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Transmission

Evolution of the Porsche "Automatic" Transmission from Sportomatic to Tiptronic To PDK

“Automatic gearboxes” in Porsche sports cars are nothing new. Porsche successfully campaigned a 911 Sportomatic to victory in 1967, driven by Vic Elford at the Marathon De La Routewith. Although not truly an automatic transmission, Porsche introduced the Sportomatic in 1968, sharing its basic design and operation with the “Automatic Stickshift”, or Autostick, from the VW Beetle and the NSU Ro 80. Besides no longer having a clutch pedal, those who have driven a Sportomatic are familiar with its quirky nature and the fact that you can’t rest your hand on the shifter since there was a set of contact points within the shifter would electromechanically actuate the clutch using a vacuum servo. Drivers still are required to “row” through the gears, four speeds in early models and three speeds in later years, coupled to a torque converter. This allowed drivers to leave the car in gear when coming to a stop and a higher lockup speed for the converter actually made models with the Sportomatic faster than their manual counterparts. The Sportomatic also proved itself to be durable with additional engine oil cooling being the only common modification required, as Porsche chose to use the engine oil as hydraulic fluid for the torque converter, resulting in higher oil temperatures, especially in hotter climates and in stop and go traffic.

The Sportomatic was available through the 1970s and even found its way into some 914s, before being phased out by 1980, leaving no “automatic” option for 911 buyers. It wasn’t until the introduction of the 964 and the Tiptronic that an automatic transmission found its way into 911s again in the 1990s. The ZF supplied “Tiptronic” was a fully automatic transmission. What makes the Tiptronic special is the software brain. Where most automatic transmissions in that era had little to no computer control, relying solely on a vacuum modulator for the transmission to determine load and gear selection, the Tiptronic monitored throttle inputs, engine and road speeds, ABS, and fuel delivery systems. The computer could “adapt” to driver style with five shift programs. A manual mode, and later steering wheel mounted shift buttons, allow the driver to manually shift the automatic gearbox. Like with any fully automatic transmission, keeping the ATF, or automatic transmission fluid, cool and clean is key to long life for these gearboxes. Fluid and filter changes on street driven cars every 36,000 miles ensure a long life, even when paired with increased horsepower from performance engine modifications. Porsche utilized the ZF supplied Tiptronic though 2008 in the Boxster, Cayman, and 911 and 911 Turbo models through the 997 utilized a very robust Mercedes supplied automatic capable of supporting the increased output of the turbocharged engine.

While the Tiptronic was not developed for racing or campaigned by Porsche, their efforts were redoubled on development of the next generation of automatic gearbox. The PDK was born on the race circuit in the 1980s while Porsche was campaigning the 952 and 962, eventually securing a win at Monza in 1986. Early prototypes were fitted to production vehicles and in 2009, Porsche introduced the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK transmission, in Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models. The PDK is a dual clutch transmission similar to gearboxes used by other manufacturers. Besides being able to shift faster than any human with rev-matching to boot, the PDK offers improved efficiency exceeding that of a manual transmission. Even though improved fuel economy helps Porsche as an automaker meet ever more stringent fuel economy and emission standards, the PDK was born on and for the race track. The PDK as used in street models have found their way into race cars, proving their durability and reliability. Case in point, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport utilizes a six speed rather than seven speed PDK along with different software optimized for race-only use, and even the Cup car is offered in PDK trim.

Like in a conventional automatic transmission, the dual clutches have their own hydraulic fluid as goes the differential which is lubricated with gear oil. In the 987.2 and 997.2, the PDK-side used a heat exchanged to cool the hydraulic fluid for the dual clutches. It was not until the 981 and 991 that a gear side cooler was also added to provide cooling to the gear oil.

Even with these improvements and more frequent servicing, tuners and race shops have turned to the aftermarket for solutions to beef up the PDK for track use:
 

  • Guard Transmission offers a more durable limited slip differential than the one fitted by the factory that is known to wear out prematurely.
  • Cobb Tuning PDK software for all models fitted with the PDK gearbox provides increased shift firmness, clutch pressure, and shift points.
  • Joe Gibbs Racing Driven DCT dual clutch transmission oil fights shearing and viscosity loss, while providing superior performance over OEM fluid.
  • Bilt Racing Service offers innovative solutions and upgrades for improved gear and PDK cooling including a billet aluminum PDK oil pan that features a modular filter and additional cooling.

With a decade of street and race experience, we now know with the PDK that Porsche has given us a robust transmission that outperforms any previous manual or automatic gearbox and does so while being nearly bulletproof. Porsche’s fastest models come standard with this amazing dual clutch gearbox, and although some purists will only accept a manual gearbox, love it or hate it, the PDK is here to stay and we are huge fans of the PDK. In street use, regular fluid and filter changes every 36,000 miles is a safe interval to provide a long life for the PDK transmission. In track use, added cooling and much more frequent fluid and filter changes are required to ensure the longevity of the PDK gearbox.

