1971 bus 002 Conversion into a 1974 standard beetle IRS

[Synergy Solutions]

Hey everybody, I’ve got a customer looking to install his 1971 factory bus transmission 002 which has been re-geared for better highway cruising and is low mileage since the rebuild into a 1974 standard beetle. opinions aside as to why I am doing this conversion, I’m looking to understand a couple of things before we tear everything apart. First of all, I understand that I’m going to need a shift adapter, I’m going to need a transmission mount kit, and I’m going to need 15 5/8 inch long axles. I plan to use the bus CV joints at the transmission, and the bug CV joints at the stub axles for simplicity. to be clear, the beetle will be a street car, is not getting lifted or any sort of extension to trailing arms. It will be getting some brake work and sway bars, and a Kafer cup kit, but will otherwise just be an around town fun car, not a Baja

Here is my biggest question: why does the kit for the transmission mount say that it only fits standard beetles up to 72? What’s the difference between a 72 and a 74 bug transmission that makes the kit not work? I read something about the dual cover plate transmission versus a single cover plate, transmission, And something about the transmission being offset to one side. Is this related?

Thanks for any helpful input!
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Im a Mobile Aircooled VW mechanic, and work on old and new cars alike. Specialty in Camper busses/Vans, TDI, and FI diagnosis and repair.

(206) 841 7324

[Olli from NJ]

In '73 the front mount changed.

Olli

[NJ John]

The kit is for this style front mount. Rear mounts are different, also. But I think the kit would replace all of it. You could probably fabricate a front mount.

Nuts missing in the pic.
_________________
1973 standard, yellow, lowered, 3” narrowed front, 1600 blo-thru turbo w/single dell 15.4@86, so far
11.41 et buggy. Long gone
Let’s go O’s! Let’s go O’s!
https://www.youtube.com/@AirSpooledGarage

[RickS]

Putting a 002 into a beetle has several issues you haven’t even touched on. The first is what mount kit are you planning on using? Is it solid or rubber mounted? Does it put the shift rod above the tunnel, as most of them do? What is your plan for an e-brake?

A 002 can be put in with the shift rod in the tunnel, but requires a conversion intermediate housing. This conversion is neither cheap or easy, as the transmission needs to be disassembled to install.

I did this conversion 20 years ago. At this time I think it cost me about $3000. Today, I would estimate at least double that.

[Synergy Solutions]

This kit:
https://www2.cip1.com/acc-c10-4331/

This shift coupler:
https://www.jbugs.com/product/17-2725.html

SAW2016 axles shaved down, due to 2015 being TNA on backorder. 15-5/8 total length.


I realize solid mounts incur their own issues. Not finding a insulated mount kit, open to ideas!

Engine is a 1904 that’s running a barrysblowers kit at 8psi, and a 123 programmable distributor that pulls timing perfectly with a boost vac reference signal. That whole setup has worked in the 71 bus up to now, just want to keep it all together while the bus goes subaru and 091.

Regarding brakes its getting a new master cylinder, and 4 wheel disc brakes from socal imports with a parking brake setup.


Pardon my innocence asking this next one:

How are parking brake cables affected here? Tight space at the nosecone? The tunnel area?
_________________
Im a Mobile Aircooled VW mechanic, and work on old and new cars alike. Specialty in Camper busses/Vans, TDI, and FI diagnosis and repair.

(206) 841 7324

[RickS]

[Clatter]

If you keep the bus nose cone and shuttle, etc.
It’ll shift like a Bus.
Balky, vague, and clunky.

Plus, solid mounts on the street come with their own issues.
Yes, that CIP kit is cheap,
You’ll get your money’s worth.

The Bergs do it best AFAICT.
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Bus Motor Build

I have excellent news for the world...
There is no such thing as patina.
It does not exist!

[Synergy Solutions]

I promise im listening

We will use the original functional transmission then, and shelf the bus trans for now. Its a fun build but far from the priority of a large budget. Fun budget to do things right but we have working drivetrains stuff to make it all work fine.

Thank you all!

And I do greatly appreciate the feedback!!
_________________
Im a Mobile Aircooled VW mechanic, and work on old and new cars alike. Specialty in Camper busses/Vans, TDI, and FI diagnosis and repair.

(206) 841 7324

[oprn]