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Posted by: mepstein Nov 5 2016, 07:46 AM

Is there any reason I shouldn't consider working up a cable shifter instead of the traditional 916 shift linkage. The current 916 kit is $3-3250. Add in labor for machining and assembly and you're at $5k just to make the trans shift correctly. The suby guys are doing the shifting with $300 worth of cables and hardware. Am I missing something here?

Posted by: GeorgeRud Nov 5 2016, 08:07 AM

Even if you run a cable shifter setup, you still will need to flip the ring and pinion and machine for clearance, so there is some cost involved. My 915 has a Vellios kit that was carefully installed and massaged to shift well, but I was able to buy it for a little over a grand so it was a good deal.

With the exception of having to make provisions for a different muffler ( the banana muffler won't fit with the shifter taking that piece of real estate), I don't see where it couldn't be done. I seem to even remember seeing some photos of a 915 behind a V8 conversion, so give it a try! Please post photos and enjoy your project in good health!

Posted by: mepstein Nov 5 2016, 08:18 AM

Yes, flipping the ring and pinion is a given. That will be done when I rebuild the trans. But it came out of a running car so I'm not expecting many surprises. Good point about a muffler but I can build that around the shifter. If I can save $5k on the trans mods (and still have a great setup) that's pretty significant.

Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 5 2016, 08:21 AM

McMark at Original Customs has a cable shift solution in prototype development. Dial him up and see if it's ready for install.

Posted by: 914forme Nov 5 2016, 09:14 AM

http://www.cableshift.com/915/915%20page.html

http://www.patrickmotorsports.com/part/911-915-cable-shifter-system-1972-1986-porsche-911-915-5-speed-transmission/



"Patrick Motorsports Exclusive

911 / 915 Cable Shifter System - (1972-1986) PORSCHE 911 / 915 5-Speed Transmission - Complete shift system ideal for mid engine, racing and off road vehicles - Features high quality adjustable bearings and hardware - Pre assembled and set up with shift tower, shifter knob and ridged fabricated steel rear bracket - Black powdercoated housing & bracket with chrome handle shift lever - PATRICK MS USA

+ NOTE: Special Order Production and chassis specific application - Cable measurements lengths from center of shifter handle position to the dimple in the transmission shift rod must be provided.
+ Please also share the vehicle application details.
+ Please allow 1-4 weeks for cable production and setup assembly."

The one issue I see is the length of the shift rod. Does it really need all that travel or was them meant to get it into the 911 body properly so Hans could get a bolt in? If the latter is the case, figure out the travel and machine the rear shift rod to shorten it a bit. A bell crank setup would also allow you to gain some real estate out back to make the rear muffler a bit easier to get in.

I see no reason why the answer is not yes. The 916 kits where invented back when things where still rather mechanical.

You could also do this with servos, and actuators, or air or hydraulics. Have fun, that matters could also make you have a semi automatic, but that would take more than 5K to figure out all the programming. Thought the http://www.shifnoid.com do this all the time, just not sure you want that setup, as it is intended for one function, and then forget the rest.

http://www.pingelonline.com/prodcat/electric-speed-shifters.asp

Posted by: SirAndy Nov 5 2016, 10:42 AM

My 915 is patiently waiting for the OC cable shifter ...

Posted by: mepstein Nov 5 2016, 11:08 AM

Any idea how long?

Looks like PMS are just cable shifts with there name on it for more money.

Posted by: SirAndy Nov 5 2016, 11:48 AM

No, but McMark would know ...

Posted by: mepstein Nov 5 2016, 12:26 PM

I'm very encouraged to see an existing solution and hear of another in the works. I definitely will be moving forward with the 915 trans for the 2nd conversion car.

Posted by: rgalla9146 Nov 5 2016, 06:42 PM

I wonder if Martin Bott would sell his side shift parts separate from his complete 916
conversion kit ?
The trans can be supported with a fabricated rear mount (which someone already makes)and the 915 rear cover and selector shaft can be trimmed to clear the muffler.(or not ?)
If so, the only fabrication is the shift rod which is pretty straight forward and getting it to coordinate with a 915 shifter. Oh yeah, clutch cable too.
PS I have the whole setup from Mr. Bott and already did the trans conversion but haven't gotten far enough with the car to actually drive it.
There are certainly other ways to skin a cat.
How about a Boxster trans ?

