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How much HP can a gearbox stand???
1916baja - December 3rd, 2010 at 05:03 PM

Hi guys, Just wondering how much i horsepower i could throw at a stock 1500 beetle gearbox before blowing it to peices? Keep in mind its a really good stocker. gears are nice and tight no crunching.... And what would be the effects if i throw a set of slicks into the equation????

cheers
Mick.

RISKY4LIFE - December 3rd, 2010 at 07:35 PM

thats a good question
who knows ?
but on avrage?
and what kind of hp is it running? 100 ? 200?
now there are a few thing that help it last long
the clutch, shocks tyres,bracing,street use, drag etc
now im just a novice and thats what i have been researching
but i think if your kind to it 100 hp donk the box should last some time
still i don't real know what im talk about :D as i dont have 100 hp :sniffle:

Craig Torrens - December 3rd, 2010 at 08:13 PM

its more how you treat it, rather than just HP. Slicks and hard launches will KILL a standard gearbox :yes:

1916baja - December 4th, 2010 at 09:17 AM

hmmm.... maybe a stronger box is in order as slicks and hard launches are what i'm planning :smilegrin:

Craig Torrens - December 4th, 2010 at 09:27 AM

its the diff that tends to let go......so maybe just put a super diff into your standard box.

1916baja - December 4th, 2010 at 01:56 PM

Is it expensive? Hard to do?

matberry - December 4th, 2010 at 04:17 PM

Mmmmm hard launches and slicks..... might need more than just a superdiff, unless you have a very small displacement engine.

vlad01 - December 4th, 2010 at 05:31 PM

how much hp? its more of a question of how much torque til it dies.

dekkerboy - December 15th, 2010 at 11:25 PM

Well, they put rotaries on stock gearboxes and provided your easy on them they will last, and a rotary will have alot more power then a VW engine. If your gonna be crule just spend the money on a better gear box, ive seen some strong boxes go on ebay for under $400.

bajachris88 - December 15th, 2010 at 11:54 PM

perhaps fit kombi box with a non hardcore clutch to 'ease' heavy launches...

unless u got a fat wallet :cool:

1916baja - December 16th, 2010 at 05:53 AM

It's swingaxle so a kombi box is no good.... I had enough trouble finding a good one for my baja. What you mean by non hardcore clutch? i run a kennedy stage 1 in my baja and its fantastic.

bajachris88 - December 16th, 2010 at 10:00 AM

The hardcore clutch would instantly slam that dumped torque when you free the clutch...

By going something not so awesome... it'll slip a little instead progressively applying your torque and not busting your box.
IE: make the weak link in the drive train something that isn't as expensive or depressing as a gearbox rebuild.