TheSamba.com :: View topic - berg-5 speed trans installation

Mon Aug 11, 2008 9:05 pm

Ok, I talked to Rancho last week to get a close ratio box for my 59' rag and after struggling my brain all weekend deciding if I need the freeway flyer gear in there or not, I decided to take the plunge (money that is) and go with the berg-5. Another reason is that I have the body off the pan right now.

Rancho recommended the following ratios for my 2276, cb re-worked heads, fk44 w/pauter 1.4's, berg straight-cuts, scat H 5.5's, 10:1, ida's, 26" tires, weeked hot street/some track.

4.125 r/p, 3.78, 2.06, 1.58, 1.21. I haven't talked to them about the berg-5 yet, I'm guessing they will recommend a .89 5th for my engine size as opposed to a .82.

I need your guys tips (painful ones too) to get the trans installed for a swing axle / 59' bug? Do I have to cut the pan to clear nosecone? Will I have alignment problems with hockey stick? Any welding? Any special parts/mounts you recommend? etc., etc..

Thanks guys!

Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:25 am

smkn_vw wrote:
Do I have to cut the pan to clear nosecone? Yes, the body too.

Will I have alignment problems with hockey stick? The hockey stick will be high in the tunnel and may interfere with the inspection cover plate.

Any welding? Yes, the stock front mount is removed and replaced by a Berg style mid mount. Steel mounting ears must be welded to the outboard side of the frame horns.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:49 am

Thanks much, do you (or anyone) have sample photos of where to cut the pan and body? Is this something Gene Berg provides? Sorry, I know I'm asking alot, I don't mind cutting but want to do it as clean as possible.

I think I have an idea where the body needs to be cut, like the flat area behind the back seat below the back window? Also, I assume I have to fab a cover plate so water doesn't come in the car. I was planning to mount the oil cooler there just above the trans, maybe need to find another location, anyways I don't think I can fit cooler and stacked fan in that area.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:43 am

I have the same 1st - 4th. My 5th is a 0.82 and i'm running a 3.875 r/p.

Love it.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 6:31 am

Have you dynoed your motor and do you know where your torque ban is? This info is important to figure your gear splits, when you shift and what RPM you're at when you pick up the next gear.

The splits need to get closer as you get into 3rd and 4th. The heavier the car the clsoer the splits need to be. By the weight of the car and HP you'll have an idea what speed and RPM you're at at the end of the quarter. This info will help you pick your gears.

I'm running a 3.88 RP, 3.78,2.36,1.59,1.21 and .082 but my tire height is 23.67".

Here is a gear calculator: http://www.johnmaherracing.co.uk/toolbox.htm

Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:33 pm

My gears are:
3.78, 2.25, 1.48, 1.13, .82
on a 4.12 R&P.

Compared to the other guys, I have a very tall 4th gear. For my use, I hate it. It is too low. Next time the gearbox is apart, I'm sticking in a 1.04.

It depends a lot on how you're using the car.

Wed Aug 13, 2008 1:09 am

Actually, I haven't dynoed the motor yet, it's not finished it was a 2110 but upgrading to a 2276, I also have lots of work to do before I get to the motor including heater channel replacements and wiring.

With the 4th and 5th gears you guys are using, does it bog down when you shift from 4th to 5th or is it pretty smooth transition? Also, is there a recommended shifter to use with the Berg5 trans?

Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:12 pm

smkn_vw wrote:
With the 4th and 5th gears you guys are using, does it bog down when you shift from 4th to 5th or is it pretty smooth transition?
Depends on how high you wind it out in 4th. With enough hp, that shift could happen above 100mph.
If you look at John's 4th and 5th, his 1.21 is just slightly taller than a stock 3rd gear. His .82 is also just a bit taller than a stock 4th gear. So the gap between his 4th and 5th is right about the same as the gap between stock 3rd and 4th in a 4 speed.

Most guys use a Berg 5 shifter. CSP makes a shifter that works with a B5. A buddy of mine made a stock shifter work. I modifed a Hurst shifter for mine.

Thu Aug 14, 2008 1:20 am

Sounds good, I think I'll do the .82 with the 1.21 4th so 5th cruises up top.

Hey Bruce, do you have a spare modified Hurst shifter you want to sell?? I just remembered I don't care for the T-handle shifters like the Berg, I had a Scat once and hated it because it kept bumping into my leg, it actually felt it could do some serious long term damage, let know on the shifter, thanks.