915 gearbox: which oil?

911hillclimber · Post by **911hillclimber** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 6:57 am

This question has probably been asked before, but i'm new to DDK, but not 911's.

I road and hillclimb my 3.2 engined '73 T and have done so for years. The oil in the 915 (non LSD) went in a full 12 years ago....so time to change what might be left in there. The box works a treat, so things are sound inside.

What is the current thinking on oils for a 915 box?

Also, my other race car has a 915 with LSD. Probably a different oil for that one. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Graham.

Highfield · Post by **Highfield** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:35 am

Graham

Most articles seem to say Swepco, but I'm no expert

Ian

Post by **Bootsy** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:16 am

I changed to Swepco last year and noticed a difference, great stuff.

MBEngineering · Post by **MBEngineering** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:41 am

HI Graham
the oil you have for the LSD box will do fine, a good 75/90 semi-synthetic will do, or a strait 90 as the box has worn sincros, anything better/thicker and the gear change will not be good , count the dog teeth on the sump plug when you change the oil.

regards mike

fcd911 · Post by **fcd911** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 9:33 am

Hi Graham

I have sent you a PM

Chhers

John W

julian911 · Post by **julian911** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 10:33 am

Frankly, at the risk of annoying mechanics everywhere, if the garage you take your car to says 'What?' when you ask for Swepco to be put in, take your car elsewhere. But what MB says re: LSDs is probably correct, I've never got a really good answer if you have an LSD about Swepco, as there are different grades.
For the 3 things to make your car better IMHO, put a Prototipo on it, put a Wevo linkage knuckle on it, and put Swepco in it. I did it on the '86 (which has a factory LSD), and then did it on the '68. Both cars transformed.
'Nuff said.

Nige · Post by **Nige** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 10:43 am

I'm sure I read somewhere that Swepco is getting difficult to get over here? Just supply you're own oil and ask your local garage to do the change over if its not a job you want to undertake.

Post by **Bootsy** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 11:00 am

Berlyn Services are the UK Distributor of SWEPCO

http://www.partsforporsche.co.uk/

or you can order it from numerous other suppliers including
Type 911 - currently showing available from stock

http://www.type911shop.co.uk/shop/artic ... %3D2042%26

911hillclimber · Post by **911hillclimber** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:54 pm

Thank you all for the info (read your email John, thanks).
I've read Sweepco but only on Bert's site and Transend's.

My 911 has a 915 with no LSD, the Lola a 915 with LSD.
It is the 911 that comes in first. I don't take cars to garages except for MoT's and when Bob Watson's skills are needed!

I'll drop the oils myself, but the Castrol 'something' that is in it is great, but I've long lost the container

After all these years there must be something better for a semi-worn box?

As for the car's mods, got the Tipo 20 years ago (fab) done the jounts 4 times (not Wevco) and have adapted to the 915......

Thanks again.

jwhillracer · Post by **jwhillracer** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:26 pm

Graham, for what it's worth, Crispin put Swepco in the Hillclimber gearbox last time, and it's never stayed in one piece for as long before!

Perfectly OK with the LSD.

Cheers!

JW

911hillclimber · Post by **911hillclimber** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:57 pm

That's the one bit of advice I was after!
You know more about that car than anyone! (inc me...)

I bet it costs a fortune

EVERYthing except Jonathan's advice does.
Never build a race car gentlemen.

Cortina · Post by **Cortina** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:06 pm

With a diff , I've always used Castrol ... B373 from memory (have tin in garage , but to lazy to look !) - never any problems.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:50 pm

Ah, B373, is there a sweeter smelling fluid.... err not.

If you use it, when you are putting it in :-

A - wear disposable gloves and

B - clothes that your are happy to throw away.

'Cos it stinks and the smell lingers longer than any other pong I know

Darn good oil mind you

Deschodt · Post by **Deschodt** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 7:02 pm

Swepco is fantastic stuff in a 915 - however, if you have the slightest little leak, this oil will do its best to escape

I swear sometimes it climbs walls to get out.... I love it in my dry 911, hate it in my leaky 912 9as my garage floor is really blue)!

911hillclimber · Post by **911hillclimber** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 10:34 pm

I have good access to keep my clean!
Thanks for all the help and advice.