I'm looking at an '86 tomorrow. From the owner's description the 1st & 2nd synchros are worn. I wanted to clarify - Are 915's a) always that way, b) always that way after a while, c) that way only if abused?

Also, is there anything to worry about other than having to double clutch? I used to have an '86 Alfa, so I'm intimately familiar with worn synchro shifting :-)

Stef

 

I would say it is a common failure due to aging and mileage, there are lots of 915s out there with worn syncros

Jim

 

Yup I concure with Jim, And they ain't cheap to fix--so factor that into the price.
Chris

 

Stefang,

It's not unusual to see wear on 915 synchros in 1st and 2nd. But I wouldn't be too concerned about it. As far as 1st gear is concerned, you rarely need to downshift that far when you're moving and, as a general policy, I wouldn't downshift into 1st in any case unless the car is stopped or moving very slowly, good synchros or not, mainly to avoid unnecessary wear. The 2nd gear synchro can be more of a hassle if it's worn, but it gives you an incentive to learn matching rpm's and heel & toe downshifts, especially if you're thinking of tracking the car at some point.

I track my 911, and at some point I'll probably have work done on my synchros. But it really hasn't been a problem. If you're not planning on tracking the car, it's not much of an issue. By the way, I've come to like the 915 transmission. People talk about the G50, but keep i mind that the 915 is lighter, it's very strong, and less expensive to service.

Good luck, Dan

 

When was the transmission fluid changed last. My experiance has shown that fresh fluid can eliminate a lot of resistance.

 

i saw a repair bill for a G15 tranny where the 1st and 2nd dog teeth were replaced along with 1st and 2nd syncro's... repair bill was around $3500 CDN if i rememember (+-$500) just to give you an idea.

 

Well, I drove it. Nice car (not great though), but I think he's asking too much ($19k). 74 k miles on it, interior good, paint ok, needs shocks (IMHO)

The clutch was very heavy and the tranny very sloppy. A friend (ex '86 owner) told me that's about right for that transmission. I've never driven one that vintage, so I have no reference point. Had trouble a couple of times engaging 2nd.

I just need to drive a few more to get a decent idea.

Dan, I won't be tracking it, since I have a 944 track car (which being of the same vintage provided an interesting contrast WRT to clutch and tranny). I actually find it very difficult to practice heel-toe shifts on the street since I can never get on the brakes hard enough to line up the pedals properly. I try not to brake too much anyhow, since that only slows you down :-) Gotta keep up the momemtum in the 944.

Stef

 

I actually find it very difficult to practice heel-toe shifts on the street since I can never get on the brakes hard enough to line up the pedals properly. I try not to brake too much anyhow, since that only slows you down :-) Gotta keep up the momemtum in the 944.
Stef [/B][/QUOTE]

Hey Stefan,
I'm with you on that! Street heel & toe is useful to practice starting out, but it's just not practical to threshold brake on the street, hence the issue of pedal height, etc. and track time. Here's to keeping up the momentum

Dan

 

get that car out on the highway and practice that heel toe shifting is great fun! if you can learn it and learn it well it can be used anywhere.