Posted by: 914forme Nov 5 2016, 07:40 PM

Boxster fits the space even better, and well you can get the VW version dirt cheap.

Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 5 2016, 07:58 PM

Weekends belong to Alison so try contacting him Monday. LOL! I butt-dialed him today while sight seeing at Harvard University. He didn't answer.

Posted by: mepstein Nov 5 2016, 08:07 PM

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 5 2016, 08:57 PM

Yes, my wife who is a member here, (Yopu) is a financial planner with her own agency. One of the companies she represents sends her on trips all the time because she is their consistent top agent. The last three days we've been in Boston. Tomorrow we go home, so we decided to hit the town. MIT, Fenway Park, Harvard, and downtown Boston. Back in our room now but amazing trip! What's wild is she's already won a trip to Disney World in the Spring! Everything in the park is free! She's working on Hawaii trip for Winter 2017... love Boston though!

Posted by: eitnurg Nov 6 2016, 02:18 AM

I thought the problem was that the Boxster trans has no provision for a starter motor? Or am I missing something here? (They're certainly cheap, though.......)

Posted by: ClayPerrine Nov 6 2016, 05:11 AM

I am building the adapter plate to put a G86-21 Boxster six speed behind my 964 motor. I will be documenting the whole process on World for everyone's enjoyment.

Yes, there is an issue with locating the starter. I have it worked out in my head, but that plan is subject to change when the plan contacts reality.

Posted by: 914forme Nov 6 2016, 07:09 AM

Large enough demand for said combo I am sure some one "Kennedy" will produce the combination for you / us.

Clay way to go, love your work.

Posted by: mb911 Nov 6 2016, 07:20 AM

Oh that would be awesome..

Posted by: McMark Nov 6 2016, 08:18 AM

Step 1: Build a mount that doesn't cost $1,000,000. Started this awhile ago, but now I finally have time to finish up the project.

Step 2: Finalize the cable shifter. With both Rob's (@ConeDodger) and Andy's (@SirAndy) cars headed to the shop, this will all be developed and completed in the next few months.

The design goal is to have everything bolt on, no modifications, and be relatively cheap.

Posted by: 396 Nov 6 2016, 09:33 AM

Well, I'm happy to see that there's interest in putting a 915 in a 914. I remember seeing various treads stating that the 901 was sufficient even for a 964....interesting thoughts on the longevity.

Clay's objective is very interesting. Especially with that monster 3.8 .

Now, all we need is to see it at the track pulling away from some GT3.

Posted by: Steve Nov 6 2016, 09:57 AM

I'm running the Martin Bott kit on an 86 915 gear box on my 3.2. Starting off in second and slipping the clutch with the 901 got old. 3.6 or greater or a v8 doesn't have this problem, since they have the power to start off in second. Either way first gear is worthless and a four speed sucks in a sports car, let alone the longevity issues.

Posted by: McMark Nov 6 2016, 10:41 AM

Whoops. Forgot my picture.


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Posted by: mepstein Nov 6 2016, 11:05 AM

Cool!

Posted by: rgalla9146 Nov 6 2016, 11:33 AM

Attached are pictures of a hangar and an idea for linkage that I fabricated to install a 915 in a 914 chassis.
I've since switched to the kit that Martin Bott makes that duplicates 916 parts.


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Posted by: eitnurg Nov 6 2016, 01:08 PM

Hopefully quite soon.......after despairing of the cost of 915s for some time, the thought that this may well be possible after all has raised the excitement level somewhat.....

Posted by: 396 Nov 6 2016, 02:15 PM

+1! , if I had the time, that's the way to go. Vintage looking too boot.

Posted by: mb911 Nov 6 2016, 02:21 PM

Is length an issue for the booster trans?? I know I will use the 901 for now but maybe some day a 6 speed.

Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 6 2016, 03:13 PM

Well one good reason is five useful gears. 1st on a 901 can only be used to get you rolling forward. The 915 I'm putting in was designed by Porsche with gearing for my 3.2. I'm only adding a Quaffe TBD. Besides the nostalgia of having both Andy and my car in the shop at the same time!

Posted by: jim912928 Nov 6 2016, 06:26 PM

McMark...just south of you about 1 1/2 hours. I've got the original 915 that came with my 3.2l conversion engine. I would be interested in your setup when available. My 901 is ok, but just not right at highway speeds.

