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Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:29 pm

I recently purchased a 72 Beetle (1st time bub owner) and just installed a 2110 SCAT motor, CB Ultra Mag heads, dual IDF Webers and 120 cam. I'm now looking at having a tranny built. Has anyone used a freeway flier? and can this tranny be built for performance. I was curious because most my driving is hi-way. I don't know if what I have is stock gear ratio or not, but perhaps if I list the gears and speed someone can tell me. Also. What's considered a safe rpm for these cars.
The following is @ 3000rpm
1st gear (10mph)
2nd gear (20mph)
3rd gear (38mph)
4th gear (55mph)
Cruising @70 it seems to be screaming @ 4000rpms.
Hopefully someone can tell me if this is normal or not, or do you just drive these cars a little slower.

Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:48 pm

RPM range (where to shift) is usually based on the engine, not so much transmission. I shift my 1914cc engine at 6000rpm without issues. 6500 sometimes. A stock engine won't like much more than 4000rpm max. Do you have a counter-weight crank with that new engine?

For that engine combination I would recommend a tall tire out back (205-70-15)....4.12R&P with a .82 fourth. Should be a nice cruiser.

Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:55 pm

Yes it has a counter-weight crank, and I usually shift around 4000rpm but I'll give 6000rpms a try.
Thanks for the tip.

Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:05 am

What size are Your tires? Those rpm figures look a little off. With 195/65r15's I turn about 15 1st@3000. 4th@55 is about 2700. 70 is about 3200-3300 rpms. Scott

Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:36 am

A "Freeway Flyer" is a marketing name. Generally they are a bone stock tranny with a taller 4th gear, usually a Bus .082. They are no stronger than stock.

But like any tranny they can be built stronger.

First off a stock VW engine can cruise all day at 3500rpm. If you built your correctly it should do the same. Tire size will alter the speed the car moves at along with the ring and pinion ratio. Taking a stock tranny with a 4.125 r/p and substituting a 3.875 will increase the speed in all gears. Having a "Freeway Flyer" will just increase the speed in 4th, but will also create a large gap between 3rd and 4th gear.

A stock tranny can last a long time with a performance engine if you don't abuse it. As with any tranny you can add hi-po parts like steel forks, welded syncros, HD keys, HD pinion nut and side covers and so on.

You can also drop a dime and have a Berg 5 speed built with hi-po parts and ZF LSD, but that's al whole shitload of dimes.

Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:34 am

I just checked the tire size and they are P265/50R/15