sirchris

Hello, I've been lurking her for a few months as I was preparing for my search for a 911...well I am done preparing and now actually looking. I checked out a 1980 SC this past weekend and I have a few questions I hope you guys can help me out with.

1) This 911 had a 160 MPH speedometer on it, I thought 1980 models were supposed to have the 85 MPH speedometer. However it does have a low VIN number and was manufactured in 1979 according to the door stickers, are there any 1980's out there that came with 160 MPH speedometers from the factory?

2) I noticed that the seller seemed to have a little difficulty shifting from first to second when he took me out. Could this indicated bigger problems? He said it was just worn syncros. (I did not drive it as the seller would not let anyone test drive it, claiming insurance reasons. This is the main reason why I hesitate to buy it, however I think this is also why the price is lower then other SCs I have seen listed)

3) Does anybody know a good place to get a PPI done in central NJ? South of Trenton preferably.

Thanks
-Christian

GothingNC

1) Common to have the speedo changes, mine was replaced with a 160 MPH unit

2) Shifting from 1st to Second with the 915 can be a bit difficult at times depending on the shifter couplings, clutch cable adjustment, operating temp. Not as smooth as a modern day vehicle. Do not speed shift, try to use two fingers. Worn syncros is pretty much normal, an overhaul can be pricey depending on mileage, fluid used and abuse. A tranny needing syncros can still go a long ways if treated right.

3) Don't know of any place in NJ.

Good luck !

John

arbeitm

1. That's good...one less thing for you to replace.

2. Mine get's like that sometimes. I'm not sure what triggers it. I get some grinding into first too, depending how I shift. Mine definitely needs a rebuild, but is not a requirement at this time.

3. Check out the NNJR PCA website. They have links there to NJ. There's also another post I just saw of someone looking for places in NJ too.

Batman 357

There is an art to shifting a 915 transmission. The 1-2 shift is usually the hardest trick. Was there any noise when he shifted. If no noise it may be good for a while. Did you notice what the RPM"s were when it went into the next gear. Invest in a PPI.

blake

This is a key point. When I attended the Porsche Driving Experience at Barber Motorsports Park a few years back, one of the conversations with the instructors was around the 915 transmissions proper shifting method. Doc Bundy noted that, when shifting during a race in the 1970s, he always counted to himself one complete second to complete the shift. He added that 911s are not meant to be power-shifted, and doing so will ruin the syncros.

When I had my SC, second gear was tough to get into. Rather than spend *thousands* to fix the syncros, I just changed gear oil (which made the transition smoother) and shifted slower. For the 915, IMHO, this is good enough. If you hear crunching, that is another story...

Good luck!
-Blake

JackOlsen

'Worn syncros' is a $2500-3000 problem. It's a rebuild. As others have mentioned, you can learn to live with it -- but the 915 is not a very robust transaxle, and you're talking about one that's 28 years old. Many of them out there are in need of a rebuild. Many owners rationalize not doing it, and who can blame them. It's expensive.

Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop, or you're gambling with a lot of your money.

sirchris

Wow, thanks for all the great replies. He did appear to just wait a second before doing the shift, no grinding or crunching sounds heard.

jwilson95

SirChris-
I bought my car in central Jersey and had the PPI at the Flemington dealership. Not south of Trenton, but I was happy with the results and the knowledge of the local wrench who they claimed to be a air-cooled specialist.

Jeff

MUSSBERGER

You are in kind of a black hole as far as any reputable independents. You could try Princeton Porsche. I have heard good things about their shop.

mdonline

Sirchris, did you buy the car. How much did you pay for it? Are you happy? I am looking at a 1980 SC right now. Any advice?

red911sc

Thanks for the information regarding shifting from 1st to 2nd. I just picked up an '83 911 SC in pretty good condition. My manual driving skills are pretty rusty from driving automatics most of my life and I've been having some difficulty at times from going smoothly from 1st to 2nd. It's good to know that I should be gentle with it.
Thanks again!
Ian

nikkoa

I just replaced all the synchros on my 915 and the 2nd gear can still be difficult to get into. It cost me $2500, transaxle was dropped already.

dave morris

I wouldn't buy a car from a seller unwilling to let me drive the car! Period. That's crazy.

If you decide to press ahead w/ a PPI in spite of the above, I'd call the guys at Bodymotion.

BTW, there's a real sweet looking SC for sale over on Pelican. Champagne/black, 60 some thousand miles, new clutch blah blah blah. It's in Santa Rosa (north of San Fancisco). He wants 17 I think.

Good luck.

Peter Zimmermann

Just wondering, do you have a copy of the 8th Edition of my book (my signature)? I think, if not, that you might want to consider getting one - Amazon.com is the quickest source.

Also, you might find this helpful (pay very close attention to the discussion about cylinder head studs);

https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...immermann.html

Bodymotion Inc.

Christian,
We can do a proper PPI on that car for you.
We are located in Ocean Twp, NJ
Exit 105 on the Garden State
Call and speak to Ace or Mike for any questions.
732-493-2700
www.bodymotion.com