Notices
993 Forum 1995-1998

First Gear

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 05:38 PM
  #1  
Leander's Avatar
Leander
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 8
From: Long Beach , CA
Default First Gear

Have I been doing it wrong all this time? A buddy just told me that when shifting into first from neutral, you are supposed to momentarily slip into second before engaging first to "line up" the gears. I've never heard of such a thing, is this correct? I just engage first straight from neutral, or if it won't slip in directly, I momentarily get off the clutch pedal, blip the gas and then have no problem slipping into first.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 07:40 PM
  #2  
Parnelli's Avatar
Parnelli
Three Wheelin'
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 12
Default

huh? Does your buddy drink a lot?
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 07:48 PM
  #3  
zechunique's Avatar
zechunique
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Default

He may have heard something slightly different elsewhere, and misunderstood it. I don't understand why 1 would be more easily aligned than 2, but I'm no transmission guy either.

I often slip into 2 momentarily, just to make sure I am hitting 1 and not R "lining up the stick" as it were.

I am new to the 911 gear layout - all my previous manual transmissions had R at the upper end of the pattern (far right, down). And I am still getting accustomed to the new pattern - growing familiar quickly though!
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 07:53 PM
  #4  
Matt Lane's Avatar
Matt Lane
Race Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,515
Likes: 245
From: Montreal, QC
Default

A quick snick into second actually does seem to synchronise for first better, as far as I can tell. You wouldn't notice the difference unless your synchros are getting worn, but it doesn't seem to hurt either.

Any technical experts care to explain how this really works (or if it's just my imagination?)!

Best,

Matt
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 08:03 PM
  #5  
race911's Avatar
race911
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,312
Likes: 10
From: Roseville, CA
Default

This came up on one of the other lists earlier this week re: Pete Zimmerman's recommendation from days-gone-by. I THINK it had to do with the 901 boxes. Feel free to correct me............
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 08:06 PM
  #6  
IXLR8's Avatar
IXLR8
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 785
From: Canada & the Alps
Default

I do know that it is easier to select Reverse after going into First...this on my daily drivers.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 08:50 PM
  #7  
CalvinC4S's Avatar
CalvinC4S
Drifting
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 5
From: USA
Default

This helped in a cold 915 box.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 08:58 PM
  #8  
Wilder's Avatar
Wilder
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 10,405
Likes: 11,699
Default

I wonder how much of the transmission nuances on these cars, particularly slight grind between 1st and 2nd, and notchy engagement from neutral to 1st would disappear after fresh motor mounts...
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

2026 Porsche 911 Club Coupe is Spectacular, And Everything Wrong with the Porsche Market

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Talos Takes Your 991 Porsche 911 GT3 to the Next Level for a Cool $1.13 Million

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

I've Written 500 Rennlist Articles: Here's How Porsche Has Changed Along the Way

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Most Unnecessary Porsches Ever Built (And Why We Love Them)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Porsche 911 GT3 S/C vs 718 Spyder RS: 10 Categories, One Winner

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 9, 2010 | 10:46 PM
  #9  
chaoscreature's Avatar
chaoscreature
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 3
From: Vista, CA
Default

I did the motor mounts, but not the transmission mounts and it didn't seem to help much.
There is another thread where many owners say the Redline NS gear oil has improved their shifting quality but I haven't tried it yet. Double clutching or letting the car roll a little can also help get the car into gear, especially early in the morning.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2010 | 12:32 AM
  #10  
Leander's Avatar
Leander
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 8
From: Long Beach , CA
Default

Originally Posted by race911
This came up on one of the other lists earlier this week re: Pete Zimmerman's recommendation from days-gone-by. I THINK it had to do with the 901 boxes. Feel free to correct me............
Do you remember if that was in this 993 Forum?
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2010 | 12:35 AM
  #11  
race911's Avatar
race911
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,312
Likes: 10
From: Roseville, CA
Default

Originally Posted by Leander
Do you remember if that was in this 993 Forum?
964 forum here: https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...ferrerid=21505
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2010 | 09:36 AM
  #12  
Kein_Ersatz's Avatar
Kein_Ersatz
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,448
Likes: 434
From: Flyoverland - Central, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by zechunique
. . .

I often slip into 2 momentarily, just to make sure I am hitting 1 and not R "lining up the stick" as it were.
....
+1

And I find myself in traffic starting off in 2nd gear a lot too, depending on the grade of the road. I tend not to crowd the car in front in traffic when coming to a stop in traffic.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2010 | 12:03 PM
  #13  
TMc993's Avatar
TMc993
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,787
Likes: 673
From: Dahlonega, Georgia
Default

It's a habit I developed with my '62 356, which was a bitch to get in 1st when it was cold...As was the '72 2002 and the '66 912....I've done it with every manual I've had since but it probably isn't necessary.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2010 | 12:25 PM
  #14  
01coccobet's Avatar
01coccobet
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: italy
Default

Hi all,newbie here,but owning since 2001 a 993 C4S 3800.

I did all the gearbox already once,but it keeps being reclutant in 1st and 2nd gear going up and down,

so I usually do the same....downshifting before getting in 1st I always go via 2nd.

cheers
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2010 | 06:14 PM
  #15  
s2racer's Avatar
s2racer
Addict
Rennlist Member

20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 395
Likes: 18
From: St. Petersburg, Fla
Default

i recall reading this advice in a bruce anderson write-up in the pca mag, or maybe his performance book. by briefly selecting 2nd, it does align the gears for a smoother entry into 1st, and apparently saves some wear on 1st. it's a habit now.
Reply



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 01:32 PM.

story-0
2026 Porsche 911 Club Coupe is Spectacular, And Everything Wrong with the Porsche Market

Slideshow: The 2026 Porsche 911 Club Coupe is being resold $150K above sticker and that is a real problem.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-21 11:52:54


VIEW MORE
story-1
Talos Takes Your 991 Porsche 911 GT3 to the Next Level for a Cool $1.13 Million

Slideshow: Talos Vehicles has transformed the Porsche 911 GT3 RS into a carbon-bodied, race-inspired machine that costs well over $1 million before the donor car is even included.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-19 13:39:04


VIEW MORE
story-2
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches

Slideshow: Long before engineering consulting became trendy, Porsche was quietly helping other automakers build everything from supercars to economy hatchbacks.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-15 12:44:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand

Slideshow: Some brands build cars. Porsche builds traditions, obsessions, and a few habits that stopped making sense decades ago but somehow became part of the charm.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-13 18:46:13


VIEW MORE
story-4
I've Written 500 Rennlist Articles: Here's How Porsche Has Changed Along the Way

Slideshow: Six years and 500 Rennlist articles later, these are the biggest changes at Porsche.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-11 09:52:55


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Most Unnecessary Porsches Ever Built (And Why We Love Them)

Slideshow: Some Porsches exist for very specific reasons-others feel like they were built just to see if anyone would notice.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 18:00:32


VIEW MORE
story-6
Porsche 911 GT3 S/C vs 718 Spyder RS: 10 Categories, One Winner

Slideshow: Choosing between the 911 GT3 S/C and 718 Spyder RS in 10 key categories to determine one surprising winner.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 12:51:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation

Slideshow: A small Polish tuner has reimagined the Porsche 911 Slantnose for the modern era, blending 1980s nostalgia with widebody tuning culture and serious performance upgrades.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-01 10:49:43


VIEW MORE
story-8
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture

Slideshow: Porsche has created a Japan-only 911 GT3 Artisan Edition that blends track-ready hardware with design cues inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-28 19:37:40


VIEW MORE
story-9
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:39:30


VIEW MORE