split case to tunnel trans??

[commercialair]

Hello NUTS,

I've been trying to find out as much as I can about this with very little luck.

Does anyone know if it's possible to install a later tunnel transmission into an early split case bus without hacking the front mount??

I don't want to lower the bus, so straight axle is out of the question. I'd just like better gearing and the ease of syncromesh first.

I've seen solid mounts from Wolfgang etc. but they are suppose to be quite loud. I've also seen fabbed rubber mounts but it seems like too much cutting for my tastes.

Any comments, ideas or info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Chris

[riffraff]

Yes, it can be done. BUT, the only way that I know of is with a solid mount on the front of the transaxle. You think engine and transaxle noise telegraphs into to the cab now? Wait and see what it's like with a solid mount!
I would recommend that you cut and weld in a soft transaxle mount - I can't believe I said that, but bear with me.
It is possible to re-install an original trans mount if you ever want to return to the split case. However, if you are going to run a big nut box at stock height, who and why would you ever want to return to a split case? In twenty or fifty years maybe, when it will be parked forever? In order to relieve your guilt at doing such a thing, be sure you have an original mount always in your possesion so that you CAN put it back to stock. Also, mothball the split case so it can always stay with the bus.

I say don't fret about it, just do it!
It will make the bus far more practical as you will actually be able to take it on highways runs if you like
The only other plausible alternative is getting a post 58 bus with a tunnel trans for outings that require the better gearing.

[commercialair]

That's certainly my line of thinking too Keith. It's my intention to keep it stock looking but not neccesarily OG. I don't consider a solid mount as an option. The soft mounts that I've seen look very good and I think with some creative cutting the original trans could be reinstalled easily.

So, now the second part of my question....

Horse power to trans matching.
I'm looking at a goal hp of 60. Lets assume that I can reach the approx. hp of a single port 1600. What would be an appropriate gear ratio. Do I install an early big nut trans??

and the third part. What about Wolfsburg buses?? Are there any limitations to what I can use because of the differences between them and the Hannover buses??

So many questions. Thanks for the feedback!!


Chris

[riffraff]

With an output of around 60 HP, that is a bit more than the 1500's were putting out when the buses changed to big nut. That was enough power in 1965, but I wonder if it will do in 2006? The way I see this (and I look at it differently as I do more highway driving than most in my bus) is that if you plan on doing any significant amount of highway driving, put in the big nut and be done with it. If most of your driving is going to be puttering around the city, you would probably benefit from the lower gearing of a small nut.

If you are going to be getting 70 or more HP to the trans, you will benefit from a big nut regardless.
I think the biggest difference between the big nut and small nut will be doing 60 MPH or 68 MPH on the highway without screaming the engine.

You really need to hear from someone other than me though

[commercialair]

My thinking is the same as yours Keith. I'm leaning toward using a small nut as I'm unsure of the actual hp of the new engine. The only time highway driving becomes an issue is for shows and this only makes for a small percentage of my driving.
I'm going to take some measurements from Scott's '55, while he has it apart, and see what I can fabricate for a mount. I think I may be able to design something that reduces the need for hacking. I'll still have to cut away a small amout of the original mount but not enough to affect returning it to stock.

Now, can anyone direct me to a source for trans gearing?? I'm wondering what the changes were from year to year. I'm assuming that all small nut RGB's and transmissions weren't created equally??

Thanks for all the input Keith!! I'm starting to develop a plan.

Chris

[riffraff]

commercialair said:

Now, can anyone direct me to a source for trans gearing?? I'm wondering what the changes were from year to year. I'm assuming that all small nut RGB's and transmissions weren't created equally??
Chris

Here is a good start.
sandlizrd.baja.com/gears.htm
Also, You may want to get hold of Ronnie (splitpile) He seems to have run every motor/trans/gearing/tire combination possible.

BTW - just waiting one more item and I'll get your Care Package in the mail.

[riffraff]

Here's another one
www.i405.com/vw/tech/Trans/

[commercialair]

Ronnie suggests a 4.12 r/p with an 82 4th. From the charts(thanks Keith), that's a '62-'63 combo and I have one in the yard.
Of course, that is assuming that I can achieve my hp goal with the 36ish engine....
That combo should give me 60+ mph cruising all day and more drivability in the city with the syncro first and improved gearing!!

Looks like we have a winner!

I just need to fabricate a mount.

Chris