Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 23:21:35 -0800
Reply-To: Doug Jones <duge4wd@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Doug Jones <duge4wd@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Subject: Re: Flipped transaxles for HiPo Vanagons
I'm curious where the "flipped" part of this thread came from since we're
talking about Porsche trannies? I probably missed a post somewhere.
ANYWAY, If you'd like a quick peek at a Porsche 901 tranny (64-71 911) swap
into a Beetle, look for the Keith Sueme book, "VW Beetle Performance
Handbook." It may be at your local book store; It was put out by Motorbooks
International. Not allot of details; but, you will need to fabricate a front
cross member to support transaxle, locate the Porsche shifter, and modify
the linkage. In fact in one picture, it shows what appears to be a
wasserboxer attached to the 901 transaxle in a Beetle IRS pan.
My guess is a Porsche 915 transaxle might work except that it has a larger
input shaft; but, I have no idea about the G50 which has an even larger
input shaft. And if you're more interested in drag racing than doing any
highway cruising, you could try a 4-spd out of a Porsche 930; but, I
wouldn't recommend it. Unless you're looking at putting through allot more
than 200 DIN HP, the 901 should be sufficient. Knowing Kennedy, they have an
adapter for almost anything.
Biggest problem...PRICE.
These are just some rebuilt prices.
64-71 Porsche 901 $989
72-74 Porsche 915 $999
75-86 Porsche 915 $1,049
87-94 Porsche G50 $1,299
This doesn't count gear changes.
BUT, if cost is no object...it is no problem.
Of course, in that case you would probably install a Porsche flat-six to go
with the Porsche tranny!
And with enough money, you can get any fabrication needed to put any
drivetrain into any auto.
If you need it, I have a line on a flat-12 from a Ferrari BB512.
If you know trannies and feel confident screwing around with them, you could
also grab a 914 transaxle cheap, rebuild it and flip the R&P. Same as a 901
transaxle. Was that the "flipping" part? I might have just gotten what was
going on...maybe!?!
As far as output shafts, my guess is you should use the stronger Porsche
shafts and CV joints.
Any other ideas out there? What about the "Auto crowd?"
I haven't even thought about a Sportomatic or Tiptronic swap.
Doug Jones
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