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Transmission side-plate upgrade

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HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#965857
I am having concerns about the ability of the standard side-plates on my swing-axle trans. [No.8 Beetle] to withstand the side loads now being thrown at them.

Not only is there more torque [motor now 2276cc], the new tyres will have more grip. Should I be fitting stronger side-plates, and if so, which ones?

Cheers, Greg
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

Governor Wolfsburg Wizard

414 posts · joined Nov 2008 ·

#965889
I was wondering the same thing, what normally goes on a stock gearbox with a bigger engine ?
If I cant afford a DB box what "cheap " mods would help?

waltermitty Legend when my beer goggles are on

1,993 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#965890
Governor wrote:I was wondering the same thing, what normally goes on a stock gearbox with a bigger engine ?
If I cant afford a DB box what "cheap " mods would help?
Cheapest mod is a sympathetic clutch activator.
M
23 windows ...8 too many!

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#965895
While hard cornering swingaxle cars are a rarity,
it is not unheard-of, that hard cornering can push the crown wheel either in, or out, of mesh,(depending on which way the corner is!)

Light cars like formula vees may not see this problem, but I have heard of it on a beetle.

Normally better side covers are fitted to contain the forces 'within', so they are normally fitted to only one side.(left)
Greg will need one on both sides, unless he is in the speedway.

I prefer to use the billet ones, but the cast type can help a bit better than a stocker and are very cheap.

What ever you decide to do, make sure the bearing preload is maintained, and backlash is checked to be correct.

Governor, failures 'related to torque out put' of a bigger engine will normally show up in the spider gear failures.
Later model gearboxes used thicker teeth in this area,
which makes for a low cost strength increase for very low budget people.
Abuse-type failures can show up as other stuff,
particularly in old worn out gearboxes, and those with poor lubrication(design and volume!).
westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#965914
Many thanks, Dave. That's the kind of reply I was hoping for.......informative, first-hand, and useful. I am running a steel 'spool', [courtesy of Henry S.] by the way.

This confirms my concerns, which were just 'gut feelings' really, as there a no signs of a problem...YET.

Cheers, Greg
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

Governor Wolfsburg Wizard

414 posts · joined Nov 2008 ·

#965925
waltermitty wrote:
Governor wrote:I was wondering the same thing, what normally goes on a stock gearbox with a bigger engine ?
If I cant afford a DB box what "cheap " mods would help?
Cheapest mod is a sympathetic clutch activator.
M
That is one of the best comments I have seen for a while😂

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#970508
Picked up my transmission from D.B......he wasn't THAT dangerous.😏

With shiny new 'brick-dunny' side plates, and the cleanest it has ever looked, it's a shame to hide it away in the car.....but I will.

Great to meet you, Dave, and many thanks. 👍......Sorry if I waffled on too much.😊
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#970644
All good Greg, great to meet you too!




westi wrote:That's mad Alan.