michaelathome

I have been trying to search thread and googled it byt all I can find is option codes. I know that for 928's there was a way to tell if the car was auto or manual by vin.

Michael

michaelathome

I guess I should clarify my question. With only a VIN for a 944 is it possible to tell the transmission type. I know that 928's for example, the first 1/2 of the production 0001 - 1002 would have been autos the second half 1003 - 2004 would have been manuals. (USED only as an example!)

Any ideas where to look for an answer?

Serge944

You can look at the option codes to find out whether your tranny is LSD or not. Otherwise, all 944's came with basically the same transmission, only different gearing (944, 951, and s2 have different gearing).

The early 83-85.5 and the 85.5+ n/a's have a different speedometer set-up at the tranny.

Granite 944

Using the VIN number only, you can tell what transmission type was originally installed in the car (automatic or manual). You still will need the transmission number code if you want to know if it is a limited slip, and exactly what year the tranny is installed in. I get my info from a lttle handbook called the "Models Dimensions Tolerances" handbook. It covers 924,944 MY's 1984-1989 only. I'm not sure if I've seen this same info listed on the internet anywhere or not (probably, but don't know where). This handbook has a wealth of info in it. I believe it should be just as important of an addition to ones repair/shop manual as the FSM, TSB's, and PET. If you had your model, and year of car in your sig, it would help a bunch also. Good luck.

Kurt R

I believe your answer is "No". Looking at the handbook Granite mentions above, the same vin series is listed for both manual and automatic cars, for example in '86 us and canada models start with 50001 and go to 99999, with both the 016K manual and 087N auto. Looks like manuals and autos were mixed together on the assembly line.

Now, if you have the vin, you can get the original engine and transmission numbers from PCNA. It is listed on the certificate of authenticity. My original trans was 7V17045, so that would be a 016K 5 speed with lsd, made on April 17th, 1985.

Are you looking for a car, specifically one with a manual or automatic? I know using autotrader or ebay can get frustrating, seems like people are alway listing the wrong type in their ad. When I was looking for a new daily driver I had the same problem.

Granite 944

Kurt, you are very correct! I missed the lack of distinction on the VIN. The distinction is with the engine numbers for each model year, not the VIN. My mistake, thanks for setting me straight.