964 Tiptronic - to be avoided at all costs ?

Lightweight_911 · Post by **Lightweight_911** » Sat Nov 16, 2019 6:43 pm

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Are they as bad as most people would have you believe ?

Or is it a similar 'myth' to that bandied about regarding the earlier Sportomatic models - ie 'passed-on' horror stories from people who've never driven one (or driven one that was properly maintained & working correctly) ?

I've read about the tendency for the Tiptronic 'brain' to preferentially select 2nd gear when pulling away from rest (& hence 'dull' the acceleration) but I've also read that, with practice. it's possible to counteract this & get the transmission to start in 1st.

I've also just read a 'period' road test on the 964 Tiptronic in Motorsport where they quote:

"More important than the excellent figures recorded in our data panel, is the sheer accessibility of that performance. Using ten of their own employees as guinea pigs, Porsche checked the 0-62 mph abilities of the manual 5-speed versus the Tiptronic - only three Porsche people could better the 0-62 mph times set in the automated example ..."

If they really are that bad, has anyone converted a Tiptronic to manual gearbox ?

Is it a feasible conversion ?

Apart from the obvious parts - gearbox, pedal box, flywheel/clutch, what else would be needed ?

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Bruce M · Post by **Bruce M** » Sat Nov 16, 2019 7:22 pm

Edit:

Removed because I was babbling on about a different transmission!
I was referring to the 5speed ZF & the 964 used an earlier 4 speed box. Doh.

hot66 · Post by **hot66** » Sat Nov 16, 2019 11:50 pm

Assume from this question that a decent C2 manual is being elusive

Lightweight_911 · Post by **Lightweight_911** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:41 am

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No James - just interested in hearing some 'real life' experiences rather than re-hashed 'chinese whispers' from armchair experts.

Also trying to stimulate some interest/comments - a few years ago at least there would have been a string of insults for even mentioning the word 'Tiptronic' on DDK ...

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DustyM · Post by **DustyM** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 11:37 am

When new I guess they had their place, if you bought a new 911 and would have been using it to commute in an urban environment then perhaps I could see the logic.

Now when the cars are bought as a toy, for the enjoyment of driving an older sports car then I'm afraid I don't see the point.

It is a traditional automatic slush box and has that feel to it. Yes you can override the computers decisions on gear change with the tiptronic but just buy a manual instead.

Yes you can convert to a manual, lots of people have done it.

Gearbox, Mounts, flywheel, clutch, clutch slave and pipe work, manual pedal box, gearshift and lever, centre console, speedometer, (I have a 5speed gearbox available to start you off!)

But just buy a manual......

Lightweight_911 · Post by **Lightweight_911** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 11:52 am

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That's always been my opinion too - I've never entertained the idea of buying an automatic/semi-automatic - but, having driven a couple of early Sportomatics some years ago & been amazed at how well they performed (both 2.2 E models), I wondered if the same was true of Tiptronics (never driven one) ...

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Sam · Post by **Sam** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:12 pm

If you’ve driven any traditional auto you’ve driven a tiptronic. The gearbox works just like it does in your dad’s 827 Sterling or your mum’s Corolla.

A sporto is still a physical experience - you still have to lift the throttle, move the gear lever and feed the power back in through the corner. It works a bit like a manual without a left pedal. The tip doesn’t feel anything like a manual, it’s not physically involving and it does that thing torque converter autos do where it fiddles about with the ratio a bit within the gear so the throttle never has a crisp or linear response. You’d never bother driving a tip like a sports car as it doesn’t respond like one.

As James says really, if you want a fun sports car get a manual, if you want a brisk, interesting characterful car and don’t mind too much about the more visceral side of driving then a tip is great. I’d rock a 964 or 993 tip as a daily smoker for sure.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:54 pm

Lightweight_911 wrote:Also trying to stimulate some interest/comments....

Good post Andy, even though I've never driven a sporto! You have made me just post a question on a classic as a daily driver though......

Lightweight_911 · Post by **Lightweight_911** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 3:01 pm

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No intention of using a 964 as a 'daily' & have no interest in 'conventional' automatics so that's any thoughts of a Tiptronic ruled out then (not that it was ever in strong contention) ...

Mike wrote: Good post Andy, even though I've never driven a sporto! You have made me just post a question on a classic as a daily driver though......

- hopefully will bring a few people back out of the woodwork (who then might be tempted to post on other matters too) ...

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Mike · Post by **Mike** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 3:17 pm

Ha, yep has changed a bit here recently.....

Post by **Bootsy** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 6:15 pm

It has. May as well close it as no one can be arsed to post

Will look at winding down next year I think

Should have sold it when I had the chance but everybody said no we want it to continue but don’t bother posting

Sam · Post by **Sam** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 6:22 pm

Do you think it’s time to post that picture of you I found on Brazzers to reignite interest?

Post by **Bootsy** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 6:33 pm

Time to wind it all down

Sam · Post by **Sam** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 6:47 pm

That would be sad.

I guess there might be someone else on here happy to take on the admin if you’re losing the love for it.

rhd racer · Post by **rhd racer** » Sun Nov 17, 2019 8:51 pm

Bootsy wrote:Time to wind it all down

I hope that's an early evening slump after a delicious red at lunchtime and you will feel differently tomorrow

DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker