Which 901 Transmission as my donor….?
Subject to modifications Edition 2018 Rev3 Printed in USA
Technical stage as April 2018
• Of these four versions, the 901, 911 and 914 Tailshift are the most desirable donor transmissions.
These three versions will yield every part required to complete your 356 5-Speed kit.
• The 914 Sideshift transmission will supply all the gears, shafts, sliders, hubs, shift forks, spacers etc,
but only one of the three shift rails required and therefore require a few parts from another source.
Although the 914 Sideshift transmission is not a 100% donor, they are also the newest of the donor
cores and should not be overlooked as a great source of majority of the parts at economical prices.
• The beauty of the 901 family of transmissions is complete modulatory of the design and the important
fact that parts can be interchanged from all models, even between and the 4 and 5 speed ver-
sions to some degree. There is a wide variety of original ratios available from the different model four
and six-cylinder engine applications and there is a range of new ratios also available from the after
market gear manufacturers.
• Rebuild components for 901 series transmissions like sliders, drive teeth, synchro rings and bearings
are all still readily available and, with the exception of a pitted CWP gear set or internal corrosion
from poor storage conditions, nearly every donor core can be restored to good functional condition
to build a 356 5-Speed.
• There are some subtle technical variations in the assembly dimensions of the different versions and if
of consequences, these are covered in the technical notes and guidelines for assembly.
• Once you have your donor core you will need to establish the condition of the core and make pro
vision for any repairs that would affect the operation or reliability of your new 356 5-Speed transmis-
sion project.
• There are no special requirements for standard 901 series parts used for the 356 5-Speed transmission.
The evaluation of condition would be the same if you were servicing that 901 transmission to be in-
stalled in the original vehicle.
• The safest route is to work with an experienced Porsche transmission builder. They can complete an
inspection of the components and make the recommendations of any replacement parts required.
• If you are experienced and confident with the servicing of 901 transmissions, the donor parts for the
kit should be reviewed for serviceability in the normal manner expressed in the Porsche factory manuals
for the 901 series of transmissions.
Further donor Transmission Considerations