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  1. 7DT45 Shift Fork Position Sensor Unit for Porsche PDK Gearbox

    SKU: 0501325775KX

    $2,341.18
    Repair your 7DT45 and 7DT70 Porsche PDK transmission / gearbox instead of buying a new one! The distance / position sensor failure is typically indicated by 1731-1735 and other 17xx errors. Previously this kind of error required a new and very expensive PDK transmission, but now you can just replace the faulty gear position sensor. This 100% new aftermarket replacement part (not made by ZF or sold by Porsche) using the latest technology and electronics (2021 vs 2007); replaces Porsche part numbers 0501325775, 0501327105, and 0501324703. Fits 911, Cayman, and Boxster models since 2009 (997 991 981 718 models) sourced from our supplier in Canada (not China!) Professional installation by qualified shop required; sensor is not available for purchase for DIY installation as replacing the PDK distance / position sensor is a very complicated procedure and no official factory PDK repair manual exists. PIWIS records (VAL file) including VIN number and details for each installation must be documented and submitted to meet sensor manufacturer and warranty requirements. Please note the factory manual does not provide instructions for disassembly and reassembly of the PDK transmissions; Instructions and support are not provided with the replacement sensor, however there are threads on the Rennlist Porsche forums that will be of assistance (see links below). You will need to reuse (solder) all harness, plug, and speed sensors. Please note: sensor is not available for retail purchase by end users as the sensor can only be purchased and installed through a shop that is qualified to do the installation. If you are a shop, please contact us for more information. Technical support and warranty is provided by the manufacturer. Not available for export. Price listed is suggested retail; wholesale pricing available to qualified buyers. Learn More
  2. Bilt Racing Service BRS 987/981 PDK Cooling Line Fittings

    SKU: 117-02

    $250.00
    Our custom Bilt Racing Service BRS 987/981 PDK Fittings allow you to plumb in an external oil cooler to your PDK transmission for the PDK side fluid. These replace the factory hard lines and adapt the transmission to take -6 AN fittings. Sold individually and include new o-rings. Fittings are specific for 987 or 981 models and are not interchangeable, so be sure to select the correct fittings for your Porsche Boxster/Cayman with PDK gearbox. Learn More
  3. Bilt Racing Service BRS 987/987.2/981 Solid Transmission Mounts MY06-16

    SKU: 117-06

    $329.00
    Replace the non-active rubber or active transmission mounts as found in 986 through 981 with a full solid setup to minimize drivetrain movement and flex. Should not be coupled with a solid engine mount due to harmonics and excessive vibration. Fits all 986/987/987.2/981/GT4 Boxsters and Caymans from 1998-2016.

    Download Installation Quick Guide for 986/987 and 981 cars

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  4. Bilt Racing Service BRS 987 PDK 15mm Axle Spacer Kit MY09-12 Boxster Cayman

    SKU: 117-07

    $92.50
    This axle spacer kit alleviates the added stresses put onto the axle with the additional camber and track width that comes with race alignment adjustments. The output shaft, that is only help in by a wire clip, will pull out of the transmission. This can tear the seal causing intermix of the PDK and gear fluid, and also disengage the differential. This can cause serious damage on track. This kit contains one spacer and necessary bolts. This spacer is to be installed on the driver side axle only. Installing a spacer on the passenger axle will cause the axle joint to push through the metal cover, and leak all of the grease from the axle. Learn More
  5. Bilt Racing Service BRS 987.2/981 PDK Cooler Side Mount

    SKU: 117-08

    $999.00
    The PDK Side Mount Cooler is an upgrade to replace to small factory Porsche unit. The additional cooling capacity maintains safe temperature levels to prevent the car from going into a limp mode. The oil to water heat exchanger uses the same inlet and outlet lines as the factory system. Our BRS PDK fittings allowing the cooler to be routed to the provisions on the side of the transmission. The kit tucks neatly next to the transmission to allow the use of factory style exhausts. Our cooler is three times the capacity of the OEM cooler. Please add .5QT to the factory fill capacity. Download Installation Instructions.
    (1.6MB PDF file)
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  6. Bilt Racing Service BRS Billet PDK Transmission Pan 987.2 997.2 981 991 718

    SKU: 117-10

    $1,349.00
    When servicing a PDK gearbox, the OE design with integral filter requires complete replacement of the transmission pan which can be very costly over time, with the factory plastic transmission oil pan costing upwards of $400. Save with Bilt Racing Service's billet aluminum PDK pan that can be serviced by only having to replace the inexpensive filter element! As an added benefit, 0.5 quarts added volume and cooling from the finned aluminum sump improve transmission and fluid life for both street and track use. Our kit includes installation hardware, filter insert, and pan gaskets. Pan also uses and includes an LN Engineering magnetic drain plug (106-07) which uses the factory 900 123 106 30 washer for easy fluid changes. Replaces 9G1 321 025 00.

