JayPoorJay

Hello All...

1986 S3.

3 or 4 weeks ago I replaced the stock shifter with a short shift (removed springs), then replaced the front ball cup and the rear coupler. The difference in shifting was dramatic and beautiful, but still

Having nothing to compare it to, I've never driven a 928 - or a Porsche for that matter - and am wondering what people think.

My shifter seems to favor the right hand side, 4th and 5th especially. Easy to find and shift into these two and 2nd and 3rd. Shifting into R and 1st can almost be described as tough-ish. I have owned manual/sticks that, maybe as a safety thing, theu make it a little less than easy to shift into R and 1st - I guessed for the reason of stopping someone from accidentally shifting into these gears while driving - but this seems a little much.

What should shidting into R feel like? 1st?

And, if it needs to be, when I get back under to make adjustments - which way do I go to make selecting R and 1st, normal? Do I loosen the pinch and adjust twisting the forward shaft from the shifter 2 or 4 teeth into the 4th and 5th direction (to the right) or do i go the other way?

I don't want to go and make matters worse.

WALTSTAR

It probably shouldn't be tough to engage, but every car has its own identity and feel. What is the condition and or level of your transmission fluid? Do you have the right grade? I used Amsoil and think that it might be too slippery (if there is any such thing) because I have to get the RPM's just right for the gear change to not be noticeable to me (the individual characteristics I was talking about).

JayPoorJay

Hey Walt.

For now I am more focused on the shift linkage - a major and mechanical component... I'm sure the issues you mention could/do come into play,,, but because I made the changes (a novice) I want to see if I can sort these out first.

Majestic Moose

The shifter should center between 2-3 and there is more spring pressure to go to R-1 than 4-5. Shifting into R or 1st should not feel any different than any other gear, only that you should be stopped. If your synchros are worn, fully depress the clutch pedal and count off two seconds before shifting into R or 1. You should not attempt to downshift to 1st above 5mph.
The 928 gearbox is not slick like the Japanese make them, it has to be manhandled and bent to your will, without being abusive. It is a skill, but good rev-matching and practice is rewarded.

Kevin in Atlanta

I read somewhere the shifter should be 4 degrees to the left.

JayPoorJay

Hi, thanks.

The reason I'm so nervous about the whole thing all of a sudden is because I was reading another thread where a guy had a valet park his car,,, it thru the front cup off. I can't have that (me doing it that is,,, I don't see a valet in my immediate future, lol)... The way it feels now is that overtime (longer than shorter) it would HAVE to be wearing something out. I don't like it. The pull over to one even takes some shove.

So, if I lay under the car, and it seems to be leaning too far in the direction of 4 and 5, to adjust for that, I would unpinch and turn the shift shaft towards,,,,, the left - drivers door - and pinch it back down? Or is this one of those counter intuitive things? Let the trans shaft find it's "normal" resting position first, and then center the stick or,,, yeah, what's up?

Majestic Moose

There is a nice detailed section in the manual at 34-8. It is as simple as you think. The only thing "backwards" is when you move the lever forward, the shifter rod moves rearward. Make adjustments in neutral.
If you have not replaced the front ball cup bushing, you can get a large HVAC hose clamp to secure it to the torque tube as insurance. Even a long heavy duty zip tie would work.

z driver 88t

Also, if you do not know, that spring that you feel when you engage 1/R and 4/5 is a small lever spring at the bottom of transmission housing. Its a total bitch to replace if it ever breaks. Many of us on the forum have been down that road. If you have to leave your car in gear when you park leave it in 2/3 so that spring is not loaded. Never leave it in 1/R which put the spring under maximum load. It will eventually snap.

As to your question, I've had my 928 for 10 years. Coming from Japanese cars (mostly Nissans) the 928 transmission felt... "unrefined" is a polite way to say it. Having said that, after driving it for about 6 weeks it all became second nature. Rev matching, timing the engagement with throttle input, it all feels natural now. But at first it felt awkward to drive.

928S MN

Hi Jay, Couple of years ago I did what you've just done. Short shifter included. Was initially a little "stiff" but since I didn't know what the PO had put in for the tranny fluid I went ahead and drained out the old and replaced with Mobil 1 75W 90 LS. I quite frankly was amazed at how much smoother the shifting became. And it has continued to be so. My 2 cents anyway.

JayPoorJay

Got you Moose! I have a large zip... Replacing the rear coupling and front ball cup was one of the first things I did. Because am/was (don't know which is which, yet) so unfamiliar with driving a Porsche 928 I don't know what "right" feels like or how to set to "right". No comparisons. I will adjust in neutral this weekend and see what I get.

****Here's a stupid question - how many transmission mounts are there. 1 or 2? Lol,,, yup, it's like that. I've been doing some reading and still am unclear. Wanna change those as well.

JayPoorJay

Thanks MN... Yup. I changed to Mobil 1 as well. BUT, I think I drained something nice out of there... Some really pretty looming stuff came out. Purple-ish... Yup, I think it was that.

I am SURE that I mis adjusted the linkage and that's where my problem is... At this stage with this machine,,, I can CHANGE things but don't have the skill, understanding or expertise to get things back,,, juuuuuust right. Thank goodness for y'all!!!

z driver 88t

Two transmission mounts. The "correct" mounts are $200 each. Pricey. You can use larger mounts from a '78 with some wiggling. which were still available for $75 each a few months ago. You'll need two longer bolts. Roger said he thought these might be NLA, but I was able to order some through Suncoast. Thread with details is here:

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...h-shudder.html

JayPoorJay

Hmm...
So,,, and I had NO idea what it was, I get this violent knock when going over bumps, especially on the highway. I was thinking it must be a bad shock or that something was wrong with something back there. I hate the things that happen when you're driving and can't be reproduced when the car is parked... The guessing game

I am sure, now, that it's a trans mount thing... I'm going to have a look when back at the car!!!

So, just to be clear, are you all saying that I can fit these mounts on an 86 SIMPLY by finding the right longer bolt? Please tell me that that is true. I'll do this yesterday!!!
https://www.porscheatlantaperimeterp...roduct=3690508

JayPoorJay

Hey All.
Last week (last post in thread) I just wanted to double check on the AWESOME suggestion that 78 928 transmission mounts will fit (with some wiggl8ng and longer bolts) on an 86 928... Maybe I the type that neeeeds reassurance, lololol

So, in the link in the last post >>> will these work?