All matter of questions regarding 85/86 3.2.
07-08-2011, 10:07 PM
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All matter of questions regarding 85/86 3.2.
Hello Everyone,
My name is Sam as the handle suggests. I am a Porsche virgin but hope not to be for much longer. I have wanted a Porsche since I played NFS Porsche Unleashed, I just could never afford it. To get my self familiar I have started reading "The Used 911 Story" and have spent the last week reading this site, pelican parts, and 6speedonline. I have been able to find the answers to many questions but some still elude me.
I have decided that a 87/88 3.2's are out of my reach in my current financial situation but a 84-86 are well within reach. I find it hard to believe the price difference is roughly 8 - 10k for just a transmission and some minor technical bits. I was also considering the 89+ 964 but the issues plaguing those cars namely the cylinder head and distributor are turning me away.
I have read endless discussions about the transmission and its pretty obvious that the G50 is the more robust and modern trans. I think its not enough to warrant passing up on a good deal for another project especially owning a Porsche to get my feet wet.
I am not afraid to get my hands dirty as I have intermediate experience wrenching on cars. My current weekend warrior is a turbocharged miata putting 260 to the wheels.
So onto the questions.
1. Is a 915 to G50 swap a direct bolt on?
2. How does one determine if a 915 trans has a LSD?
3. Are all 84-88 Porsche's able to accept a 3.6l swap without major work such as modifying frame, engine mounts and etc?
4.How is rust on these old cars? Major concern or on par with any other car of this time period?
5. .... Crap forgot. Ill add more soon as they come back.
Thanks in advance.
My name is Sam as the handle suggests. I am a Porsche virgin but hope not to be for much longer. I have wanted a Porsche since I played NFS Porsche Unleashed, I just could never afford it. To get my self familiar I have started reading "The Used 911 Story" and have spent the last week reading this site, pelican parts, and 6speedonline. I have been able to find the answers to many questions but some still elude me.
I have decided that a 87/88 3.2's are out of my reach in my current financial situation but a 84-86 are well within reach. I find it hard to believe the price difference is roughly 8 - 10k for just a transmission and some minor technical bits. I was also considering the 89+ 964 but the issues plaguing those cars namely the cylinder head and distributor are turning me away.
I have read endless discussions about the transmission and its pretty obvious that the G50 is the more robust and modern trans. I think its not enough to warrant passing up on a good deal for another project especially owning a Porsche to get my feet wet.
I am not afraid to get my hands dirty as I have intermediate experience wrenching on cars. My current weekend warrior is a turbocharged miata putting 260 to the wheels.
So onto the questions.
1. Is a 915 to G50 swap a direct bolt on?
2. How does one determine if a 915 trans has a LSD?
3. Are all 84-88 Porsche's able to accept a 3.6l swap without major work such as modifying frame, engine mounts and etc?
4.How is rust on these old cars? Major concern or on par with any other car of this time period?
5. .... Crap forgot. Ill add more soon as they come back.
Thanks in advance.
07-08-2011, 11:55 PM
#2
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Welcome!
1. No, hydraulic clutch, trans width, etc.
2. The car's option codes will signify LSD.
3. Yes
4. Some can have rust, but post '76 Porsches are pretty resistant to corrosion.
You are wise in your assessment that the G50 should not be the end-all factor in finding a nice 3.2. The 915's are just fine.
1. No, hydraulic clutch, trans width, etc.
2. The car's option codes will signify LSD.
3. Yes
4. Some can have rust, but post '76 Porsches are pretty resistant to corrosion.
You are wise in your assessment that the G50 should not be the end-all factor in finding a nice 3.2. The 915's are just fine.
07-09-2011, 12:09 AM
#3
Drifting
Get a car for it's mechanical condition not for it's technical specification. Take your time, look (and although not easy to do so) drive several examples. I would also include SC's in your search. I started my search w/ the 964 and ended up falling in love w/ the Fuch's, impact bumpers and the lack of power steering feel of the pre-964's. G-50 vs 915 should not be the deal breaker. Drive both and decide. I too started off my search looking for a G-50 ..... and now trust me, a 915 in good shape is pure delight to drive.
07-09-2011, 12:12 AM
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Welcome!
1. No, hydraulic clutch, trans width, etc.
2. The car's option codes will signify LSD.
3. Yes
4. Some can have rust, but post '76 Porsches are pretty resistant to corrosion.
You are wise in your assessment that the G50 should not be the end-all factor in finding a nice 3.2. The 915's are just fine.
1. No, hydraulic clutch, trans width, etc.
2. The car's option codes will signify LSD.
3. Yes
4. Some can have rust, but post '76 Porsches are pretty resistant to corrosion.
You are wise in your assessment that the G50 should not be the end-all factor in finding a nice 3.2. The 915's are just fine.