    Download Installation Manual Download Installation Manual


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  7. Bilt Racing Service BRS Billet PDK Pan Filter Service Pack

    SKU: 117-10.SP

    $99.00
    This kit includes replacements for all the non-reusable parts for our Billet PDK Pan when completing a service. Replacing the filter and seals is essential for keeping your PDK transmission shifting properly and leak free. Kit includes: Filter Media Pan Gasket Pickup O-Ring Learn More
  8. BRS Cayman/Boxster 987.2 PDK Transmission Gear Oil Cooler Kit

    SKU: 117-11

    $1,399.00

    Porsche Cayman and Boxster 987.2 PDK models do not come equipped with a gear cooler for the PDK transmission from the factory. The gear fluid in your PDK transmission has the tough job of keeping everything inside the gearbox properly lubricated and can often overheat when tracked, especially if fitted with a limited slip differential. Gear oil that is overheated can break down and provide inadequate protection, leading to premature wear to expensive components inside your transmission, requiring rebuild or replacement of your gearbox. Starting with 981 and 991 models, Porsche added an oil to water heat exchanger to cool the gear fluid. We've improved upon that design by fitting a substantially larger cooler that will keep your gearbox cool and extend its life significantly.

    The BRS Cayman/Boxster 987.2 PDK Transmission Gear Oil Cooler kit is a direct bolt on plug and play kit using our oversized Porsche Cayenne Turbo oil to water heat exchanger made exclusively for LN Engineering. The remoted mounted 0.5 L capacity oil to water heat exchanger provides superior cooling compared to air to oil coolers commonly used that require substantial airflow routed to them to function properly. The kit includes oil cooler, 12V Mocal gear oil pump, custom brackets, hardware, Aeroquip hose, and fittings to add much needed cooling to your Porsche Boxster or Cayman gearbox.

    Please note: this kit is only compatible with 2009-2012 987.2 Porsche Boxster and Cayman models with the PDK transmission; installation of low temperature thermostat and center radiator recommended.

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  9. BRS Cayman/Boxster 987.1 6-Speed Transmission Gear Oil Cooler Kit

    SKU: 117-12

    $1,399.00

    Porsche Cayman and Boxster 987.1 models do not come equipped with a gear cooler for the manual transmission from the factory. The gear fluid in your gearbox has the tough job of keeping everything inside the transmission properly lubricated and can often overheat when tracked, especially if fitted with a limited slip differential. Gear oil that is overheated can break down and provide inadequate protection, leading to premature wear to expensive components inside your transmission, requiring rebuild or replacement of your gearbox. Starting with 981 and 991 models, Porsche added an oil to water heat exchanger to cool the gear fluid. We've improved upon that design by fitting a substantially larger cooler that will keep your gearbox cool and extend its life significantly.

    The BRS Cayman/Boxster 987.1 6-Speed Transmission Gear Oil Cooler kit is a direct bolt on plug and play kit using our oversized Porsche Cayenne Turbo oil to water heat exchanger made exclusively for LN Engineering. The remoted mounted 0.5 L capacity oil to water heat exchanger provides superior cooling compared to air to oil coolers commonly used that require substantial airflow routed to them to function properly. The kit includes oil cooler, 12V Mocal gear oil pump, custom brackets, hardware, Aeroquip hose, and fittings to add much needed cooling to your Porsche Boxster or Cayman gearbox.

    Please note: this kit is only compatible with 2005-2008 987.1 Porsche Boxster and Cayman models with the six (6) speed manual transmission; installation of low temperature thermostat and center radiator recommended.

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  10. Bilt Racing Service BRS XL Oil to Water Heat Exchanger Kit - Universal Oil Cooler

    SKU: 118-00-KIT

    $745.00

    Large Oil to Water Heat Exchanger Kit (includes Mount Adapter and Fittings)

    Our universal fluid cooler can be used on any make/model for cooling engine or transmission fluids. Requires fabrication of custom brackets and line sets. Our exclusive cooler has 21 plates versus the factory Cayenne Turbo's 14 plates with a total 468g of water - 0.5L of fluid capacity.

    When coupled with one of our M96/M97 or 9A1 engine oil cooler deletes, the BRS XL Oil to Water Heat Exchanger kit can be used to provide superior cooling for even the hottest climates and tough track use and has been successfully utilized on PCA Club Racing Spec Porsche Cayman race cars.

    Please note that this cooler kit does not come with any brackets, coolant, or oil lines. The only fittings included are for the oil outlets on the cooler mounting plate.

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