Good call Wally, and no, I didn't specify that it had to be current. Wiki's a bit short on information other than calling it a "semi-automatic transmission" and

... While always extremely fast, the extra power of the larger engine was too much for the automatic transmission to handle and it broke with regularity. When a solution was finally found to the transmission problems,...

(Yes, I did cherry-pick that quote...)

The Chaparral Files also seem a bit vague.

Ok. So, was it actually a slushy-box transmission? Or was it based upon a manual transmission with a remotely-activated clutch?

 

I agree(d) completely.

Yup. It would be complicated as (I'm relatively) certain that the DSG's computer control wants to be integrated with the engine management. The latter's going to want all the modern goodies on the engine - in particular e-gas. I think we need to wait until they put the DSG (PDK) in the Cayenne. Then we'll just midnight requisition the whole drivetrain out from under one including the engine harnesses and ECUs...

 

If anyone wants to dive below the user interface, Wiki's got a good overview of various transmission architectures:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmission_(mechanics)

 

Exactly, and as my preference is to remain un-irritated, I drive manuals. Actually there's nothing wrong with a good slushbox and there are some very sophisticated designs out there, tiptronic comes to mind. But Dave is right, it has nothing to do with the number of pedals and everything to do with the operation of the box. Torque-converter autos will always have that slushy feel that I personally don't like. I like the direct drive aspect of a clutch-operated gearbox, and when I'm cruising along I like the application of the throttle to have a direct affect on my forward progress. WAAAHHHHH instead of bwuuhhhWAAAAHHHH.

Ferrari's F1 system is an amazing piece of interim technology that is also on its way out, to be replaced by the dual-clutch style that Porsche pioneered in the 962. I've driven just about every flavor from a CVT (sucks worse than a standard auto), standard autos, tiptronics, BMW DSG, Ferrari F1, Maserati Cambiocorsa (same thing), to the new dual clutches from Audi and VW - haven't tried Porsche's yet but the button/shifter layout is just plain weird. My friend's GTI with the dual-clutch setup is just amazing to drive, and now Ferrari has released their first dual clutch in the California. I'll bet they replace the single-clutch F1 boxes in the rest of the line soon. Even the vaunted Veyron uses a dual (wet) clutch design.

And yes, Jim Hall's Chaparral used a full torque converter auto, Wally beat me to it. Got a book on the thing here at home but can't find a decent reference online.

 

I really liked my '87 S4 auto, once I installed the "Sport Shifter" from 928 Motorsports, before then, it was no fun to manually shift, the awkward thumb button and T handle were just bad. No rev limiter on the auto, YEEHAW!!

On the other hand, my '93 GTS is simply a blast to drive with the 5-spd. Feels like more of a sports car.

 

Sweet! Ok. I'll take it all back. Slushy Rogerboxes Rulz (when coupled with movable aero devices) How's that?

 

I love it - a rogerbox thread, again.......
(Buddy - you should feel pretty good having a "box" named after you)
I must admit, I never had a rogerbox until recently......
It really depends on where your going with the car.
I drive around town and "row' my box - I like it!
If I'm out on the highway and anticipate passing, I enjoy dropping down into 4th with the 5 spd.
I'll take either one and enjoy the fact that I'm riding in a 928.

 

Just a thought....... where the hell is Roger in all this rhetoric? He is the object of the freshly coined term "Rogerbox" and he's not even in the game! Whats up with that Rog? Where are you? Class.... Class.... Buehler.... Roger.....

Paul Barrera '91 $$$$4 AT

 

I personally hate AT' s ( I mean I really really hate them ) .
But when I went to buy my 88 Auto, I enjoyed the fact that it was a 928 when I test drove it. When I was driving it back to home 4 and a half hours away I enjoyed the whole trip and did not care anymore that it was an Auto, did not even pay attention to it. However I would still love to test drive a 5 speed 928 and if I like it, I will buy one and also keep the Auto. I was thinking to actually keep the Auto for a few months and sell it then buy a manual, but since I really enjoyed driving the car I decided to keep it.
I think arguments like this “manual better than the auto and auto better than manual and bla bla bla” is bringing the values of these cars down.

Just enjoy the fact that it’s a V8 Porsche and drive it.

 

totally agree .........but , , over here i see "oldtimers" get more value with time and important subjects among that is that if it is a manual and ofcourse convertibles.... we don't have that much 928 convertibles, but i'm i right to see in the US manuals are already more valued as to autos ?

Manuals are searched here, autos don't get saled.


What i personaly know is that most are scared of a "old" auto for the costs in case of brake down...., ( generaly speaking , not only 928 ) , common sense is that a manual can be repared by DIY , a auto not. So expensive professional hours and parts ... , just a feeling.

 

A complete ATransmissionrepair with all parts you need and so on is here near Hamburg for us 928 ~2500 €.
After the revision the transmission is like new.I think it´s an fair price.

http://www.tri-getriebe.org/porsche.htm

 

Both transmissions sell here in the states however their is a premium for a 5spd since the quantities are limited. Simple supply demand situation really.

Some good points brought up.

When I drove the M3 with SMG I felt like I was playing a video game. No feedback and very difficult to get a "feel" for the transmission. Personally if I wanted to play a video game I would do just that.

 

Why would anyone want a RogerBox.


Speaks funny and drinks lots of fluids.
Not sure if he leaks around garage floors tho.

 

Our cars are old. To me this means 2 things, I'd like to compare them to contemporaries and I need to consider fixing the thing when old stuff breaks. No way mine shifts like my old Vette with a Muncie and a Hurst, or my rear drive Ford with a T5. A 928 just isn't as good as those gold-standard 60's/70's bell-crank, direct action boxes. That said, the 928 with new bushings and master shifts OK and has less parts than an auto. What matters to me is the "less parts" issue.

 

Paul,
I'm here and reading and laughing.
Said my piece at the beginning - no need to go back and look as you can guess what I said.
Great entertainment.
Roger