1. Interesting. Hydraulics are probably not a problem to accommodate but if the transmissions are different did they change the engine block too? Just curious what differed to apply the new trans.
2. I think the book covers this, I will read how to find it.
3. EXCELLENT!!!. One of the reasons why I am not sweating a 915 trans. Its inevitable with me, things hardly ever remain stock very long.
4. Good to know.
Get a car for it's mechanical condition not for it's technical specification. Take your time, look (and although not easy to do so) drive several examples. I would also include SC's in your search. I started my search w/ the 964 and ended up falling in love w/ the Fuch's, impact bumpers and the lack of power steering feel of the pre-964's. G-50 vs 915 should not be the deal breaker. Drive both and decide. I too started off my search looking for a G-50 ..... and now trust me, a 915 in good shape is pure delight to drive.
07-09-2011, 12:21 AM
#5
1. They should bolt to the block. However, the body mount is where the challenge lies. The 915 and G50 are different lengths/widths. I *think* you may have to modify the torsion body housings on the 915 car to accept a G50. I don't know how feasible this is. The different body-mounts should be rectified via an adapter but shift quality may suffer
2. LSD is Option Code 220 found via a decal in the owner's manual or a decal under the hood. You can also solicit the help of those with access to the Porsche parts software and they can pull the option codes for your car
2. LSD is Option Code 220 found via a decal in the owner's manual or a decal under the hood. You can also solicit the help of those with access to the Porsche parts software and they can pull the option codes for your car
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07-09-2011, 01:36 AM
#8
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Basically, if you want a 3.6L/G50 car, buy one. The last 3.6L swap into a torsion bar car I did (almost 10 years ago) was nearly $5K WITHOUT considering: 1. labor, 2. cost of the 3.6.
The whole G50 thing is basically chasing a unicorn. Way too much pontificating on the internet forums. (What if it cost even a buck to post something? How many "experts" would disappear?) A 915 in proper working order is extremely robust and reliable. The larger challenge I've always seen is how adept someone is to heel-and-toeing, anyway.
Never but a 911 because you're getting a "deal." Some of the cheapest initial purchase prices I've seen have ended up being the largest financial commitments.
The whole G50 thing is basically chasing a unicorn. Way too much pontificating on the internet forums. (What if it cost even a buck to post something? How many "experts" would disappear?) A 915 in proper working order is extremely robust and reliable. The larger challenge I've always seen is how adept someone is to heel-and-toeing, anyway.
Never but a 911 because you're getting a "deal." Some of the cheapest initial purchase prices I've seen have ended up being the largest financial commitments.
07-09-2011, 11:24 AM
#10
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the entire rear torsion bar on the G50 car is moved away from center to accomidate the G50 (which is why the bars change in 87'. Easy to spot from 30 feet away as the torsion bar body cover is enormous compared to a 915
there is a question I have for you. "What do you plan to get out of the car?" -or another way of saying what are you going to use/do with it?
I drive my 915 every damn day rain, snow, shine or tornado! I am more in love with the way it drives than any other car I have ever owned. There is something special about the connection of the 915 to the driver and learning to be seemless and smooth is something that might just ruin your chances of ever wanting a hydrolic clutch again.
keep in mind Porsche put an awful lot of 915's into this world and there are a LOT of those still driving.
lastly, dont be confused with purchase price and cost of car. It goes without saying that you can drop $5k without even blinking....and any one of these cars can stick you with a repair that could leave a nasty hole in your wallet....I mean NASTY! (not to scare you, but to make you think about costs) - for example my oil change AT HOME is $105 right now using BR 20/50 and Mahle filter. new muffler is $1k and if you upgrade ist $2500....not typical and not the only way to go but just an example of some of the costs that can come with the cars...I say this because you say the 87-89 is out of your price range and the 84-86 is within it...
they both cost about the same to maintain..and it's not chicken scratch
sorry to sound like Debbie Downer, but dont forget or fool yourself, its not a Toyota (I know your Miata being all souped up cost $ too) just saying
there is a question I have for you. "What do you plan to get out of the car?" -or another way of saying what are you going to use/do with it?