Posted by: ClayPerrine Nov 7 2016, 01:21 PM

Actually, it's not a 3.8, it's a 4.0. Subtle difference there...... :-D

Wonder if the Texas DMV would catch a license plate that said "IEATGT3" ???

I am looking at going to the machine shop to have the adapter plate made sometime this month. Lots of pictures to follow....

Posted by: 396 Nov 7 2016, 01:34 PM

So sorry for posting the wrong info..I must be getting old

I did remember it was a "big cube" motor. I wish I could do the same .
Looking forward to the progress with that monster.

Posted by: jim912928 May 26 2017, 09:26 PM

any updates on 915 setup or boxster tranny setup?

Posted by: ConeDodger May 26 2017, 11:04 PM

I think I'm the hold up. Sir Andys car is at the OC but lots to do with it before the transmission is the focus. I want to hang on to my car for the summer so it will not go out to Michigan until fall...

Posted by: Steve May 27 2017, 11:14 AM

It's only money.. I have 10k in my Martin Bott 86 gear box. At least it's not a jury rigged mess. Same as factory and works great.
A Boxster S trans would be better if someone made a kit?? Hint.. hint.. it can be done. I've seen a 3.6 car with one awhile back.
The 915 is harder to shift than a 914 trans, but having a trans with gears that match the motor is priceless

Posted by: Mark Henry May 27 2017, 05:41 PM

Yes a boxster has no provision for a starter, I really don't see how you can do it.
I have a 1999, 996 trans here which I believe is the same trans (at least same case), I can post pic's if you like.
I'll take a look at it right now.

Posted by: mepstein May 27 2017, 06:18 PM

I'm not interested in a boxter trans for my car. I'm moving forward with the 911 trans and the parts needed that make the cable shifter work. Stay tuned.

Posted by: larryM May 29 2017, 09:45 PM

check this - apparently Martin's parts ???

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/pts/6146003135.html

Porsche 915 to 916 Side Shifter Conversion Tooling and Parts.
Description:
1 Set Detail Machining Drawings
1 Set San Casting Patterns
2 914-6 Firewall Engine Mount
3 Rear Castings
1 Machined Rear Casting.
3 Machined Side Shift Housing (One Is Assembled)
3 Internal Shift Arms ( 2 with Shafts)
Total Price $5,500.00.

who among us is the seller?

p,s, - i have the complete Bott kit & a rebuilt 915 on the shelf - but have never had the compulsion to do the conversion since i have 3 good 901's & they'll handle 250hp which is all my 3.2 makes

Posted by: Steve May 29 2017, 10:26 PM

Looks more like a poor copy of the vellios kit.

Posted by: porschetub May 30 2017, 12:23 AM

Good points really is the 901 that bad,even if you exceed 250hp it is cheap enough to replace or adjust your driving style.
The 915 isn't the total answer in fact the real 911 guys grizzle about them,they aren't as strong as expected and a very noisey....not such an issue in a 914 but in a 911 not so good.

Posted by: Racer Chris May 30 2017, 06:39 AM

I think those are unfinished Vellios parts.

Posted by: GeorgeRud May 30 2017, 07:41 AM

Vellios had some great ideas, and his 915 trans conversion works well if carefully set-up. It was a 914 rear cover with the mounting ears and then a 914 side shifter type of linkage. He made all sorts of interesting parts back then, not just the 915 conversion. Does anyone still have a copy of his catalog?

Posted by: Steve May 30 2017, 07:42 AM

I heard he passed away. There were piles of unfinished vellios parts on eBay. I think MB911 bought some of the unfinished oil tanks. The shift console looks like a vellios part versus Martin Botts 916 console.

Posted by: Beach914 May 30 2017, 07:49 AM

Not doing anything with it at the moment but next after I get my 3.0L project further along.
Going to need lots of help from Steve......

Posted by: Steve May 30 2017, 12:46 PM

Nice!! Looking forward to it.

