1965 Splitscreen conversion options please (gearbox worries)

[M@H]

Hello.

So I am new here and have recently bought a 1965 Combi which I purchased with the intention of putting a Subaru lump in. I have had engines in and out of VW's (and a 914) before including taking a 1200 Swing Axle beetle to 1600 IRS setup (cutting and welding the A arm mounts in was 'fun') with the help of a 1303 donor so I'm not a complete novice and have mucked about with this sort of thing before.

To give some sense of scale for this I am not chasing some high spec Turbo engine install, I just want a 2.0 or 2.2 NA engine to give decent driveability and some fuel economy.

My first question I have though, is what transmission to use - I am assuming (perhaps wrongly) that the stock transmission attached to my 1500 engine will not handle 120BHP and that I should be looking at getting shot of the reduction boxes and installing something different, but I could really do with some guidance on what would be the most appropriate.

I have read that the 1303 IRS setup from a beetle might be ok in a splitty, however the "car" gearboxes not as strong as the "van" boxes are they..? (also aren't the ratio's a bit low?) Mindful a tip top standard 1600 would be putting out 55-60bhp, I am guessing double that is somewhat of a challenge for an old box.

I am simply pursuing a sensible upgrade here and not a technical and engineering mind-fest so I am after a straightforward simple solution, although any ideas are all very welcome.

(PS anything else relevant to converting a splitty is very welcome indeed)

Many thanks,
Matt.

[splitbus67]

Matt

I run a Rancho Pro Street box type 1 box with welded 3rd - 4th hubs, super diff and higher 4th gear, this boxes is good for 120bhp. This runs through a Bus Boys straight axel conversions. I would probably have gone for an IRS conversion if the bus hadn't already had a straight axel conversion.

I would also recommend that you upgrade to the later style release clutch release bearing as mine failed after 12 months, this winters job

Hope this helps

Phil

[M@H]

Blimey, I would have thought a box like yours would be good for twice that !? IRS conversions I can do ! What about the 'famous' 091 box, will that fit a split ?

[ttriebler]

M@H - the most sensible gearbox to run would be the Subaru gearbox that came with the engine from the factory. It is a modern 5 speed and can take all the power the engine can give it. It allows your Subaru engine to run in the power and torque bands that it was designed to by all those little Japanese people.

Subaru gearbox conversion kits and complete new converted gearboxes are availabl from Subarugears at www.subarugears.com
_________________
Reversed gears for Subaru Transmissions
Fit a 5 apeed to your rear engined car
www.subarugears.com

[M@H]

[ttriebler]

I'm the manufacturer. But anyone could recommend this approach - just as anyone can recommend adaptor plates or bellhousings and gearbox upgrades.

Kombis are so easy to fit these into. The reversed Subie boxes end up being a touch smaller than an 091 Kombi box and with the Subaflanges the Kombi CV's and driveshafts bolt right up.
_________________
Reversed gears for Subaru Transmissions
Fit a 5 apeed to your rear engined car
www.subarugears.com

[M@H]

..you've lost me there slightly. My Van has a 1500 and swing axle transmission with reduction boxes so I'll have to convert it to IRS from something - If I use a 1303 I am assuming the driveshfts will be too short.

Late Kombi's might be easy (!?) but I'm going to have to do an IRS conversion in any event, just want to make sure I take the right approach.

Thanks again,
Matt.

[splitbusvanatic]

From my little experience.
You'll have to ditch the stock Splittle Suspension.
Straight Axle Conversion or the More popular IRS.

Or get one of these if you can afford it
http://www.red9design.com/busrearwishbones.htm

[ttriebler]

[gin23deluxe]

What a load of horlicks So save Ur money. Yes IRS with a longer final drive AT. Code is most common. I've put well over 180 hp through em no problem unless your side stepping the. Clutch an racing. From a standstill. A bus I did payback now lives in Asian shores vintage speed own it. Nice powerful lump I ragged it. It's still going strong nearly 10 years later.
Don't get sucked in this that, the 2.2 will pull a 3.88 final drive box. If your worried go to a decent gbox builder an have it freshener up. Again keep away from pricey names. Maybe a stage 1 Kennedy clutch. Spend Ur brass on the conversion
Cheers mark hopley

[gin23deluxe]

What a load of horlicks So save Ur money. Yes IRS with a longer final drive AT. Code is most common. I've put well over 180 hp through em no problem unless your side stepping the. Clutch an racing. From a standstill. A bus I did payback now lives in Asian shores vintage speed own it. Nice powerful lump I ragged it. It's still going strong nearly 10 years later.
Don't get sucked in this that, the 2.2 will pull a 3.88 final drive box. If your worried go to a decent gbox builder an have it freshener up. Again keep away from pricey names. Maybe a stage 1 Kennedy clutch. Spend Ur brass on the conversion
Cheers mark hopley

[tuzza123]

Well how much is the strengthened box and Kennedy clutch plus adaptor plate/flywheel/bell housing and first motion shaft going to cost?? Even if the cost is not prohibitive you will still end up with an ancient gearbox not one designed to match the engine.
Cheers
John Turrell