UserA

Does one ever get used to the 915 shifting. I am thinking about opening up my search to add 84-89, but my first experience with a 915 was not very good.

Peter Zimmermann

I would make a bet that more than 75% of the 911s out there fitted with a 915 are in some way "needy." If the clutch isn't working properly, due to worn parts/broken parts/incorrectly adjusted parts, or if the shift linkage isn't working properly (see clutch reasons), or if the trans itself isn't in good order because of synchro issues, incorrect/poor past repairs, the 915 equipped car can be anything from an intermittent pain to a downright pain in the butt to drive. But when everything is right, the 915 car is a beautiful thing.

By the way, '84-86 Carreras are also 915 trans cars...

Craig T.

If your car is predominately going to be a "Mall Cruiser", or your wife/girlfriend is going to drive it, go for the G50 ...But, the 915 is BY FAR the preferred tranny to anyone racing a 911. It’s lighter than a G50, and cheaper to rebuild. I believe there is a better selection of gear ratios as well.

Shifting is critical on some of the more technical race tracks. If the 915 was hard to shift, it wouldn’t be so popular with the track guys.

If you have trouble shifting, buy a Wevo shift gate.

3.2SLANTNOSE

+1 with Pete.
If it is adjusted correctly and maintained properly, you should be able to shift it without issues after you drive it for a short while.

GothingNC

No problems shifting my 915.

Just don't try to upshift from 5th, there is no sixth gear

John

kusee pee

You soon become accustomed to it and learn to shift gently and with finesse. For the first couple of days I was convinved I'd never enjoy mine (after coming from two 964s) but now it's no problem and I enjoy the challenge of getting it right. It's no real problem.

MUSSBERGER

A belly full of Swepco doesn't hurt either.

Peter Zimmermann

A great point! 915s are very sensitive to oil - never use a synthetic fluid in a 915!

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

JMHO, but I've found that if the transmission's internals are not worn out or damaged and the linkage has a new shift coupler/shaft bushing, add the Wevo shifter and these things shift/feel really good.

As Pete said, Swepco is a given,....

MUSSBERGER

My track car was filled with Reddline which proceeded to leak all over the area where I store my car in the warehouse. I checked the records and found out the selector rod seal had been replaced numerous times and a talk with the owner of the shop who has serviced the car for the last 6 years and who is very well respected ( done about 1500 915's over the years) said I needed new tail piece to get the seal to last. I decided to try and change the seal myself and refill it with Swepco and see what would happen. Two days at Pocono and no leaks and it shifted great.


And As Steve pointed out I have the Wevo shifter and some weird high tech shft coupling that I've never seen before.

Maybe my 997 isn't right because it ain't that much better than the SC.

300cd300sdl911

We've got two 1985 911's with 915's. It did take me a couple of days to get used to the shift pattern....but now they are part of my 911 experience. My wife has no issues either......her learning curve was just a bit longer than mine. Both cars shift smooth so I guess all the parts are in good order. I did test drive many cars during the hunting process and ran into many that had the 1-2 syncro problem. Each time the owners told me I need to clutch to the floor - didn't listen as I already had one 915 car that shifted fine.

No disrepect meant for the G-50 folks but I personally prefer the 915.

JackOlsen

A well-maintained 915 shifts great.

Craig T.

I LOVE my SC...But I wouldn't go that far.

BlackPearl

Good pushings+ good trans internals+ Swepco oil= easy shifter. I'm very happy with my stock set-up, although I'm leaning to a Wevo since I track the car, too. (...Really don't want to do the 'money-shift' at the big tracks.)

If your shift lever is 'swimming' or you're 'searching' for a gear, have the bushings checked under the shift lever, and at the coupler behind the seats. Changing these on my wife's 901 trans made a WORLD of difference in her '69. Combined with the trans rebuild her 901 shifts like a dream. Same is true of my SC 915.

Peter Zimmermann

Same with me - makes no difference if she's on the Streets of Willow, or going to the store - excellent 915 user.