mmccray

Been looking for a used 911.
Went to drive an 83 SC Targa today. First time driving on! Got to admit I liked it. Not the same as my 944S - the 911 seemed more gritty, and "raw".

Had a few reservations about this particular car. It needs enough work that I'll probably pass on it, but the experience makes me even more certain about wanting one.

Got a question. Does the 915 transmission have a NON-Syncho first gear? Couldn't get her to shift into first while moving. Is this normal?

Marshall

mmccray

Forgive me folks. I think I found the answer. Probably a combination of bad synchos - and design limitation.

Speedraser

The 915 trans in 911SCs do have synchromesh on first gear, but you should not feel bad about not knowing this from driving one. The 1st gear synchro is just not very good. I always double clutch going into 1st in my SC, because it makes it much easier to engage the gear and it should prolong the life of the synchro.

Good luck with your search -- they're wonderful cars.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

ked

I am curious... in normal use, is there any good reason to downshift into first BEFORE coming to a complete stop? I can't think of one (unless your discs & emergency brake just failed). I have noted no advantage to running down through the gears when preparing for a stop vs. just applying the brakes. Put another way, does the 1st gear synchro experience more or less wear when engaged from nuetral at low revs or at (higher) matched revs from a higher gear?

Flyin Elvis

Even with new synchros the downshift to first will be stiff. The double clutching allows a bit smoother shift at slightly higher speeds but sales people who "were there when" say they were notchy when new. I just replaced the synchros in my 83 SC and they are stiff as expected but I have no more grind at slower speed downshifts. I researched heavily and price limits, but if the cars you see have had the chain tensioner, airbox pop-off valve, no original rubber centered clutch, and little or no rust, you can get a phenominal sports car in that year and model. <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

cmoss

I had the 1,2,3 synchro's replaced last year in my '80 SC. It had a very hard time shifting into first while moving (heck, sometimes sitting still...). So your experience could be indicative of future synchro work ($$$). That said, the 915 tranny is--by modern standards--a piece of S#%&. <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> 1st can be difficult... These transmissions need to be finessed (umm... I think that's how you spell it).
Cheers,
Chris
cmoss@cruzio.com
'80 SC (For sale by the way...)
'96 993

richard glickel

kevin's right. One usually should not downshift to first before coming to a complete stop. if you compare the price of brake pads (& rotors, etc.), vs. the price of a transmission, gear box, etc., you would NEVER use the engine to slow the car. That's what the brakes are for.

richard
'87 Carrera-3.6L <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />