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notcho64
Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2006
Posts: 213
Location: Verdi, NV
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 Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 4:05 pm Post subject: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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I'm converting to IRS for my 1960 bus with a Type E motorsports rear suspension.
My questions to all of you out there that have gone to a Type 1 IRS:
Are you using a stock gears or something different to push the bus?
Would a freeway flyer be too much for a bus?
_________________
1960 15 Window - Current Ride
1957 PGSG Kombi - Sold
1963 Ragtop/Air Ride/Turbo Bug ( I should have never bought it)
64 1500S Notchback (I should have never SOLD it)
www.norcalaircooledgroup.com
NAG#9 |
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Glenn 
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 80589
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 4:43 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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If you're eliminating the RGB, will you also lower the front to match?
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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pondoras box
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2004
Posts: 1937
Location: Warren, PA
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| Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 4:59 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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Depends on your engine choice, but 3:88 to 1 for a 2 liter or bigger. Anything smaller than that use a 4:12. Build your engine for torque not top end horsepower.
_________________
Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.
1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda). https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563183
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1960 hardtop
1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop (Arschloch)
1973 standard bug (Dirty Gertie)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion |
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notcho64
Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2006
Posts: 213
Location: Verdi, NV
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| Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 5:04 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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I for got to mention that I already have a Type 1 swing axel with T2 nose cone and GRB are gone. I currently have a 1776 and looking to move up in size in the future. And yes the front is lowered too.
_________________
1960 15 Window - Current Ride
1957 PGSG Kombi - Sold
1963 Ragtop/Air Ride/Turbo Bug ( I should have never bought it)
64 1500S Notchback (I should have never SOLD it)
www.norcalaircooledgroup.com
NAG#9 |
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NUTSFORBUSES
Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2016
Posts: 594
Location: I don't recognize it anymore
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| Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2025 8:50 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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I have a 2332 with my IRS-it scoots, but you need to stop it also ! Im using stock 64 gearing from a bug, it's fine. it's lowered, and should be. it's a Bus not a Porsche.
Ive had it up to 80 mph(easy), and that is where my balls stopped, it could probably hit close to 100, but it won't happen. When you install that IRS you can and should add discs in the back also. You are going where no man should go. Install a sway bar in the front out of a later bus. it is fun to drive, but stopping is paramount!
Under power it and you may as well NOT go IRS.
Big money today if you attempt it. I have no idea what a freeway flyer is, I think it's just an early bug transaxle or a custom $$ tranny.But Yes, stock is more than fine if you have the POWER to push it. 2 liter or BIGGER ! A stage 2 clutch would be good also. I hope you already rebuilt your front end ! ALL OF IT. Life insurance would be a good idea if you have a family. My Bus hits 60MPH in 7 seconds easy, my first bus never hit 60 unless going down hill with a tornado behind me followed by my x wife.
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kaiser kills kids.com |
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pondoras box
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2004
Posts: 1937
Location: Warren, PA
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| Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2025 6:45 am Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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Freeway flyer is pretty much a 3:88 to one with a tall fourth gear. It’s a late super beetle trans.
_________________
Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.
1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda). https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563183
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1960 hardtop
1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop (Arschloch)
1973 standard bug (Dirty Gertie)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion |
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NUTSFORBUSES
Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2016
Posts: 594
Location: I don't recognize it anymore
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| Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2025 10:21 am Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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<https://www.instagram.com/p/CZSju6JFUkU/>
BTW: check out that web address-it just happened!
Here is my 64 with a 2332 cc W IRS hitting 60MPH-I don't hit 4th, and I'm not pushing it up very high.
The Only Bus I've owned that I have Never downshifted up a hill.
If you buy some HP, it really does not matter what ratio you choose, but you do need more HP.
I do not miss the stock motor even a bit, unless the Carbs Sync-out, but after a while you become an expert on those 44 Webers.
Mileage is NOT so great, and you may need a larger tank out of a Bay. Sorta like adding 3 More carburetor's
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notcho64
Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2006
Posts: 213
Location: Verdi, NV
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| Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2025 12:49 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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I am also getting a new front end with disc brakes, and putting disc in rear too. Already have a Bay tank. Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll just go with a stock T1 IRS gears for now.
_________________
1960 15 Window - Current Ride
1957 PGSG Kombi - Sold
1963 Ragtop/Air Ride/Turbo Bug ( I should have never bought it)
64 1500S Notchback (I should have never SOLD it)
www.norcalaircooledgroup.com
NAG#9 |
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Brian_e
Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2009
Posts: 4290
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
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| Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2025 6:45 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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Rear tire height is a huge factor.
Stock beetle gears, with a 4.12 and a 205/65/15 will get you really close. Freeway Fryers need a really big engine built with peak torque about 2500-3000rpm to work and cool correctly. 3500rpm at 65mph is just about the perfect sweet spot for maximum cooling, ideal powerband, and safe road speed.
Brian
_________________
So more or less the lazier and stupider you want to be, the nicer quality parts you need to buy.
-Modok
Narrowed beams, Drop adjustable spring plates, Bus disk brake and IRS kits.
www.type-emotorsports.com
Type E Engine Parts and Supplies
https://type-emotorsports.com/collections/engine-parts |
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jeremyrockjock
Samba Towbar Builder
Joined: January 01, 2002
Posts: 5009
Location: Richmond, Verjinya
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| Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2025 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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I have a stock 73 beetle transmission and a 1904cc pushing it. It gets along really nicely.
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Why buy what you can build.
Step away from the fiberglass and no one gets hurt!! |
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Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 80589
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2025 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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I built a 2110 for a 74 Brazilian Bus and installed a straight axle gearbox with the following gears:
1st - 3.78:1
2nd - 2.06:1
3rd - 1.26:1
4th – 0.89:1
Ring / Pinion - 3.875:1
Tires are 186/60-15
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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jonny1309
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2005
Posts: 687
Location: Oside
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| Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2025 3:00 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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Engine displacement and tire diameter are determining factors. I am currently running a 2332, IRS 4.12 with .89 4th, and 215/75R15 tires. It will cruise at 60-65 with minimal effort. I can go 80 but choose not to.
I have run a stock 1600 in this bus, setup as described. It’s not ideal but it got the job done. Keep it at the high end of the torque curve and it was acceptable. The 1600 was working hard where the stroker does not. I put 5-6000 miles a year on this bus.
I have also run a 3.88 big nut with .89 4th RGB trans in this same bus, but I prefer IRS. For the most part, I will run 4.12 with .89 4th in just about any bus I build stock height or lowered.
As mentioned by others, brakes and suspension are paramount. My next build will include Brian’s IRS kit and disc brakes. |
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VWAdam
Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2002
Posts: 3353
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
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| Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2025 6:36 am Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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My Bus was already straight axle before I did the IRS conversion. I used a gearbox from a '71 Beetle. It seems to have pretty much the same gearing as the Type3 swing axle did. Mine is a 1600dp and will go 70mph easily. It slows down on steep hills of course.
_________________
All he needed was a wheel in his hand and four on the road.
'59 Euro Beetle ragtop
'63 Standard Microbus
Come to my show! www.volksjam.com
Looking for badge/sticker/frame from Western Motors in Great Falls, Montana |
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pondoras box
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2004
Posts: 1937
Location: Warren, PA
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| Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2025 10:53 am Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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| VWAdam wrote: |
| My Bus was already straight axle before I did the IRS conversion. I used a gearbox from a '71 Beetle. It seems to have pretty much the same gearing as the Type3 swing axle did. Mine is a 1600dp and will go 70mph easily. It slows down on steep hills of course. |
You’re going to want to be careful with this configuration in Nevada heat. I had this in Yuma and my engine ran hot if you pushed highway speeds in the summer heat. When I sold it I warned the buyer that it would run 70 mph but to not do it for extended periods in the heat. He didn’t listen and tried to run from Yuma to Pahrump in August heat pushing 70 the entire way. The oil got hot then thin then sprayed out the seals. By the time he stopped he had an oily mess and a scorched engine. Of course he blamed me. The bus, a yellow and white 63 double door panel is in New York now. I miss that bus.
_________________
Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.
1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda). https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563183
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1960 hardtop
1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop (Arschloch)
1973 standard bug (Dirty Gertie)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion |
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VWAdam
Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2002
Posts: 3353
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
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| Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2025 11:07 am Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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| pondoras box wrote: |
| VWAdam wrote: |
| My Bus was already straight axle before I did the IRS conversion. I used a gearbox from a '71 Beetle. It seems to have pretty much the same gearing as the Type3 swing axle did. Mine is a 1600dp and will go 70mph easily. It slows down on steep hills of course. |
You’re going to want to be careful with this configuration in Nevada heat. I had this in Yuma and my engine ran hot if you pushed highway speeds in the summer heat. When I sold it I warned the buyer that it would run 70 mph but to not do it for extended periods in the heat. He didn’t listen and tried to run from Yuma to Pahrump in August heat pushing 70 the entire way. The oil got hot then thin then sprayed out the seals. By the time he stopped he had an oily mess and a scorched engine. Of course he blamed me. The bus, a yellow and white 63 double door panel is in New York now. I miss that bus. |
I’ve driven mine in the dead of summer here in Alabama on long highway trips 95-100 degrees and sauna humidity and it was fine. I did the same when it was straight axle. I have a head temp and oil pressure gauge.
_________________
All he needed was a wheel in his hand and four on the road.
'59 Euro Beetle ragtop
'63 Standard Microbus
Come to my show! www.volksjam.com
Looking for badge/sticker/frame from Western Motors in Great Falls, Montana |
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pondoras box
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2004
Posts: 1937
Location: Warren, PA
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| Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2025 1:08 pm Post subject: Re: Type 1 IRS in my splitty |
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| VWAdam wrote: |
| pondoras box wrote: |
| VWAdam wrote: |
| My Bus was already straight axle before I did the IRS conversion. I used a gearbox from a '71 Beetle. It seems to have pretty much the same gearing as the Type3 swing axle did. Mine is a 1600dp and will go 70mph easily. It slows down on steep hills of course. |
You’re going to want to be careful with this configuration in Nevada heat. I had this in Yuma and my engine ran hot if you pushed highway speeds in the summer heat. When I sold it I warned the buyer that it would run 70 mph but to not do it for extended periods in the heat. He didn’t listen and tried to run from Yuma to Pahrump in August heat pushing 70 the entire way. The oil got hot then thin then sprayed out the seals. By the time he stopped he had an oily mess and a scorched engine. Of course he blamed me. The bus, a yellow and white 63 double door panel is in New York now. I miss that bus. |
I’ve driven mine in the dead of summer here in Alabama on long highway trips 95-100 degrees and sauna humidity and it was fine. I did the same when it was straight axle. I have a head temp and oil pressure gauge. |
I promise you that extra 20 to 25 degrees makes a huge difference. Your engine does not feel humidity other than carb. Plus the desert winds and very stiff, much worse than south east. That puts a lot more strain on your engine. Not to mention much of the desert southwest is a very high altitude so a lot of climbing. I ran an external cooler with a temp controlled fan and a type four cooler in the doghouse on my bigger engines. Still all the bus guys rolled the slow lane on the highways.
_________________
Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.
1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda). https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563183
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1960 hardtop
1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop (Arschloch)
1973 standard bug (Dirty Gertie)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion |
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