2qwik4u

Hey guys,

Im not currently a Porsche owner, hoping to be one soon! I've only driven SC'S and i love them. I know that sc's and carrera's have different trans(915 vs 950). Can you guys explain the major difference between the two(physical and technical)
When i drive my buddys SC I feel that the shifting can be rather "stubborn", is this one of the sc tranny characteristics?
My budget is bout 18k, Im looking for an 82-89 coupe with no more than 100k miles and it will be my daily driver.
What can i expect to find for this price?

Thanks, leo
NY

Doug&Julie

The general understanding is the 915 trans (from '72 to '86...i think) is more stubborn than the G50 trans ('87 on...). I've a '72 with the 915 and it's a handful. I also have an '88 with the G50 and it's much nicer. BUT I will also throw in that I had an '84 Turbo Look with the 915 and I don't remember it being too terrible....very livable in fact. I suppose mileage and condition and engine also have something to do with the total driving/shifting experience. Frequent trans oil changes can do wonders for driveability (not to mention longevity).

Somebody else will have to fill you in on the technicals of the two types. I know that the G50 is a hydraulic clutch compared to the 915s typical mehcanical operation. Not sure what else...?

For $18k you should be able to get a pretty good late '80s Carrera. The '87-'89s will have the G50. I've tried selling my '88 with 112k miles for $18,500. Most nicer ones will go for more like $20k. Drive a few '84 - '86 Carreras and see what you think of the shifting. You may find it not so bad and can get a better deal on one of those cars. Buy the newest and best you can. Get a pre purchase inspection done (PPI). Be thorough in your search to get a good one.

Then enjoy!!!!

Wil R. Ferch

915 was used from 1972 through 1986. Therefore, all SC's ...and some 3.2's ...were 915.
915 is cable operated. G50 is larger, stronger, but has an achiles heel in poor shaft bearing support for activating lever. Look for repair records on this..as it WILL crop up. Factory didn't fix this until April 1989 production...so there are a lot of 1987-89 3.2's with the problem unless it was fixed. IMHO...915 can be made to shift acceptably well...but has a characteristic to be somewhat baulky.
---Wil Ferch

Sarah

Thanks for asking this. I've wondered what it meant to be a "915" also. We have a 87 and replaced the clutch and clutch cable right after we got it (fall 2001). Sometimes it does not shift into reverse or from 1st to 2nd very smoothly...so i'm sure we'll have a few more things to replace in the near future too.

86NOH2O

86' 915's have a shorter throw than previous 915's. I've read the 87' G50's were loud and this was fixed in 88'.

If I lived in San Francisco or other hilly area I'd go with the G50. You can stall at a stop light with the 915! But I love it!

Take your time and buy the nicest car you can afford.

Doug&Julie

I think from '86 on simply had the factory short shift as standard equip. You can buy that or many aftermarket versions that will fit all 915s. (The '72 is a little unique in the shifter). Many people swear by them... I think it helped my '72.

2qwik4u

Thanks everyone!!

Alan G.

i just got my 86 Coupe (915 tranny) last summer and I was pretty sure that there was somthing wrong with it cause it was really wierd getting in, and in between first and second gear. After listening to the advise of a couple of experienced 915 drivers, we determined that it was normal for 915s.

It took a little practice to get familiar with, and it will never be a real smooth tranny, but I just go easy, match revs and don't force it in low gears. Once you wind through second, it is rock solid between 3rd and 5th. It will never be a great off the line tranny, but it is granate on the track.