awilli6

hi gang,

I’m aware of the possible issues with an automatic but what are possible issues with 5 speed to look out for? Looking at a 5 speed. What year were the GTs produced. I thought it was 89.

Wisconsin Joe

Early ones are pretty delicate (pre-85 maybe?).

It's fairly common for the synchros to get 'crunchy' , often due to poor clutch adjustment.

GTs were made from 89-91. There were 89 S4s made that were 5 speeds, but in 90 & 91 all the manuals were GTs (all the S4s were auto).

Roy928tt

As far as I'm aware the difference between earl and late manual gearboxes is only in the syncro design. My understanding is that the early boxes used a Porsche design syncroniser and the later one was licensed from Borg Warner. Porsche having never built a box that could take as much punishment as a 928 box under did the syncro.

Driven with due consideration they are fine but ask them to work hard and they don't keep up. Meanwhile, I defy you to break a 928 transaxle, there is no way by any means whatsoever that one could describe it as delicate.

When I stripped mine (and it only takes a handfull of simple tools) I was struck by the ressemblence to a tractor transmission and diff housing.

I've only driven my own 928,but I do believe that the manual is quite a different driving experience than an auto. Of course I believe that auto or manual a 928 needs twin turbos!

awilli6

Thanks for the info. Are there any catastrophic things I need to check for on a manual? Like TBF on an auto.

davek9

Yes the Centering and sometimes the Reverse lockout springs fail, both requires the Trans to be removed to replace&repair, they are about $250 each.
Also more common are the plastic bushings, front and rear on the linkage that show up as a sloppy / loose shift pattern.

Dave K

docmirror

TBF trashes the engine, leaves the auto trans unaffected. The early manual trans had baulk ring synchros, later ones had modern style. World of difference. The centering springs for the shifter are weak. Once the centering springs no longer work well, the shifting will be sloppy. The shifter should remain in the 2-3 gate, and have little play left and right. Also could be the ball cup, which is not technically a trans issue. GT production is 89-91, with some of the 89 5 speeds being S4 manual. Quick check is look at the tach red line. If 6200, it's an S4. If 6600 it's a GT. Also, best to check the actual stamping on the engine, as they could have been swapped. You prolly won't break any gears in the trans, the synchros and springs will just be worn from normal use.

hwyengr

Unless it's a pre-S4, then the spring should keep it in the 4-5 plane.

928S MN

To help extend the life of that centering spring, I don't park with the transmission in gear. Only use the parking brake.