Matt Romanowski

Hey,

For all of us that get using to shifting a sloppy 914, get out in the garage on change those bushings!! Jay and I did his car today, and man, what a difference. It's amazing what we get used to and how bad they can be.

We also found that it was way easier to get the bushing into the firewall if you boil it for a few minutes. That gets it just soft enough that you can push it in with your thumbs.

Matt

jim912928

wow..i'm just getting ready to do this...how long did you boil it...just a dunk or a few minutes?

Matt Romanowski

We probably boiled it for about 3 minutes. It won't get real soft, but just pliable enough to stuff it in.

Matt

jim912928

thanks for the quick reply. I'm actually going to replace all the bushings (75 1.8l). Not sure I remember what good shifting is like!

hitbyastick

Which bushings did you do? Was it difficult? I think that would be something worthwhile for me to do as well. Plus I need to change the clutch, so while I have it all apart. I love getting my hands dirty on these things

Matt Romanowski

You should do the bushing on the transmission cover, the one in the firewall, and check the ones in the "knuckle." You can check the bushings in the shift lever too.

Matt

Jay Gratton

I drove that car since I got it in 1994 the way it was. It was better then a side shifter so I just learned to drive what I have.
But WOW, what a difference now! Nice clean and tight shifts thanks to the work that Matt and I did. Best part is, it didn't take that long either! The hardest part, that I am sure Matt will agree with is getting the center console out! I would even go as far to say my 1973 914 shifts better then my '85 911! Thanks for the help Matt, your the best! Best wishes - Jay Gratton

hitbyastick

I wonder if me doing the work on it would fix the little nudging of gears I've been doing. Mainly between Reverse and First. My shifter is tight, but I might as well. Did you put in Copper, or Polyuretheane or what?

Matt Romanowski

We just used the stock bushings. Even if there is still a small amount of play, it will be 100x better than before.

Matt

mskala

I remember trying to get the firewall one in many years ago, that was hard. I look
forward to doing it your way sometime. When I bought my car and took off the back
cover, there was no bushing at all at the trans end; just flopping.

Jay Gratton

Mark,
First off, welcome to Rennlist Mar. Matt and I found the same thing on my car. The bushing in the firewall was completely gone. Maybe this winter for your tech. session you could do a lesson on changing those bushings. Matt and I would even be willing to help you do this if you'd like. Best wishes - Jay Gratton

jim912928

Well..i replaced all my bushings...WOW what a difference...it shifts sooooo much better! I also put in a new clutch cable and rebuilt the pedal cluster....AMAZINGLY great!

Matt Romanowski

It's amazing. A 914 can go from one of the worst shifting cars to one of the best with a few little things.

Matt

Enviroteacher924S

Matthew,
I want to thank you for the job you and Jay did on the 914. I can actually drive it now and ENJOY driving it now. Now if Jay will only fix the CD player. Have a fanTABulous day Matthew.