BugI944

I just purchased a 1978 924. The car is stuck in reverse and I thought , that maybe, just maybe the shifter was just screwed up, back over the trans. I was wrong - the shifter is very loose and is still hooked up - front & rear, and the shaft going into the top of the trans is moving - yet no gear changes.
So - I just got a new(used) trans from another 1978 924. It looks the same - except it has this thing attached to the very rear of the trans - that looks like an overdrive unit. There is even an electrical solinoid on the back of the trans with two wires coming out.
Finally my question - what is this - is it an overdrive unit? was this a factory option? Aftermarket? I can install it in my 78' 924?

Thanks

moorepower

My memory of early 924 stuff is fading, so forgive me if I'm wrong, but I think the base trans for '78 was a four speed, but a five speed was optional. So I'm guessing your "new" trans is an optional five speed (although I don't know if it was physically bigger than the four speed). The two wires coming out of it are probably for your reverse light switch.

BugI944

Thanks for your reply - and yeah I believe that the switch is the reverse lite. It's different looking than the one on my 944. But my question still stands - as you look at the very back of the trans in the car - it looks as if there is a 3 inch freeze plug in flat part of the back of the trans. At that same spot on the replacement trans is an aluminum piece about 4 and quarter inches long and about 3 inches wide and 3 inches deep. It has a part number on it - 477 599 131 and below that number is a number K1950.

Is that how they got their 5th gear?

924RACR

The 5-speed trans looks much like the 4-speed, except it's longer. I don't have any pics that are real good on my website, but I have one I can email. The 5-speed 924 and 944 trannies look the same externally. Yes, 5th gear is attached on the rear.

If you do have a 5-speed - BONUS!! It really does help wake the car up. The only PITA factor of changing it in will be that you will also need a 5-speed shift rod - goes from the shift lever to the trans. It's a different length than the 4-speed. Thankfully, you don't need to change the torque tube.

You will need to drop the rear exhaust, disconnect CV's, and some other PITA stuff, but there's only 6 bolts plus the coupler holding the trans in! Note on the coupler - remove both bolts and slide it all the way onto the trans input shaft before attempting to remove.

The shift rod can be brought straight out the back, levered around to the side of the torque tube. It's tricky, as it's a tight fit, but doable.

While you're in there - make sure the 5-speed shift rod you get to install is not ovaled at the end that connects to the shift lever. Consider installing a new shift lever too, while you're in there. Ideal would be to get a whole linkage and shift **** including boot from someone parting a 944; this will get you the new 5-speed shift pattern and the nice leather boot to replace your ugly plastic 4-speed ****.

BugI944

Thanks for the info - you answered my questions - thanks. Just a couple more of more questions.
Is the shift rod that I need the same as a 944?
Is the shift pattern going to be the same as my 944?
I have a 944 as well, and have dealt with the shifter at both ends before. Thanks.

924RACR

Yes on both counts.