Posted by: larryM May 31 2017, 02:42 PM

- i gently use 1st to get up steep drives & such - but that's about all it is good for even behind a 1.7

i have an acquaintance who ran a chevy 350 in an scca 914 - never broke it - he is a former PCNA employee - it was his advise that convinced me me stay with the 901

as discussed elsewhere on this site - the main problem with a 901 is if you rev to 6000 & drop the clutch in 1st gear - it will twist off the mainshaft - when we AX, we all just start in 2nd gear - and stay there - kinda like having an automatic! - a good-stronger-durable clutch helps

for we on a budget - the 901 is an OK conversion solution vs $10K for a 915-916

904 mainshafts can solve that - but they are/were rare as hen's teeth - one FS on ebay now - $1200 - there was someone making repros back in 2008 -
repro here for $1415 - https://retro-sport.com/porsche-gears/porsche-901-904-gears/904-input-mainshaft-new-albins

901s are also subject to wear in the intermediate plate (i broke 2 due to that when racing) - there is a fix for that - originally developed by Dwight Mitchell for 911's https://www.google.com/search?q=901+intermediate+plate&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

both above mean a rebuild, of course - but still arguably cheaper than a 915 rebuilt PLUS Bott kit

- 915's are subject to similar wear issues in the side plates & i know of 2 guys who got cheap 915's for a 914-conversion & wound having to rebuild 'em beyond the ring-gear flip (no longer cheap)

so it's kinda a tossup depending on how rich you are feeling, or actually are

- if we are talking about converting a 4 to a 6, the economics are not there - imho -4 conversion cars are never worth enuf to justify the added cost

p.s.- interesting about those C-list parts - i kinda wondered if it was somebody's attempt to steal someone else s work given the included drawings

Posted by: naro914 May 31 2017, 04:13 PM

Our race car "Papa Smurf" has a 915 with Vellios conversion that was set up really nice. Got the whole thing for $2000, so it was worth it. Definitely the best shifting race 914 you'll drive....feels almost gated and inspires confidence with each shift....though "Huey", our street car with 3.2 engine and 901 trans also shifts amazingly well...

Having said that, if Clay ever figures out a good Boxster S trans w/cable shift conversion, I'm very interested....

Posted by: eitnurg Jun 1 2017, 04:22 AM

Ditto.

Posted by: Steve Jun 1 2017, 08:43 AM

Curious what the 915 guys are running for a shifter. I'm running a renshift, but I still nick reverse when shifting from 5th to 4th. I have spent way to many hours adjusting it, so I know it's as good as it gets. If I shift from 5th, let it settle in the center plane on its own, then I can shift into 4th without hitting reverse. I heard wevo is the best. I will try that next.

Posted by: GeorgeRud Jun 1 2017, 09:02 AM

I'm using the stock 915 shift console with my 915, and it works OK. I think you have to be careful with the 5-4 shift, but fortunately that's not usually a shift I need to do quickly.

Posted by: naro914 Jun 1 2017, 09:12 AM

I use Rennshift and never nicked reverse or had any issues.
My set up:
Rennshift with Tangerine Racing shift linkage kit to Vellios side shift conversion.
Chris Foley made me an intermediate adjustment piece that allowed for minor length adjustment between the rod in the center tunnel to the Tangerine shift rod outside the firewall. Plus we had to make a small spacer to adapt the linkage parts to the Vellios console.

Posted by: mepstein Jun 1 2017, 07:13 PM

I'd like to make one of these work


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Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 4 2017, 08:13 AM

Posted by: Steve Jun 4 2017, 04:00 PM

See what you missed? Absolutely nothing... same topic different decade.

Posted by: Jetsetsurfshop Jun 3 2018, 12:27 PM

Posted by: Steve Jun 3 2018, 01:20 PM

Don't hold your breath waiting for this... I'm happy with my Martin Bott 916 kit on my 1986 trans.

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 4 2018, 12:56 PM

Heckler

Posted by: Jay Wellwood Aug 3 2019, 11:55 AM

Any update to this topic?

Quite interested in using a 915 trans in a 914

Posted by: Steve Aug 3 2019, 03:15 PM

There’s a vellios 915 in the classifieds.

Posted by: burton73 Aug 4 2019, 10:40 PM

http://www.cableshift.com/

this is what I am going to use on my 930 box that is set up for 914 . LSD and oil cooling pump set up.

Bob B

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Aug 5 2019, 07:50 AM

As the owner of two 914s with 915 conversions (one a 916) I would say DON"T DO IT!) the bulky shifting that 911s with 915s in them is accentuated, and the extra bit of weight makes the cars heavier feeling and more tail happy. 901 with the stronger intermediate plate works just fine.

Posted by: mepstein Aug 5 2019, 08:04 AM

I already have the parts. Early mag trans, cable shifter and PMS trans mount. I still need to rebuild the trans and flip the differential but that's in the works. Engine is a 3.2 that's getting rebuilt into a 260-280hp 3.4. I don't want a car that I have to baby 1st or start in second. The transmissions that Russo rebuilds shift like butter. I'll use a 4 pound lithium battery to save 30lbs and Ben will build me a lightweight exhaust to save some more weight on the tail end.

