This is the best post yet on their 1985 Turbo Look Carrera. Michael Jordan takes an in-depth look at the 915 gearbox and includes a few things I didn't know about the transmission and its development.

I'm enjoying their time with the car...all the early posters swore it would leave them stranded and cost a mint to fix but so far so good!

http://http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/05/1985-porsche-911-carrera-the-transmission-files.html#more

 

Very nice read Ray. Thank you. I thoroughly njoy the much maligned 915 gearbox everytime I use it ( I have to thank the members here especially Ed Hughes and Ed/Ivangene without whom I would never have gotten into it) but can easily see why that is not a gearbox meant for everyone's liking or personal taste.

 

Nice read,..thanks!

Doyle

 

I learned how to drive in an old VW bug, and was driving beat up rust eaten Porsches before automatics, so it's hard for me to relate to complaints of the 915. That's a pretty good read, and helps me understand the confusion over the Porsche pause in the neutral plane.

 

Hi rusnak,

I learned to drive stick in my Dad's '72 Beetle, so when I got my car two years ago it brought back all sorts of muscle memories...not only did the VW's tranny lack any shift detents, the shift **** also had a habit of flying off the stick. I can't explain why the 915 feels so "right" in this car, it just does. I'll curse it from time to time, but on those occasions when the stick slides into first gear like a knife through butter I feel like I've really accomplished something!

Hi Amar,
You're a true believer like me. We're afflicted! Logic goes out the window with these cars.

Glad you liked it Doyle! I'm pleased with the Edmunds crew's positive reactions to the car...I kinda figured they'd hate it.

 

This is the black widebody they bought a couple of months ago? Didn't know it had trans work done (or I forgot it as part of the discussion when Tom and I were discussing the car in part trade for the RS America). Funny he called me today.........

I honestly have no idea how/why the 915 is hated. The clutch release, sure. I got to drive a cobbled together prototype hydraulic release a guy was trying to make ~25 years ago. Made a huge difference. No doubt the factory worked on that, too.

 

its right here:

"without any pesky need for the driver to improve his skills, or, you know, acquire a semblance of mechanical sympathy."

this is why people dont like the 915....cuz they have to TRY and we all know trying is the first step towards failing

 

Enjoyed the read thanks for posting the articile

 

No complaints from me about the 915.

Quote from the article hits the mark: This is a classic Porsche, so you do it the Porsche way or not at all.

 

It's true. I just put in some new shifter bushings after 2nd was a no go.

 

I like how the article is talking about Porsche's proprietary split ring synchros but the picture they've got there is of a Borg-Warner synchro as would have been used in a VW gearbox or a G50, but not in a 915...

 

Thanks. I wondered about that. I thought it looked odd.

 

sorry, I disagree.

Part of the sporting nature of the car is being able to shift somewhat quickly. Having to wait a second to get the car in 2nd gear is not only a pain, its poor for performance.

Sure, thats how they were, and thats fine, but to say thats some sort of charm, I ain't buying. its simply a flaw that needs to be worked around.

the G50 shifts better. There is no negative to a G50 with the possible exception of a barely if at all noticeable additional few lbs.

I think this is a great example of people extolling the virtues of an inferior item because they own it.

 

I have no doubt the G50 is a much better box. I have no experience with it, outside shifting it in a stationary car in a showroom. Felt very modern.

I still like the 915, though. Can't really tell you why, I just do...I started out in the market for a 911, any 911, and ended up with a 915 car. No regrets here.

 

These posts that turn into a 915 vs G50 discussion are great.

Does anyone have any long-term experience driving/owning both an 84-86 915 Carrera and an 87-89 G50? Can you actually speed shift with a G50? I never had a chance to drive one.

Other postings have stated that one disadvantage to the 87-89 cars is the G50 and hydraulic clutch adds 150 pounds to the rear of the car.

I'm satisfied with my 915 but the car is not a daily driver.