I drive my 915 every damn day rain, snow, shine or tornado! I am more in love with the way it drives than any other car I have ever owned. There is something special about the connection of the 915 to the driver and learning to be seemless and smooth is something that might just ruin your chances of ever wanting a hydrolic clutch again.
keep in mind Porsche put an awful lot of 915's into this world and there are a LOT of those still driving.
lastly, dont be confused with purchase price and cost of car. It goes without saying that you can drop $5k without even blinking....and any one of these cars can stick you with a repair that could leave a nasty hole in your wallet....I mean NASTY! (not to scare you, but to make you think about costs) - for example my oil change AT HOME is $105 right now using BR 20/50 and Mahle filter. new muffler is $1k and if you upgrade ist $2500....not typical and not the only way to go but just an example of some of the costs that can come with the cars...I say this because you say the 87-89 is out of your price range and the 84-86 is within it...
they both cost about the same to maintain..and it's not chicken scratch
sorry to sound like Debbie Downer, but dont forget or fool yourself, its not a Toyota (I know your Miata being all souped up cost $ too) just saying
07-09-2011, 02:58 PM
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Basically, if you want a 3.6L/G50 car, buy one. The last 3.6L swap into a torsion bar car I did (almost 10 years ago) was nearly $5K WITHOUT considering: 1. labor, 2. cost of the 3.6.
The whole G50 thing is basically chasing a unicorn. Way too much pontificating on the internet forums. (What if it cost even a buck to post something? How many "experts" would disappear?) A 915 in proper working order is extremely robust and reliable. The larger challenge I've always seen is how adept someone is to heel-and-toeing, anyway.
Never but a 911 because you're getting a "deal." Some of the cheapest initial purchase prices I've seen have ended up being the largest financial commitments.
The whole G50 thing is basically chasing a unicorn. Way too much pontificating on the internet forums. (What if it cost even a buck to post something? How many "experts" would disappear?) A 915 in proper working order is extremely robust and reliable. The larger challenge I've always seen is how adept someone is to heel-and-toeing, anyway.
Never but a 911 because you're getting a "deal." Some of the cheapest initial purchase prices I've seen have ended up being the largest financial commitments.
From my observation the arguments for or against the trans fall into two groups. The people that own the cars, driven both varieties and honestly say its not a big deal and those who bought them and are trying to convince themselves they didnt make a mistake. I need to make up my own mind but at the moment everything I have read says its a bigger deal than it actually is.
I think you misunderstood me. Certainly not buying a car just because its cheap, I was using deal to describe a car whose condition reflects the price accurately. I dont mind if a car has has minor mechanical issues that I can easily take care of myself as long as the price reflects it, but I also want to stay away from major defects that will take a lot of initial time/money to fix unless the deal is too good to pass up.
Last edited by Saml01; 07-09-2011 at 03:13 PM.
07-09-2011, 03:11 PM
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the entire rear torsion bar on the G50 car is moved away from center to accomidate the G50 (which is why the bars change in 87'. Easy to spot from 30 feet away as the torsion bar body cover is enormous compared to a 915
there is a question I have for you. "What do you plan to get out of the car?" -or another way of saying what are you going to use/do with it?
I drive my 915 every damn day rain, snow, shine or tornado! I am more in love with the way it drives than any other car I have ever owned. There is something special about the connection of the 915 to the driver and learning to be seemless and smooth is something that might just ruin your chances of ever wanting a hydrolic clutch again.
keep in mind Porsche put an awful lot of 915's into this world and there are a LOT of those still driving.
lastly, dont be confused with purchase price and cost of car. It goes without saying that you can drop $5k without even blinking....and any one of these cars can stick you with a repair that could leave a nasty hole in your wallet....I mean NASTY! (not to scare you, but to make you think about costs) - for example my oil change AT HOME is $105 right now using BR 20/50 and Mahle filter. new muffler is $1k and if you upgrade ist $2500....not typical and not the only way to go but just an example of some of the costs that can come with the cars...I say this because you say the 87-89 is out of your price range and the 84-86 is within it...
they both cost about the same to maintain..and it's not chicken scratch
sorry to sound like Debbie Downer, but dont forget or fool yourself, its not a Toyota (I know your Miata being all souped up cost $ too) just saying
there is a question I have for you. "What do you plan to get out of the car?" -or another way of saying what are you going to use/do with it?
I drive my 915 every damn day rain, snow, shine or tornado! I am more in love with the way it drives than any other car I have ever owned. There is something special about the connection of the 915 to the driver and learning to be seemless and smooth is something that might just ruin your chances of ever wanting a hydrolic clutch again.
keep in mind Porsche put an awful lot of 915's into this world and there are a LOT of those still driving.
lastly, dont be confused with purchase price and cost of car. It goes without saying that you can drop $5k without even blinking....and any one of these cars can stick you with a repair that could leave a nasty hole in your wallet....I mean NASTY! (not to scare you, but to make you think about costs) - for example my oil change AT HOME is $105 right now using BR 20/50 and Mahle filter. new muffler is $1k and if you upgrade ist $2500....not typical and not the only way to go but just an example of some of the costs that can come with the cars...I say this because you say the 87-89 is out of your price range and the 84-86 is within it...
they both cost about the same to maintain..and it's not chicken scratch
sorry to sound like Debbie Downer, but dont forget or fool yourself, its not a Toyota (I know your Miata being all souped up cost $ too) just saying
My plans are simple. Its a hobby. I love learning and wrenching on cars, reading forums, technical documents and then actually putting all that knowledge to use. Its an escape from the mundane weekly grind of office work not to mention its one of the best things to bring friends together on the weekends.
