trany work....., don't try this at home????? Options

[scottb]

for those in the know, how hard is it for someone who has never torn into a transaxle, but has a modicum of mechanical aptitude, to rebuild one? can it be done with standard hand tools and a bench or would the new tool investment make it more worthwhile to have brad build one up and ship it out east? just curious. have area available for work and would like to have a mechanical project, engine or trany, but not waste my time or rapidly diminishing $......

thanks....... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/MDB2.gif)

[TimT]

OK,

You can do it yourself,

You can also send it to Brad to be rebuilt.

As another option is that you can have Gary Fairbanks do the rebuild. He is a 901 guru, and located in Connecticut, 2 day turn arounds etc..

[Lawrence]

Hi Scott!

I think it depends how deep you want to go into it. The deeper you go, the more special tools required. Replacing 1st/Reverse or simply replacing external seals... no problem. Go for it. Brad can chime in anytime. I've never been farther in than 1st/R.

If I want my 901 rebuilt, I'll send it to Brad Mayeur in Illinois. He can repair your transaxle, or do one on an exchange basis.

-Rusty

[MarkV]

I weighed all of the above and ended up buying a good used transaxle.

If you want it rebuilt using new parts you are probably looking at $1500.

I talked to Brad Mayeur (nice guy) he quoted me much less, he uses used parts from core transaxles. He also wants the transaxle cleaned before you ship it to him.

I bought a used transaxle from a guy in Dallas who had it posted in the classifieds here. It was $250 plus $70 for UPS shipping. Cleaned & re-sealed it before I put it in, works great. No more crunchy 1st & 2nd gear. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/MDB2.gif)

[Lawrence]

Brad Mayeur will use parts from core transaxle, that's very true.

But he doesn't put junk on the road. No marginal crap, no shoddy work.

No connection, just a VERY happy customer. 309-694-1797 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

-Rusty

[MarkV]

I agree, nothing wrong w/ using used parts. I think the synchos, sliders & dogteeth for 2nd through 5th are interchangeable. You can make one good trans out of two w/ bad 1st & 2nd gears. You still may have to buy some bearings & a gasket set.

The guy I bought from had another "good used" trans for sale. I can dig up his address if you want it.

[Aaron Cox]

has anyone had motormeister rebuild their 901?

[ChrisFoley]

Scott,

Musante Enterprises in South Windsor, CT (less than 30 min. from Springfield) rebuilds 901 trannies. Chris Musante is an experienced engine builder/ race mechanic and 911 racer. He recently opened a full time Porsche prep shop. I think the phone # is (860) 291-9415

I can rebuild 901 boxes as well, but I don't have experience or special tools for resetting pinion depth, if that is necessary. I can disassemble, inspect, and replace worn components. My place is in Bolton, CT. Just a little further than So. Windsor. Ph # (860) 647-8719. (and I have 914s on the premises)

[crash914]

A little off topic, but.....

How hard is it to install a little shorter, higher ratio 4th gear? When I am on the track, peaked out in 3rd, then shift to 4th, my rpm's drop too low, about 3400 to 3600. This happens right on a uphill pull, so I can't accelerate quickly. Thoughts?? Can these transmission guys correct this and guesstimate cost?? thanks, herb :gilloutine:

[scottb]

markv,

sure, look up that guys address etc.... it would be nice to have a spare trany laying around so as not to miss all the sunny days here in western mass (ya right!)

thanks for all the help guys....

[Zeke]

I changed out my gears and replaced a slider following Red Beard's instructions. Not too tough for someone who is mechanical. Easier than a motor.

[Brad Roberts]

I can only think of 2-3 special tools needed to do it your self.

Have it done locally. Dont ship the box anywhere.

Used parts are just that.. used parts. A slider may have good teeth on it for dog engagment but may be completely WORN out for the synchro ring engagment. This wont show up until the tranny wont stay in gear.

I'm sorry... but unless the tranny is for one of my race cars (meaning that it comes apart frequently and I have to deal with it) I'm not installing "good used" parts in a box. Again.. 914 owner "cheaping out".


B

[Jeff Bonanno]

B-

which 2-3 tools? i know about the shift fork jig but what else will be needed?

Jeff

[Brad Roberts]

You will need a deep 30mm socket to remove the speedo drive/large nut (same as used on rear stub axle nut)

You will need a long skinny punch for the role pin in the end of the input shaft.

You need some way to hold the splines on the input shaft for re-torquing everything (we weld a center from a old clutch disc onto a long cheat bar)

You will also need a way to remove the dog teeth from the gears. Some come off easy..some are a pain. I use the Porsche tool to remove them.. some people use a cutoff wheel. I do it in 3 minutes with the proper tool... others will take 4 hours trying to cut them off and NOT damage the gear in the process.

B

[Jeff Bonanno]

Brad,

got it - thanks.

Jeff

[East coaster]

Brad, In reference to pinion depth, I see everyone saying to keep the old gaskets or measure the old gaskets but this seems really cheesy compared to actually doing a gear engagement check. This seems completely hokey if your changing out the intermediate plate and/or adding a limited slip.

How do you set the pinion depth?