Matching a gearbox to a 1916

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 20 Sep 2006, 8:26 am

#536142

Guys, In my 67 bug rebuild, I am fitting a 1916.. The g/box is the stock 1300..

Is there any option I can explore to improve on the 1300 box?.. I like the idea of better bottom end torque but I know that the top end will frustrate without a taller gear option..

Many must have faced the same problem I'm guessing.. I don't want to go to a later bug backend with IRS etc (only because I have no idea what that entails)
Thanks
Rob

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 20 Sep 2006, 8:32 am

#536145

What model 1300 box is it?
An upgrade to the 4.125 diff ratio is nice, but most 1500 trannys have a brass 1/2 fork so keep that in mind.
Also if your tranny is early your axles will be shorter than the 1500.

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 20 Sep 2006, 8:42 am

#536150

Thanks Dave.. I have no idea what box.. What do I look for?

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 20 Sep 2006, 8:14 pm

#536358

My choice seems limited.. A 1600 box from an S bug seems the way to go.. That little piece of advice I learned today from Con at VW Village..

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 21 Sep 2006, 8:29 am

#536519

Sorry I didn't get back to you so fast.
If you can, I would try the ratios of that 1600 tranny and see if that is
the path you want to take.
You will have to fit your swing axle stuff to the IRS tranny.
Alternatively tou could rebuild your 1300 tranny with a 4.125 diff(or 3.875)
The 1600 tranny will have a bronze fork in 1&2 but it will be fine.

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Sep 2006, 8:58 am

#536836

Thanks mate..

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 22 Sep 2006, 11:17 am

#536870

What size tyres are you using? that will affect gearing too. Are you retaining a wide-5 stud pattern up front with the discs? If not (ie you will be running four-stud wheels and PCD) simply use a 1500 (1968-on) swinger gearbox - bolts in and ratios are taller than the original pre-68. Done that plenty of times with 1916s :thumb

[ Edited on 22-9-2006 by VWCOOL ]

Pay your debts, CxxT

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Sep 2006, 1:35 pm

#536909

I was thinking of retaining the wide 5's.. Thanks for the advice

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 22 Sep 2006, 2:06 pm

#536923

I wouldn't for these reasons: weaker, 4.3 diff only and limited wheel selection, crook brakes.

you can get later-model four-stud discs for the link pin front end. Match that with a 1968-70 1500 box for a much better result...

[ Edited on 22-9-2006 by VWCOOL ]

Pay your debts, CxxT

StenGuns Veteran Volks Folk

2,147 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 22 Sep 2006, 8:33 pm

#537030

Sorry.. Correction.. I was retaining the wide 5s WITH a disc conversion to front beam.. Already picked radars in wide 5 pattern..
VW54 gave good advice when he said to get the resto done.. then fit the 1916 with the 1600s box (adapted).. Once the car is rolling again, I can get the front beam worked on etc..

Thanks again.. food for thought