 3rd - if that all makes sense.

Ian

 

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I think that rattle was the motor grenading at 10K rpms .... Seriously though, my G50 is a bit cold natured and 'notchy' on the first few shifts til she gets warmed up, but makes no rattling noise whatsoever. I'm sure some of the experts will chime in, but imo, what you're describing (while it may not be unusual) is certainly not 'normal'. Mine has 60K on her with no clutch/tranny work to date. Hope this helps...

Keith
'88 Commemorative Edition coupe

 

The rattle at idle can be overcome somewhat by using Mobil 1 75w-90. The Redlines, Swepcos, etc can cause a lot of noise. Also when the oil gets old, they tend to rattle more. Try changing oil (about $36) and see if it is any better.

 

Not a rattle btw. More of an irritated whine. Gas input silences it. My tranny/clutch is all original as far as PO's spotty records show. It shifts well with zero problems. Wonderful in fact, compared to the sloppy 915s I drove but certainly not like my bimmer etc.

I put in Redline NS 3000 miles ago & it helped for a while although it's still notchy when cold (or maybe I just didn't hear the whine with the top down). Next year I'll try Mobile 1.

Ian

 

Never heard any noise at all from the G50 in my 91 or current 91 964. I run Valvoline 75-90 synthetic. Shifts perfectly.

I just rewarded it with a new "hat"..

 

My 87 G50 also makes this rattling noise at low rpm, when coasting - no whining. Congratulaions on your purchase. Post some pictures!

 

Thanks so far guys. My car makes the same rattle you descibed at low RPM when slight throttle is applied. I just worry when I hear noises and I knew from my research before buying the car that it was going to make noises at low RPM. I just wanted to make sure it is normal. Sounds like it is just as I thought. I was told 76K for a stock clutch means it is probable shot, but Chris at Munks says the clutch is fine. I was worried the noise I was hearing was the clutch. This car rocks and I plan on keeping it for a long time. If I knew how to post pictures I would. This forum has been so helpful in my quest to become a Porsche owner. Keep the G50 input coming please!
Scott

 

My 88' w/120K on her doesn't make any rattling noises. Or any other noises other than what I would consider normal.The only issue I have/had would be that going from 1st - 2nd is a bit notchy and slower than I would like.(however after reading many threads on here and on Pelican...its normal )
I also changed the tranny fluid last year ( and found the PO had used SWEPCO, so I changed it to M1 75-90) now it shifts betterand faster.

 

SSI's and mufflers hide that noise well. Experts have said low RPM gear whine is normal. Oil traveling up the lines on the pass side is also audible, which could be confused with an idle rattle.

 

true, however I never noticed any "odd" noises before I added the SSI's and muffler

 

rnln & kc911, you stated the noise was at 10K rpm. Did you really mean 1K rpm. These 3.2 motors don't go over about 6.7K rpm before they get into the rev limiter, unless the engine is very highly modified. Just curious about the high rpm's.