So who prefers the 915 'box? Or is it just me...

So who prefers the 915 'box? Or is it just me...

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browngt3

Original Poster:

1,411 posts

212 months

Wednesday 17th October 2018
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I want to see how many fans of the much maligned 915 gearbox are out there! Not suggesting one is better than the other - G50 that is - just a bit of fun. Personally I love the 915 in my 3.2 Carrera. Very tactile and vintage in feel and completely different to my other cars. It forces you to really concentrate on driving the car and hence is more satisfying imo.

Here's a great vid from Lee Sibley of Total 911 where he drives an early 3.2 Carrera equipped with a nice 915.

https://youtu.be/oaIUqTcDZ8M

Enjoy and let's hear your opinions!

browngt3

Original Poster:

1,411 posts

212 months

Thursday 18th October 2018
quotequote all
Ah, the joys of an air cooled!

I agree the steering is heavy at parking speeds but on the move it's another highlight. Just the right weight and lovely feedback. After driving a modern car the steering is a revelation.

Back to the gearbox. I think this is also the point. It's an event after your everyday modern. Probably most can't be bothered with the limitations. But, put the effort in and it certainly rewards.

browngt3

Original Poster:

1,411 posts

212 months

Thursday 18th October 2018
quotequote all
SRT Hellcat said:
Nothing wrong with a well sorted 915 gearbox. What lets them down are knackered synchros / dog teeth. Worn clutch, worn bushes, badly adjusted. They are from memory 10kg lighter than the G50 gearbox and there are less frictional losses so more bhp to the rear wheels.
I think this is most people's experience and why they don't like them. Goes for the whole car really. Big difference between a well sorted 911 and a knackered old dog.

browngt3

Original Poster:

1,411 posts

212 months

Thursday 18th October 2018
quotequote all
lowndes said:
’89 G50 awful; whatever box it was in 964RS, as bad; 996 turbo better; 996.2 GT3 not bad; 997 turbo reasonable; 980 pretty good; 997.2 GT3 getting worse again; 991.2 PDK perfect. Note, some of those are rather distant memories while others are current. beer
Wasn't the 964RS box a development of the G50? Same as 993. I thought the 996.2 GT3 had a cracking gearbox. Again it was a derivative of the GT1 race cars and rewarded clean positive changes. Like the 915, best when hot.

And what more can I say about the 991.2 GT3 manual? Just blissful smile