915 rebuild suggestions in Melb?

[Stepo]

Looking for recommendations on a 915 rebuild in Melb, asking here because I've been wondering if my mechanic is up to it given every time I see them they comment about how busy they are.  Last visit I heard they were actually sending one out to someone else in Melb to rebuild because they didn't have the time.

My gearbox is in relatively good condition, only issue is baulking between 1st and 2nd if I take off semi quick.  If I take off slow it's fine and if I really rev 1st out is goes in easily but I sometimes hear the gears catch as it shifts.  I'm no 915 expert but I think the synchros are ok as I can be slowing down at the lights in 2nd and easily move it to 1st whilst the car is still moving if I want.  All other gear movements are fine, am I correct in assuming the dog teeth are the issue and only resolve is rebuild?

I've had the bushes replaced and linkages checked some time back and it didn't really help.  I had two mechanics drive the car and they suggested it felt smooth as silk, one suggested a wevo would be the way to go but in my mind, it's not the shift pattern that bothers me, it's how much you need to slow when it does get tight shifting from 1st to 2nd along with potential damage when the gears might catch at higher revs.

Any recommendations on someone good in Melb to rebuild would be appreciated.

[MR901]

I rallied a 911SC with a 915 for about 10 years. Toby from Classic Modern Porsche in Hallam refreshed it twice during that time, did a great job & we never had any issues besides my bad driving....ha ha. 

Cheers

Matt

[Scott930]

Toby also rebuilt my 930 gearbox...wish I had done earlier!

 

 

[hugh]

http://www.casconeautosport.com.au/

[sus911]

Sounds just like my 915, the same way it's always been.

[FAP911]

https://www.stomskiracing.com/products/precision-shift-coupler

Fitted one of these Really improves shify but what you describe is not untypical of the 915 box

[Stepo]

1 hour ago, sus911 said:

Sounds just like my 915, the same way it's always been.

I've heard and read this a lot but it's something I know has changed in my car, I never had the problem until the last couple of years.  Removing this issue would make the car much nicer to drive, it can be stressful knowing you're going to have a slow shift.

Thanks for the feedback on the coupler @FAP911, I'm really interested in knowing if these approaches or the Wevo would make such a difference.

Also interested in what would need to be done in a gearbox rebuild to fix the baulking......dog teeth?

[Mike D'Silva]

1 hour ago, Stepo said:

I've heard and read this a lot but it's something I know has changed in my car, I never had the problem until the last couple of years.  Removing this issue would make the car much nicer to drive, it can be stressful knowing you're going to have a slow shift.

Thanks for the feedback on the coupler @FAP911, I'm really interested in knowing if these approaches or the Wevo would make such a difference.

Also interested in what would need to be done in a gearbox rebuild to fix the baulking......dog teeth?

it sounds like your box is fairly healthy, but changing the syncro band on 2nd, plus the dog gear AND the 1/2 slider will probably make it near perfect (for a 915).

I've done a few now.. quite enjoy working on them.

[Stepo]

41 minutes ago, Mike D'Silva said:

it sounds like your box is fairly healthy, but changing the syncro band on 2nd, plus the dog gear AND the 1/2 slider will probably make it near perfect (for a 915).

I've done a few now.. quite enjoy working on them.

That's great feedback Mike, thanks for taking the time to read and respond, you're a Legend!

My gut feeling is addressing at the shifter/linkages end isn't going to help, I think the box was last rebuilt around 13 years ago based on PO receipts so what you have mentioned is probably well worn and generally the first to go.

When are you moving MD'S Motorsport down to Melb Mike, now that you have all that covid breaking out you'll want to get out of there .  Seriously, we could do with someone of your caliber & options down here but you'd have to like the bloody freezing cold.

[Mike D'Silva]

11 minutes ago, Stepo said:

That's great feedback Mike, thanks for taking the time to read and respond, you're a Legend!

My gut feeling is addressing at the shifter/linkages end isn't going to help, I think the box was last rebuilt around 13 years ago based on PO receipts so what you have mentioned is probably well worn and generally the first to go.

