Date:         Fri, 21 Jan 2000 15:35:39 -0700
Reply-To:     "Jon B. Kanas" <kanas@QUALITY.QADAS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Jon B. Kanas" <kanas@QUALITY.QADAS.COM>
Subject:      Sport-o-Matic
Comments: To: easoars@EMAIL.MSN.COM
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Hello Andy and fellow listers,

The Sport-o-Matic transmission which was offered on 911 series cars in the
late 1960s is a four-speed transaxle with both a manual clutchplate and a
torque converter.  There was not clutch pedal.  There is a set of
electrical contacts located at the base of the shifter which are closed
whenever the shift lever is touched.  When closed, power is supplied to a
large solenoid which disengages the clutchplate permitting the operator to
select a different gear.  The torque converter is used to prevent stalling
when the vehicle is stopped.

The transmissions were very ineffecient; high power loss and poor fuel
economy.  They are generally considered undesirable, therefore cars so
equipped generally sell for considerably less than a comparable 4 or 5
speed manual.

The Sport-o-Matic transmission was moderately reliable if treated gently,
but was notorious for having various elements of the very complex
operating system fail.  Dirt in the contacts at the base of the shifter
would prevent the clutch from disengaging, for example.  It is my
understanding that parts are still available, but they are exceedingly
expensive.

Regards,
Jon