Hopefully, this won't open another can of worms (ie TI vs. TIV). But I'd like to hear some opions on which tranny to use & why? VW stock or modified or Porsche 901 or 915.
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Hopefully, this won't open another can of worms (ie TI vs. TIV). But I'd like to hear some opions on which tranny to use & why? VW stock or modified or Porsche 901 or 915.
It depends on the horsepower of the engine. If you are going with anything getting above 2000cc, you will want at least a modified tranny with welded 3rd and 4th gears to handle the extra power and torque. If within your price range (600-900 dollars), Jim Kaforski of Der Trans Axle in Anaheim makes an excellent product. I have his high end tranny with reinforced swing axles and it is great.
Both are of course 911 IRS transaxles. The 901 4-speed is bullet proof, used by a lot of VW drag racers. The 901 5-speed is a little weak because of the "dog leg" placement of the 1st geat to make it a 5-speed. Either the 901 4 or 5 speed will handle 200 BHP with no problems and is the easiest to use with a type 1 VW engine as it uses a very similar "push" clutch release mechanism. Variations of the 901 were also used in 914's. 901's have a slightly strange shift pattern; 1st is down and left with reverse up from it, 2-3/4-5 is in the normal "H" configuration to the right. When speed-shifting from 1st to 2nd you have to be CAREFUL to avoid graunching reverse.
The 911 transaxle was an updated 901 and used a magnesium trans case and "pull" clutch release mechanism.
The 915 is much stronger and heavier than the 901 variations.
I have a 901 5-speed in my IM and wouldn't have it any other way.
(Message Edited 11/25/2002 2:05:18 PM)
The 911 transaxle was an updated 901 and used a magnesium trans case and "pull" clutch release mechanism.
The 915 is much stronger and heavier than the 901 variations.
I have a 901 5-speed in my IM and wouldn't have it any other way.
(Message Edited 11/25/2002 2:05:18 PM)