A gal named Elsie and her little Tornado...

[4SFED]

Gorden,

I aked the same thing a while ago to a '73 4 speed owner.........

This page out of my '73 parts book....

4 speed on the left, 5 speed in the center, and Sporto on the right......... Tornado looks stock

Thanks, Chuck! ..... Couple of issues.... The shifter is pretty "sloppy". I don't mean this in a derogatory way, it just is compared to what I'm used to... I would like to tighten this up a bit and have been thinking of some "Short Shift" options. Would this trans still be a 915, even with a 4-speed? I was looking at the Hargett shifter (because it looks AWESOME and it attaches to the stock bolts for the parking brake.) But if there are other options you have found to repair (upgrade?) the stock shifter and make it better, I would like suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[Paragon]

I'd replace all of your shift bushings first.

[911scfanatic]

4SFED, just read your thread. Good for you!

Re: short shift on a 915, don't bother IMO. I've done it both ways, and the stock shifter is better, to me. You really don't want to rush the synchros anyway.

[4SFED]

Thanks, Jason and Bill!

I've received my new fuel filter and oil filter today.... should be able to start the car this weekend. One other question:

I'm new to the whole Dry Sump thing. Should I drain the oil and change it BEFORE I start up for the first time (in 5+ years)??? Just not sure about how long it takes the sump to get oil to the crankcase on startup and thought it might be better to have "some" oil in there in stead of none for the first couple seconds.... Thoughts?

[RSTarga]

Absolutely, Dry sump or not after 5 years the oil is trash. Just do a complete oil and filter change and start it . Sorry I haven't followed the thread, did you ever pull the plugs and shoot some oil in to make sure you have free rings and some lube in the cylinders?

[RSTarga]

Before you start changing stuff, drive the car. What you describe as a sloppy gearshift might be normal. These cars are a bit different. In comparison to most cars , the throw is pretty long between gears on 901 and 915 boxes.

[72targa]

My favorite description of how my 915 gearbox would feel was "vague"...it's definitely a learned behavior when it comes to using it (but it's second nature now)...

[4SFED]

Thanks, David... Yes, I have pulled the plugs and spayed a small amount of Motorkote in the cylinders. I like Motorkote because it comes in a spray can now (and I'm lazy like that).

[beh911]

Drain the oil, Jake. All of it. The tank and the case.

And don't overfill it afterwards. Put about 8.5-9 quarts in for starters.

BTW, that pic of your car is very sweet. Great story!

[Bradford]

Thanks, David... Yes, I have pulled the plugs and spayed a small amount of Motorkote in the cylinders. I like Motorkote because it comes in a spray can now (and I'm lazy like that).

How do you know how much oil or in your case Motorkote to spray into the cylinders?