901 shifter improvement?

[ulrichd]

Even coming from a 915 SC, the 901 was somewhat of a shock with it's school bus like throws. Basically 1st almost hits the right front edge of my seat. I was eyeing one of the short shift kits and combining it with a spring kit that puts some horizontal tension into the box.
Any suggestions?

Ulrich

[kenikh]

I like my Rennshifter, but find that especially on a fresh 901 rebuild, it likes to nick reverse, even when perfectly aligned. As the box has broekn in, it has gone away, but the 901 is still a bit clunky in the 1-2-R dept. I also have a Wevo shift coupler and new bushings, which were a big help.

Other things I have noticed with the 901: the 914 linkage seems more reliable than the 911 ball in cup set up. I ahve talked to my mechanic and he thinks converting a 911 to the 914 set up is doable. If he gets around to trying this, I'll report back. He also mentioned another mode to the box that was somewhat over my head and had to do with some custom synchro/dog ring work that has a dramatic effect in the 1-2-R department.

I'll ask him again and see what he says.

[boxster03]

I can't believe Porsche ever placed a car with that stock 901 in any big event. Have no idea what the factory or privateers did but hard to believe they placed with these things.

I have gotten use to it but I am no race car driver.

[Eric911S]

Hello: I raced with the 901 gearboxes for years and still prefer it over the 915. Once you get used to it the shift pattern is the best and the throw is not that bad. Kinda like mashing potatoes ;-) I have not found a short shifter I like for the 901 gearboxes yet. I do like the solid coupler and new bushings though. Thanks, Eric

[911pcars]

Even coming from a 915 SC, the 901 was somewhat of a shock with it's school bus like throws. Basically 1st almost hits the right front edge of my seat. I was eyeing one of the short shift kits and combining it with a spring kit that puts some horizontal tension into the box.
Any suggestions?

Ulrich

May I suggest using a 915 shift housing in place of the 901? Then install a factory short shifter. There are other improvements one can perform as well. PM me for some suggestions.

Sherwood

[gulf908]

Ulrich,
Before you start doing any 'improvements' in the 901 gearchange,you should be sure the basics are working well.
From the front -
are the pedal bushes recent and lubed well ?
are the pedal rods straight and correct length ?
is the gearshift base lubed and the springs tight ?
is the shift rod bent ?
is the shift rod coupling recent ?
I have found Mobil 75 w 90 trans oil works well summer and winter.
You can do all the above without pulling the trans apart.

I have had two 915 trans for a total of 15 years,both new and rebuilt,and would never swap for a well set up 901.
Be aware however that the 901 trans will never be the equal of the small UK Ford gearchanges(Escort/Capri and Cortina) of the day.
My standard 901 gearchange is a pleasure to use,but it must be set up correctly first !

Cheers,
Dennis.

[gulf908]

Pics to illustrate !

Dennis.

[JohnT]

After you follow Dennis' excellent suggestions check your engine and transmission mountings. The entire assembly rotates under acceleration and "returns" to a neutral position when the clutch is depressed. With old, soft mounts this can upset the trajectory of any fore and aft movement of the shift lever.

johnt

[SandyI]

I think the 901 set-up is genius, especially for the track, because there is no way you can accidentally shift into 3rd when you intend to get into 5th. Or shift into 2nd when you want 4th.

But at the same time, I'm not sure what you're expecting from a design that's 40 years old. Is there any other manufacturer's product from the '60's, still in use at race tracks all over the world, that's as precise, and bullet-proof, driven at 10/10's?

[JohnT]

>>Or shift into 2nd when you want 4th.<<

I'll tell my friend Wynn. He pushed his lifters through the top of his 912 engine case completing a 5 -> 2 downshift in turn #2 at Sears Point 4 years ago. He told me it was easily done.

I have a Wevo shifter with a Wevo coupler in the linkage and find 3rd a long reach with my shoulder harnesses pulled tight. I should bend the lever back just a bit so 3rd isn't such a reach in my car.

Please don't get me wrong Sandy. I've missed shifts with much better shift linkages than the 901. And I do not think it a poor set up particularly when fresh and properly adjusted. Who at the factory expected thse cars to be driven and raced after 40 years??

johnt