Using a 901 w/3.2-Any Problems? Options

[ellisor3]

I am about to install my 3.2 engine and it is being paired with the 901. I was wondering if the 901 need to be regeared or use heavier gears for this application or is the standard gearing fine?

Any other things that should be considered?

It will be for street only.

[PRS914-6]

Lots of good info and suggestions here. I think it's important though to have a distinction between what will work and what is ideal. People use 901's behind everything including V-8's with the same issues I brought out earlier. Loss of 1st gear and a low 5th for big HP applications. Will it work? Sure. Will it survive? Sure, if taken care of.

I think the best thing I did on my conversion was to spend the money on gearing the transmission (915) appropriate to the hp and weight of the car. When you put 300 hp in a 2200 lb car any transmission will give you a thrill. However, a properly geared transmission will take that experience to a new level. The power, torque and driveability come to new levels when properly geared. Proper gearing makes a fun car into a great car. Can you have fun with a stock 901? Absolutely. You'll just have MORE fun when it's properly geared.

So.... when you see threads debating the use of 901's, keep in mind the difference.

By the time Porsche released the 3.6 they had already moved past the 915 to a G50 which is even stronger than a 915 which is significantly stronger than a 901. Again will a 901 work? Sure.

My point is that I personally wouldn't spend a ton of money on a 901 for big HP applications for gearing and upgrades when that money is better spent on a stronger transmission. But that's just my opinion. If money was tight, I wouldn't hesitate to run a 901 and if it broke I wouldn't feel bad since they are cheap to buy.

Unfortunately building a 915 and adding a WEVO is cost prohibitive for many and the cost of the tranny might exceed the value of the car. Rebuilding a 901 on occasion is cheaper and easier, it just loses some of the "fun factor" and doesn't optimize a big 6 in a 914.

So, the debate will continue and the wallet will be the master of our decisions...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)