Porsche 901 trans question!!
 

Anybody out there using the 901 5-speed out of a Porsche 914 ? Any strengths/weaknesses to this trans . I may be able to get a rather trashed 914/4 for $750 . I think the complete drivetrain would work awesome in a GL bug . The wheels aren't very good , so I would still have to find new ones , but that's no problem . Any comments would be appreciated!!!!

Check out http://www.914club.com/bbs2/index.php like I did for a great source of information on the 901 trannys.

I'm using one in my Ghia...it's sitting on my bench, but not installed yet

Just don't repeatedly dump the clutch in first gear.

I'm guessing first tends to be a little weak, or just the clutch?

The shaft first gear is on only has a bushing for support... no bearing :eek: !

I see - any aftermarket repair kits for this?

i'm going through with this conversion at the mo, any good sources on how to flip the diff over to suit rear engine cars?

First gear, and reverse is on the opposite side of the intermediate plate from second thru fifth, so they're not supported as well as the rest of the gears. Side-stepping the clutch in first gear all the time could crack or break the intermediate plate, which is where both shaft's second set of main support bearings' outer races are. The first set are pressed into the transmission case, ahead of the differential section.

The intermediate plate is the weak link here. The gearbox's design puts a lot of stress on the plate by not supporting first gear on both ends. Porsche's 915 gearbox addressed, and fixed this problem. Pelican Parts has a much beefier aluminum intermediate plate to replace the stock magnesium one in a 914/901 for $500 or so.

As Yetibone, mentioned there are aftermarket intermediate plate, but even with all that, these trans are not really designed for hard launches.. That does not mean they can handle high power, plenty of 914 gents are running V8 power thru them with much success..

It comes down to shock loading..

If you would like more info also 914world, 914club and pelican are a few places that are friendly..

BTW 750 for a trashed gearbox seems a little high.. check the above forums you should be able to do better..

Also what motor combo are you looking at running thru here type I, type IV, Suby or other? As well as what is your intent.. race, drag, autoX, steet.. that may help us provide better info as to whether is is a good match for your bug
Alex

The $750 is for the whole car - engine included , although not sure what shape its in , but could probably be rebuilt . After all I am a mechanic . I am just curious if its worth it . I am rethinking right now , as I don't even have a beetle, yet .

Ah,

Sorry about that.. then not bad ;)

VR
Alex

Well , my plans for a car is a convertable super , with a high output engine (type 4 or suby , not sure , yet!) . It will be a total street machine . It will be a completed GL , with most likely Porsche brakes and big , wide rims . I can hardly wait to get started on this car . Now I just need to get a convertable bug ......