Fahrvergnuugen

I've only driven two 911s. One is a 1979 and the other is a 1982. I made the same mistake in both of them...trying to shift quickly from first to second at about 4,500 RPMs.

In both cars it will grind sending a horrifying shiver up the spine. The only way I can get either of them to shift smoothly is by doing it very slowly, eggshell style. Rev up first, push in the clutch and then hold back on the stick until it pops into second. Usually the tach falls down below 2500 RPMs by then.

My question is, is this normal? Or does it just so happen that the syncros are gone in both cars...
Could this be caused by a poorly adjusted shift linkage?

The 79 has a stock shifter that has quite a bit of slop to it, but the 82 has a brand new short shift [which may or may not be adjusted properly].

Thanks for any help.

fusionsport

no- not all 911 trans grind..but sounds (not picking on you) like you ought to learn to shift/drive a bit better

Alan Herod

If you normally drive a Rabbit, don't begin to think that an SC will ever shift as quickly, it should shift smoothly first to second, just not as quickly. It seems like these synchros are the first to go because of the massive (relative) amounts of torque and the desire of some owners to drag race the cars. Worn motor mounts, or worn shift bushings could contribute to poor shifting.

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Fahrvergnuugen

[quote]Originally posted by fusionsport:
<strong>no- not all 911 trans grind..but sounds (not picking on you) like you ought to learn to shift/drive a bit better</strong><hr></blockquote>

fair enough. but could you tell me what i could possibly be doing wrong?

i've been driving stick for 9 years [since dad taught me when I was 12] and all of my cars have always been 5 speeds...and i don't have any problems driving any thing else, including my dad's 15 speed western star

im just wondering if its a typical thing for the sycros to wear out...or if you simply just have to shift slower when going from 1st to 2nd.

Fahrvergnuugen

[quote]Originally posted by Alan Herod:
<strong>If you normally drive a Rabbit, don't begin to think that an SC will ever shift as quickly</strong><hr></blockquote>

haha

well, I have had about 15 Volkswagens...sort of a sick addiction I guess....All A2s ranging from diesel jettas to a <a href="http://www.sickdimension.com/corrado/" target="_blank">Corrado SLC</a>.

I'm new to Porsches and I sure do have a lot of learning to do.

fusionsport

Not to go back and forth- but as stated above- you ccant abuse a 911 gearbox like you can others..though they can be made to shift very well.
The syncros for the first to second shift are often worn out..either from improper shifting, improper maintenance, or a slipshod "rebuild".
Not familiar with the particular cars you drove I cant speak for them.
A properly adjusted shifter, uprated(Redline or Swepco) gear lube,etc all contribute to a smooth shifting 911.
As far as technique..try rev-matching and a slight- very slight pause between shifts. You might even want to learn double-declutching. I get a lot of comploaints from Formula Vee drivers about their gearboxes shifting..but it generally boils down to them having to learn to shift an older gearbox after a lifetime spent with butterbox domestic/japanese sh!tboxes that require no talent or skill to drive. The fact you have driven VWs is somewhat redeeming..but even then..they arent a 911.
Again- no need to go back and forth- just a suggestion

NTI 911E

My '73 does this. I just have to remember to shift carefully and gently to 2nd. After 2nd I can shift as quickly as I can move the stick

Fahrvergnuugen

[quote]Originally posted by nickdtm:
<strong>My '73 does this. I just have to remember to shift carefully and gently to 2nd. After 2nd I can shift as quickly as I can move the stick </strong><hr></blockquote>

exactly!

i do realize that these are older cars and i certainly do give them that respect.

My 82 has redline in it...and you can defintely tell...when it's cold it doesn't want to go into ANY gear. The corrado is the same way, just a nature of the fluid.

At any rate, what else can I do to increase the shifting smoothness? The guy I bought the car from said that he actually like the way it shifted better before he installed the short shifter...which was done right before I got it. He said that he didn't get a chance to really fine tune it so I'm wondering if it needs to be adjusted.

fusionsport

You might want to have the short shift kit adjusted..and try the aforementioned technique of revmatching ..that or doble declutching..beyond that you might have the box redone. Drew Slayten- Akin GA, Peter Dahl(might be wrong spelling.. I honestly cant remember)in PA, Paul Schwartz, West Chester, PA, Steven at 3R Racing in Denver, and a few others do good ones.

Fahrvergnuugen

I'm going to have to try revmatching better....learned with practice I'm sure. double clutching on the downshift certainly does help, but I have to get used to doing with with a car that has such good brakes.

i noticed that you have all said "double declutch"...what exactly is the difference?

[get's out fire extinguisher]

fusionsport

double declutching is the same as double clutching- only a more accurate term I think. A lot of British/European drivers say double declutching...i suppose thats where i picked it up from..just like spelling color as colour