I certainly wont be daily driving it. I have a long commute, sometimes in a lot of traffic. I like good airconditioning and a smooth ride especially early in the morning and late in the evening. The car is basically an escape.
I am not extremely concerned with price of repairs. 99% of the time I will figure it out myself if not I know enough people who owe me favors that can help themselves or know somone that can. My biggest concerns are with MAJOR repairs requiring machining, specializing instruments, and very expensive parts.
You have nothing to apologize for, I should be thanking you for the reality check. I came to get honest and straight forward responses and I am glad people are coming forward. If you feel there is something wrong my aformentioned logic I would like to hear your opinions. I dont want to get myself into something that could TOTALLY screw me, but I am willing to take a risk. Obviously avoiding as much as possible is the goal.
07-09-2011, 07:16 PM
#13
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nah, I think you got it,....and knowing ahead of time is better than finding out later.
Biggest thing is none of us can predict the future and any one of us could have any number of issues arise (check out Doyles loose sway bar, out of the blue..cha ching)
anyhow...the cars are great and I am sure you will enjoy yours once you find the right one..I didnt check out the one listed very well, is it a keeper or a walker?
Biggest thing is none of us can predict the future and any one of us could have any number of issues arise (check out Doyles loose sway bar, out of the blue..cha ching)
anyhow...the cars are great and I am sure you will enjoy yours once you find the right one..I didnt check out the one listed very well, is it a keeper or a walker?
07-09-2011, 11:33 PM
#14
Im looking forward to drive the 915.... I just gotta stop working on her. 
Im basically in the same shoes... i bought the car cause I wanted a wrenching project. Your gonna love working on this car.... get the required books. 101 projects, bently and the engine rebuild. The forums are great too! Be prepared to dish out some $$$ to freshen things up.
Im basically in the same shoes... i bought the car cause I wanted a wrenching project. Your gonna love working on this car.... get the required books. 101 projects, bently and the engine rebuild. The forums are great too! Be prepared to dish out some $$$ to freshen things up.
07-10-2011, 07:35 PM
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nah, I think you got it,....and knowing ahead of time is better than finding out later.
Biggest thing is none of us can predict the future and any one of us could have any number of issues arise (check out Doyles loose sway bar, out of the blue..cha ching)
anyhow...the cars are great and I am sure you will enjoy yours once you find the right one..I didnt check out the one listed very well, is it a keeper or a walker?
Biggest thing is none of us can predict the future and any one of us could have any number of issues arise (check out Doyles loose sway bar, out of the blue..cha ching)
anyhow...the cars are great and I am sure you will enjoy yours once you find the right one..I didnt check out the one listed very well, is it a keeper or a walker?
1. Flaking clear coat.
2. Tires dry rotted so bad I wonder how they still hold air.
3. Both front fenders dont line up.
4. All the rubber is dry and cracking, on the tail, around the side views, the bumper, and steering wheel.
5. GET THIS! I opened the drivers door and the door sill got caught on the door jam and came off. Apparently he lost one of the bolts holding it and it slid down ever so slightly.
6. Windshield wipers dont work unless you put the fuse in and then you cant turn them off.
7. Headliner coming down.
8. Engine cover or trunk cover doesnt stay up.
9. AC, non existent.
Im probably forgetting stuff but that was just the walk around. Sadly he drove it before I came so it was already hot, I wish people would not f'ing do that.
I took it for a drive. The steering felt all over the place, probably due to tires. The engine felt strong and so did the brakes. It didn't smoke, responded surprisingly well to throttle and sounded excellent.
The transmission was an interesting experience. It was akin to rowing a boat. The gates were very hard to find and shifting it remotely quickly at least before the RPM's bottomed required a certain level of patience and rhythm. Clutch actuation was no different than a hydraulic in fact maybe even a little nicer. All things considered its pretty terrible but I think that's because the car as a whole was junk, I highly doubt Porsche would offer a trans like that in a car such as this.
All together it was quite disappointing and I wasnt surprised for the price. I just had no clue someone could be so damn careless.
The guy offered to go from 11 - 9.5 right there haha. I passed.
Is the spare tire solid rubber? Its the weirdest spare I have ever seen.
If any of you live on Long Island and have a well sorted car id love to look at it for the price of lunch.