BRB-83-911SC

My 915 case is bad (bearing race bores), and I need to source a rebuilt or good used transmission. I prefer the rebuilt option because of the possibility of some sort of warranty, and I think a used box will be a crap shoot.

- What are the preferred sources for rebuilt, and any good/bad experiences? (MM is NOT an option, Vertex seems to get mixed reviews) Any chance there would be any core value for mine?

- How about the used option? Preferred sources and good/bad experiences?

- I know of the Wevo race case option, but I think the cost compared to a fully rebuilt would be much more, once all done.

My car is a bone stock 83 SC with 89,000 miles.

Any advice is appreciated.

theiceman

What about parts heaven , would they offer some warrantly ?

BRB-83-911SC

Thanks - just gave them a call - they have a used one with about the same mileage as mine, 90 day warranty. Something to consider....still a crapshoot though.

Peter Zimmermann

Brian: Check your Private Message file. Thanks!

Pete

Gary R.

Try Gary Fairbanks down here in CT? He is the premier rebuilder, not sure if he can help you but worth a shot...

JCP911S

How much is a used one? A thorough rebuild on a worn but not destroyed 915 can easily cost $1500-$2000 from a quality P-car specialist, and depending on parts could go higher... broken gears, etc add hundreds.

I would not consider 89K miles to be excessive on a 915 if it were driven properly, but you'll probably have some sychro wear.... so it won't be perfect.

My 84 has 110K on the box, 2nd is a bit baulky, and 3rd needs a little respect, but otherwise it shifts fine.

BRB-83-911SC

Gary R. - spoke with Gary Fairbanks this AM - he may be able to help me out - Thanks.

JCP - my transmission is apart, and all gears, synchros, dog teeth, etc. look very good. The problem is with the case, where the bores for the bearing races have become "oversized", causing play in the input and output shafts. It looks like it was rebuilt not too many miles ago (I have only had the car since July 05, p.o. had it 2 years and didn't do any tranny work - no records prior to that - only 4,000 miles between p.o. and myself). Someone tried to fix the bores by "peening" them. It also looks like debris was left in the case from the rebuild (metal chunks on the drain plug) as there was no obvious source for the chunks. It was torn apart because of excessive noise, and the discovery of the chunks - thinking a bearing had failed. However, upon inspection, all seems to be in place. The car shifted great with no grinding in any gears - only issue was occasional difficulty coming out of third. It does seem odd to me that the case would be worn to that extent with only 89,000 miles - unless a p.o. installed a high mileage/abused rebuilt transmission.

So, it appears that I have 4 options:

1 - Source a good case and trasfer the guts from mine - may or may not be cost effective because of labor time to set up the R&P, etc.
2 - Buy a fully rebuilt unit - piece of mind with warranty, and cost may not be much more than option 1
3 - Buy a used box - least favorite option because of the unknown condition/history
4 - Repair my case with sleeves - most favorable/cost effective option in my opinion

I will post the eventual outcome. Thanks for the replies.

911racer

Brian,

You might want to check out the trans I have on ebay right now. It is a fully rebuilt unit ready to go. I have been doing transmissions for a couple of years now. Mostly buying, rebuilding, and selling on ebay and on pelican parts.

I do not yet have my own business at this, I am currently working at becoming incorporated. Waiting for the paperwork to go through currently. It started out as a way to turn my knowledge from my racing experience into a way to subsidize my racing addiction. Now I am rebuilding transmission at a 2 per month clip. Everything from stock rebuilds to wild racing powerhouses.

If you are interested, I would also be able to source you a case and set up your internals into the new case. I have all the tools and the setup gages for setting the ring and pinion.

Gary is also a good alternative. He is where I buy all of my parts and he has always treated me well.

My ebay name for finding the trans (as well as the zf lsd that is ending tonight) is 911.racer.

Thanks

Ed Baus

BRB-83-911SC

Ed - you have a PM

TonyG

BRB-83-911SC

Buying a "rebuilt" transmission means nothing. What exactly was replaced? What was wrong with it? Exactly what new parts have been installed? On and on... (and this is not directed at anybody here...)

I can tell you from experience, that dog teeth that "look ok" are not the same as new dog teeth. Same for brake bands, anchor blocks, 1/2 slider, synchros, etc...

I've had an experience where I paid big money to have a 915 fixed and rebuilt. I got it back, and it was very stiff going into 2nd gear. The "reputable shop" told me that the synchros needed to wear in. I was ignorant and took their word for it, but it never got better. Supposedly they installed new synchros. Bottom line, is that more than synchros are required for a trans to shift as new.

Had another case of sending a 915 to a reputable 915 rebuilder. I complained that it was difficult going into 2nd gear. Had the synchros replaced and anything else that was seen as needing to be replaced. Guess what? It still shifted bad into 2nd gear.

I just rebuilt my current SC 915 myself. I replaced the 1/2 synchros, 1/2 slider, 1/2 dog teeth, 1/2 anchor blocks, and 1/2 brake bands. Cost about $700 in parts. Took 1 afternoon in time with about 10 cans of brake cleaner and 4 rolls of paper towels.

Guess what? It shifts like a brand new transmission between 1/2 (which is almost always the problem with 915 shifting... as 3/4/5 almost always shift good).


Bottom line: Either rebuild it yourself, buy a rebuilt transmission with a guarantee that it shifts perfectly as soon as you install it (no BS about breaking in...), or sell the car and buy something that shifts good to begin with like a Honda Civic :-)

TonyG

BRB-83-911SC

TonyG - I understand all you are saying, and I realize "rebuilt" can mean many different things. My issue is not with the shifting, but the fact that the case bores that hold the input and output shaft bearing races are worn to oversize. That is why my preferred option is to repair my case or transfer the guts of my transmission into a good case. If a rebuilt unit becomes the most cost effective route, then I will be sure of what I am getting.

I have been very happy with how my 915 shifted, especially after replacing all the shifter bushings, coupler, and removing the Weltmeister short shifter. I quickly learned how to properly shift the 915, and, while different in feel, would say it shifted as well as any of my other cars.

911racer

Tony,

Sorry for your bad experience.

Just to clairify what I am offering with the trans on ebay. All 5 syncros were replaced. 2nd and 3rd dog teeth were replaced. The 3/4 operating sleeve was replaced. All the seals and gaskets were replaced.

I do agree with what you were told about the break in period.

Thanks

Ed

Gary R.

Glad to hear it. He does an A-1 job on 915's. I was thinking he might just take your tranny and sell you a rebuilt, but not sure if he does that or not. As you are only a couple hours from him it might be your most convienient alternative. Of course I bet he would be able to rebuild the one you have also.. As a reference, I have the receipt from mine (PO had it done) and he replaced a LOT of gears/synchros/seals, etc. and it was $1500.... I added the WEVO setup ($$) for my track car and it shifts at LEAST as good as my G50.. I actually like it better, but it's the WEVO gate that does it.

TonyG

911racer


>>>I do agree with what you were told about the break in period.<<<

Hogwash

In the case of my current SC 915 box I just rebuilt... it shifted like butter the very first shift.

I would love someone to articulate the exact reasons why a "rebuilt" 915 would need to be broken in to shift properly, when these cars shifted like butter right off the showroom floor (when the 915 trans was new).

Been around this 915 block too many times. Started doing my own 915 boxes for me and a couple friends now. Never once has the trans needed to be broken in to shift properly.


TonyG

Gary R.

Tony - I'm about to start a 3.6L conversion, did you go with an LSD when you did it? I was told (by a VERY reputable source) that it was the way to go..