914 Transmission onto VW chassis

Hello,

Does anyone know if it is possible to fit/use a transmission from a 914 with a VW floorpan?

I know that the Type 4 engine is easily interchangeable with the Type 1.

But, the 914 transmission was rearward of the engine instead of forwards as in the Beetle. Someone I spoke to said it would be possible if I switch the pinion gear around. This sounds simple enough (in words at least), but I have no idea about mounting of the transmission onto the VW floorpan.

Any thoughts / ideas / feedback?

Thanks,

Jim.

Almost anything can be done, but if you want a 5 speed you're probably better off going with a Porsche 915, 5 speed (stay away from the 901) or a Gene Berg 5 speed.
Ron

Thanks.

The reason for my question was someone has offered me a 914 at a price that I cannot refuse (divorce...etc).

However, a 914 is not what I want, what I want is a speedster!

Buying the 914 gets me a Type 4 engine that I want. I already have a Type 1 transaxle that I could use, but liked the idea of the more robust 914 transaxle mated to the 2.0l type 4 engine.

Really, the only issues I can see are the transmission mounts to the frame and connecting up the shifter linkage (not sure whether the 914 has the side or rear linkage hook-up).

Jim.

BTW: What's a 901? Is that a transmission or vehicle?

Cheers.

A 901 is an early Porsche tranny that is popular and affordable for modifying into a Type 1. Now the issue with the 914 tranny is that it is set up for a mid enging (in other words, the motor goes in front instead of in back. There is a way to convert it. Someone will tell you which part and where. For info on installing a 901, go the Cal Look forum and click on technical articles.

you'd have to reverse the ring and pinion of the 914 transaxle for it to work, otherwise you will have 5 reverse gears and one forward! it also has the shift lever in a difficult orientation for the beetle pan. impossible, really, but where there's a will, there's a way, i suppose.

with a type IV engine there is not so much need for the extra gear anyhow, you can have a built beetle tranny with strengthened parts, ratios and final drive geared for the powerband of the engine. this will be cheaper than any other solution (like the berg 5-speed or the 915) and it will likely give you just as much utility.

i am working on a speedster at the moment which will have a 2056 tIV engine, DTM and we will use a beetle trans built to suit the engine. the customer would like a 5-speed, but the cost is astronomical, prohibitive for many people.

scott lyons
germansupply.com

You could use the engine and trans in a 550 Spyder kit. The Thunder Ranch kit can accomodate a 911 flat 6, if you are not real set on a speedster.

The 914 I am looking at is a 1974.
It is priced at approx $750.
Would it be worth buying just for the engine? The engine appears to run smoothly, but would get a rebuild anyway.
Are there any other mechanicals (brakes, etc.) that could be used on a Type 1 chassis?

Jim.

It depends on the year of the doner beetle chassis. THere are ways to make things work. But some parts may not be worth the effort.

The donor Beetle chassis I have is a 1968.

I already have some disks from a Ghia to replace the front drums (does anyone know where I can still purchase a replacement seal kit for ATE 1-pin disk calipers?).

I really like the idea of a Type 4 engine, even if I get it for just the engine, is this still potentially a "good buy"

Jim.

A T4 motor that runs smoothly for $750 bucks is a bargin in and of itself. Buy it, sell the little stuff on ebay for profit.

Use to own a 71 914. The worst part about the car was the transmission. Hated the shift pattern. I was always having to watchout when shifting into second and not accidentally hit reverse. I had to dump the tranny twice. Really lousy shift, but a hell of a fun car.

A 68 beetle is swing axle. There are IRS conversion kits but require welding and fabrication. The 914 tranny is IRS. Is it worth it? I think a good solid rebuilt swing axle will last forever. Don't forget your Camber Compensator.