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Matching a gearbox to a 1916
StenGuns - September 20th, 2006 at 08:26 AM

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 - September 20th, 2006 at 08:32 AM

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.

StenGuns - September 20th, 2006 at 08:42 AM

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

StenGuns - September 20th, 2006 at 08:14 PM

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 - September 21st, 2006 at 08:29 AM

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.

StenGuns - September 22nd, 2006 at 08:58 AM

Thanks mate..

VWCOOL - September 22nd, 2006 at 11:17 AM

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 ]

StenGuns - September 22nd, 2006 at 01:35 PM

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

VWCOOL - September 22nd, 2006 at 02:06 PM

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 ]

StenGuns - September 22nd, 2006 at 08:33 PM

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