^ thanks for posting that I let one slip through my fingers 2 years ago and I am still pissed to this day. I hesitated and the guy who showed up after me that afternoon had cash in hand

 

No beef with the 915! I loved it in my 1985 Targa, until I drove this car and started remembering my long lost 1989 930. Its just better to me, in my head!

 

Having owned both, I'll say that a well-adjusted 915 isn't much worse than a G50. The problem is that many (very many) 915s are not well setup, at least in terms of the cars I've driven. My 72 and the 86 I had for a year or so were the bookends of the 915 era and were similar, though it had definitely improved over the years. My 87 is much more similar to the 86 that I would've expected. It's better, no doubt, but it's still not a modern transmission by any stretch of the imagination.

I limited my search to 1987 because I wanted a G50 and didn't want to have to e-test the car every couple years. If I were to do it again, I'd open it up to 84 and newer and just make sure the transmission was in good condition and properly adjusted.

 

a good 915 is good, a bad G50 is bad...both good trans if treated well
IMHO, 915's have a bit more feel while G50 is a bit more precise/durable

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes, buying one in the Porsche corral at Hershey would be fun however, obtaining a PPI and the logistics of funds transfer may ruin the experience.

I've put a few feelers out there...

JD Hertz damn that Carrera is nice!

Stan - that blue is spectacular but above my budget. Coupe preferred but I do love the Targas too!

 

have a budget/colours/spec in mind Cam? Can PM if you'd like

 

Cam the ppi can be arranged and the funds can be wired easily or use escrow.com. The main issue is US dollar and import duties. I would wait until spring as many cars will be on the market since the prices have moved up and many will want to cash out...you may even see the market lower in springtime.
One thing about the G50 vs G15 is the G50 usually does not need rebuilding as often as G15.
Enjoy the hunt

 

915 is a real man's gearbox. It's lighter than the G50, shifting is no issue if you get one that has been maintained. Developed for racing, not for the masses.

Of course most prefer the G50, because it's developed for the "average driver" and caters to their ham-fisted shifting.

Joking aside, both are great gearboxes. Don't let it be the deciding factor.

Absolutely. More important than which gearbox style is which gearbox has been maintained and treated better.

Not true at all. The G50 is newer so naturally cars with them in general have lower miles. My 915 has 250,000km without ever being rebuilt... and I drive the shlt out of it!

 

I don't agree that both are great gearboxes, I think they're both mediocre, but I do completely agree that the tranny shouldn't be the deciding factor.

A transmission shouldn't ever need rebuilding if it's shifted properly, oil is changed regularly, and it's kept in proper alignment (shift coupler is adjusted periodically, bushings are replaced as needed). Someone once told me every time you grind a gear put $5 in a jar to pay for the rebuild. The trick is to keep that jar empty

 

The heavy clutch in this thing is wreaking havoc on my sciatica. Hopefully it gets better before I want to park it for a while. It's amazing how fun the car is to drive especially after driving it the past two days. Weather here is beautiful in the low 80's. I think I would have been better off in another 993 or maybe a 991.2 long term but I love the howl of the earlier motors.

 

I don't go to the gym for leg day, I just drive my Carrera.

 

My left leg is the weaker one so a clutch is fun exercise that evens 'em up.

 

I have a 1980. But it has a 84 3.2. It's not beat up in aNY sense. Duck tail, 930 brakes. Blue on black. Pm me if you have any intrest. Have two air cooled. Only need one. Thx lee

 

Wait til you try a heavy clutch

 

I have something you might be interested in. '88 G50 non-sunroof coupe, silver, 107,000km, quite good shape. PM me if you want more info.