When are you moving MD'S Motorsport down to Melb Mike, now that you have all that covid breaking out you'll want to get out of there .  Seriously, we could do with someone of your caliber & options down here but you'd have to like the bloody freezing cold.

I'm not a pro and not qualified to give advice really... 

Aren't you near David Brennan? He is the go-to guy down there I'm told.

[luzzo]

Hey @Stepo,

Spencer always comes highly recommended as a specialist for Air cooled

https://harrisons-rrr.carmechanica.com.au/

 

 

[FAP911]

6 hours ago, Stepo said:

I've heard and read this a lot but it's something I know has changed in my car, I never had the problem until the last couple of years.  Removing this issue would make the car much nicer to drive, it can be stressful knowing you're going to have a slow shift.

Thanks for the feedback on the coupler @FAP911, I'm really interested in knowing if these approaches or the Wevo would make such a difference.

Also interested in what would need to be done in a gearbox rebuild to fix the baulking......dog teeth?

I'm onto my second 3.2 and also had an 82 SC - The SC had a 915 box where the transmission was like a 'hot knife through butter'! Cant explain other than it was beyond belief ! After I fitted a Stomski coupler ( which the SC had too ) and it has definitely improved the shift ! Guess you could fit one before rebuidling, and if that not the cause you still have the bonus of the Stomski!

[Skidmarks]

Michael at AutoArt does all my work.  You might have to wait a bit though as he’s always very busy.

[wilburforce]

Nick Cascone rebuilt my 915 with a Wevo classic - and it's night and day compared to the old worn-out box.  You're welcome to  come and have a run through it at some stage to see if you like the Wevo.  Its over 4 years old, done many miles on the track and still going strong.

[Stepo]

That's a very kind offer from you @wilburforce, I've been leaning towards Nick as he is close to where I live and I've heard several positive comments on his work, great to hear you have had the same work done and happy with the result.  I need to get down there with my car and see what he thinks about where to start and if I go box rebuild + Wevo.

@Skidmarks, also heard good things about Autoart and rebuilding, no wonder he's very busy and there's a wait.  The only issue for me there is he's in Preston which is a bit out of my way and I'm looking into using someone else that's close for general mechanical work outside of the rebuild, thanks for the input!

 

On 30/06/2021 at 11:18, Mike D'Silva said:

Aren't you near David Brennan? He is the go-to guy down there I'm told.

phoned yesterday and left a message about my needs, no reply so maybe he doesn't do gearbox rebuilds.

 

On 30/06/2021 at 12:13, luzzo said:

Spencer always comes highly recommended as a specialist for Air cooled

I met Spencer several years ago Raff and agree he knows his stuff.  Distance is again a bit of an issue but I may just call in to see what he thinks before I take the plunge, thanks for the tip.

[Stepo]

Just to update, I ended up fitting the Wevo Classic shifter along with the rear PSJ coupling, new gearbox oil and Wevo semi solid gearbox/engine mounts.  I didn't specifically ask for the Wevo mounts, it's just what the mechanic fitted.

There is a huge improvement in gear selection but still a little reluctance in engaging 1st to 2nd if the revs are low, if I give it the beans she shifts without issue.  Mechanic says a rebuilt box can be a bit notchy when everything is fresh, almost similar to how my gearbox is now but I still think I'll rebuild in the near future.

Two points of discussion:

-  I've noticed more vibration through the car with the Wevo semi solid mounts (black pillows), there is also increased exhaust noise and drivetrain whine.  I'm considering having them taken out and replaced with stock mounts that were in the car previously as I'd rather have less mechanical noise and vibration.  I'm a bit torn with this decision, the mounts are really nicely made and look fantastic.

-  I was surprised at the Wevo shifter noise when moving into 5th, is it normal to have a sound like plastic is cracking?  I believe this is the lockout pin engaging to stop you from moving from 5th to reverse, a good feature but thought they could've made those mechanics a bit quieter.