Posted by: aturboman Aug 5 2019, 11:04 AM

Good timing on this topic figured I'd share my 915-916 saga.

Picked up my completed trans Saturday after a 3+ year odyssey collecting parts and more importantly finding an experienced builder.

915 Mechanical speedo box, 7:31 Quiafe LSD, oil cooling and spray bar system, and Bott conversion kit, updated bearing saddle.

I'm going to a hydraulic clutch, with modified 1972 only 915/901 style shifter.

Here is my hydraulic pedal cluster using only factory Porsche parts including G50 pedal box as a basis

This is not an inexpensive endeavor to say the least but very close to the factory 916 set-up plus some performance / reliabilty updates.

Posted by: naro914 Aug 5 2019, 11:14 AM

Not if your engine is 360+ hp...

Posted by: mepstein Aug 5 2019, 12:38 PM

It doesn't solve the 1st gear issue. I want a 5 speed for this car, not a - baby first gear or slip the clutch and start in second - solution.

Posted by: Cairo94507 Aug 5 2019, 01:36 PM

Damn you guys! I have been longing for the 915 but keep telling myself the rebuilt (Dr. Evil) transaxle converted to a side-shifter with the gears recommended by the good doctor will be fine for me. I am not planning to drag race or launch the card hard. But now you have got me thinking......I will have to wait and see how my set-up works and drives. If not, I will be talking to Mark to see about sourcing parts.....but that would be down the road if needed and I would have to come up with some kind of excuse or the wife will probably kill me..... Yeah, I know, 1st World problems....

Posted by: Dr Evil Aug 5 2019, 01:53 PM

Dont do the 915 until you blow up that 901 That should buy you plenty of time

Posted by: mepstein Aug 5 2019, 03:47 PM

I'm sure you will drive your can enthusiastically but not overly aggressive and it will be fine. Bob Saville drives Huey with a 3.2 and 914 trans. I just want what I want for my flared car even if it doesn't make proper sense. I also paid $500 in parts trade for the trans, the rebuild will be the wholesale cost of a couple bearings and even the cable shifter was just $200. I need some machining and a sleeve where the main bearing is loose in the trans case but our shop owner just bought a machine shop nearby. It's a different ball game when you pay real dollars for this stuff. Like Steve said, plan on around $10K. And then do you want to add more weight on a nice light narrow body car.

Posted by: naro914 Aug 5 2019, 07:14 PM

^^ Like Mark said... our car Huey has a stock 3.2 engine and a stock 901 trans - been fine for years including hillclimbs, a race at Road America, autocrosses, spirited drives, etc.

Papa Smurf has the 915, totally re-geared with a pretty stout LSD (dont remember the brand) and modified Vellios conversion. Peter Dawe is a master at setting these up and has a few of them if anyone is interested. He has a trans housing with access holes so he can adjust the mechanisms while its actually in the car and you're actually shifting (on the lift) and he can see where the adjustments need to be made. Then once he's happy, it goes back into the standard housing and tested again. Ours shifts great.

Posted by: John Aug 6 2019, 09:14 AM

I hope this thread is still active and not a dead one from 3 years ago. If it is dead, I apologize.

I have to disagree with the hard shifting of a 915 with a Vellios kit. Granted, I have made several "adjustments" over the years to the rough kit, but my track car shifts just as well as my street car with a nicely built 901/914 trans with a stronger intermediate plate. Both run behind 3.2 engines, but the 901 simply can't handle the torque and sticky tires the track car has due to some rough race tracks. The 901 doesn't like rapid changes in torque (slipping or bouncing rear wheels under power).

The 915 so far, seems to hold up better under those conditions.

The 915, however, is NOT bullet-proof. The first Ring/Pinion went south before I bought the tools to set up pinion depth myself. Since then, it has held up well.

That being said, the Vellios kit needs some tweaking in order to make it function as it should (likely most "kits" would, but I have no experience with others).

An alternative that I saw many years ago was from some folks from the Phoenix area used to have an external shift linkage to shift a 915. I have some pictures of such a car.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Aug 6 2019, 09:18 AM

when we used the vellios kit before it passed into history we had to machine some of the linkage to get it to shift smoothly, as smoothly as it was capable of