901 or 915 gearbox

[Merv]

The dog leg first is such a sensible idea so the closer ratio 'working gears' are all in the H planes. Racing derived. Clyde, if you are getting 4th instead of second then the spring detent isn't aligned properly perhaps?

[Cairns888]

That's good news Clyde!

I would say that the 901 box was designed to be preferable for LHD cars.
Would you agree Merv. 1st to 2nd feels more natural with your right hand?

[Merv]

I suppose it is Jim. The natural push away with the right hand is easy on the 901 with LHD. After 2 weeks of driving, I didn't even think about and rarely miss a gear.

[CamBiscuit]

First gear in the 901 / 911 boxes is not as strong as the 915 but if you are not dumping the clutch and smoking tyres all will be ok.

Like anything if the shifter itself and shift rod bushings are in good nick they are a nice box to have.

I like the uniqueness of the dogleg pattern. It is race inspired after all!

[CamBiscuit]

Something else I thought of....the stock gears in the '70 and '71 boxes are fine but you will feel like you have an extra 20 horsepower if you go with the gearing from an earlier pre '70 box.

Lot of info around if you search gearing or short gears....

[Ashbaxter]

So the general consensus would be to go for a 901?

[Bremith]

Objectively speaking the G50 is a vastly superior technical device (albeit heavier) so you can always fit one:

http://www.patrickmotorsports.com/package/transmission-porsche-g50-sbh-short-bell-housing/

Think it'll cost you about $20k but it will work better and be effectively indestructible.

[CamBiscuit]

Ash, the more original the car is the higher the value….IMO a shorter geared year correct 911/01 trans is the way to go. A billet intermediate plate is a good investment to strengthen the box. A LSD is a nice addition but circa $3.5K for a good one. Modena Engineering here is OZ make a very good one….
I'd suggest a G50 trans in front of a 2.2E is somewhat of an overkill…..Sorry Mitchell !

[Reubs]

I have a G50 in my vwrx.
To be honest, never really liked it.
They are massive and heavy too!

[Lyndon]

The G50 box is definitely the pick of the 'early' boxes. However I would never take an angle grinder to the underside of my car to make it fit. It was the basis of the G96 in the last 2 gen GT3'S and turbos, with some parts being interchangeable even. So is almost indestructible in early cars. The 915 has some improvements over the 901. Mainly an increase in shaft centre distance which makes it a stronger box. Again tho, if the shoe doesn't fit I wouldn't be 'bashing' it in there. Parts for either box are expensive, so try and find a good one. I think sinking 15k into a gearbox rebuild wouldn't be too hard these day's.

[Bremith]

Yes for a 2.2 and value the 901 style is the way to go. If you are used to a proper modern gearbox like the G50 it will take a while to get used to it, objectively speaking the 901 and 915 are not very good and not very strong. Their operation is "quirky" or "characterful". Or other words. You can knock yourself out reading all the pros and cons and opinions online.
The only application you'll find anyone freely choosing a 901/915 over a G50 is in an early 911 (ie don't think you'll find too many folk "backdating" their G50s).
The G50 weight thing is a bit overstated, something like 15 kgs over 901 (55kgs vs 70) and 10 over 915, and its mainly in front of the rear axle. Be interested to know what you find it will cost you for a good 901.
To really throw a cat among the pigeons, why not go all original and go back to sporto? I've just got my 74 sporto going and quite frankly I think it's a hoot. Quirky. Characterful.

[Bremith]

Lyndon: from my understanding the short nose G50 conversion a la Patrick Motorsport requires no banging of floors with hammers or other brutal mods.

[Bremith]

But yes Ash the general consensus would be to go for a 901 style box. Well built and maintained and sensibly driven with a 2.2 it will last for yonks. With all the joints and bushes maintained in good nick you will get used to it and enjoy it. Or you might consider something like a Rennshift shifter if you want a cleaner shift and a lock out on reverse, especially if you regularly drive other normal manuals.

[Bremith]

Just FYI when I got a price for the G50 conversion mid last year it was $US17k for the whole conversion kit including EVERYTHING including rebuilt G50, clutch etc etc. Effectively all new. Plus freight + fitting.

[epilot]

Ash, the more original the car is the higher the value….IMO a shorter geared year correct 911/01 trans is the way to go. A billet intermediate plate is a good investment to strengthen the box. A LSD is a nice addition but circa $3.5K for a good one. Modena Engineering here is OZ make a very good one….
I'd suggest a G50 trans in front of a 2.2E is somewhat of an overkill…..Sorry Mitchell !

ash,
Cam is right, and also the stuff in his previous post about the conditon of the shifter/ bushes/ linkages- sort of kneebone connected to the thighbone stuff ... it all adds up in the end. i have a 901 in the racer with all the goods bits and a Rennshift and its a fabulous thing on the track but i find it a chore in stop start traffic with the dogleg 1st to 2nd, the 2.4 has a fully rebuilt 915 box with a Rennshift, its a 40 year old gearbox, its fine in traffic but its a 40 year old gearbox and it is what it is.