Board Logo

Solid Gearbox Mounting !
Manxdune - February 21st, 2011 at 04:45 PM

IRS Beetle Solid Gearbox Mounting !

Has anyone done this in a Beetle, Baja or Buggy ?
Either front or rear mount or both of them ?

Im fully aware of the noise and vibration factor.

Has anyone got stories or better still pics ?

Can someone tell me what the advantages are of solid mounting over rubber or urethane mounts ?

HappyDaze - February 21st, 2011 at 05:27 PM

When the poly-urethane mounts crumbled on No.8 Beetle a couple of years back, I solid-mounted the gearbox.

The 2 rear mounts [nearest the engine] were just a case of replacing the rubber bit with steel. I used the original cradle, and welded 2 channels[with nuts welded inside to take the 4 gearbox bolts] onto it. It was easier for me to bend up the channels, but they could be cut from RHS.

The front mount is attached to the row of bolts that hold the 'nose piece', and I used 2 shock bushes at the outer ends.

Manxdune - February 21st, 2011 at 09:52 PM

Thanks for your response,

Does it feel different on the road ?

Have you had any cracks or issues yet ?

How long have you had it done now ?

I have solid mounted mine already during a ground up rebuild but am double questioning myself as you do ! haha

thanks

barls - February 21st, 2011 at 10:09 PM

ive got the stock mounts in mine except for my mid mount which has the mounts that came with it. made a huge difference in the shift in my car. other than that didnt do much.

HappyDaze - February 22nd, 2011 at 05:55 AM

No.8 Beetle is a track car, but has had solid mounts for about 2 years. Last May it had some 'destructive testing' at the Nationals Supersprints. There was no sign of any gearbox damage as a result. Have you braced the chassis fork?

Can you post some photos, then we all can 'pick it to pieces'.:smilegrin:

Cheers, Greg

Aussie Dubbin - February 22nd, 2011 at 02:35 PM

Greg,
What chassis fork bracing have you done?

Cheers

Craig Torrens - February 22nd, 2011 at 03:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by barls
ive got the stock mounts in mine except for my mid mount which has the mounts that came with it. made a huge difference in the shift in my car. other than that didnt do much.


Just be careful if you only have a mid mount (solid) and the "banana" mounts are still rubber etc........what happens is the motor's torque is trying to twist the Gbox case as the engine end is still able to move......not good long term.

Also re solid mounting for the road....expect your tinware to crack and tight bolts to loosen due to the vibration. Its like a harmonic vibration, you can't really feel it but its there !. I found I had to loctite a lot of bolts on my hillclimb car as soon as I went solid mounted.

What is your vehicle going to be used for ?

Manxdune - February 22nd, 2011 at 08:45 PM

I will be running a EJ22, I currently have a standard solid rear mount and mid mount (4 bolts) with no nose cone mount !
Is it legal to have solid mounts ?
I think I am turning towards Standard HD Rubber mounts on the rear and nose cone !
What are your thoughts on my set up ? Should I change back to rubber ! Majority on road driving with occasional off road sand and rocks !
It's something I want to get right the first time and not have to rip off the body again to replace parts that have only been fitted a short while or worse still rebuild a gearbox due to cracked casing !

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Aussie Dubbin - February 22nd, 2011 at 09:11 PM

m on that track, can't really comment yet but this is the solid mount i am using and have a berg styled midmount from richard at VForce