Hello all, this is one of my first posts, heck maybe my first, but I really need someone to push me one way or another.
My situation:
Have located a low mileage(34k), late (71') 901 transaxle. The seller is legit, and I trust him because I bought my t4 from him for a great price. I like this idea because my motor came with porsche 215mm flywheel and clutch which slips right into the 901. I also really want to be able to autocross and be able to cruise at highway speeds for extended periods of time. He also has many, if not all of the conversion pieces to stick it in a bug. This includes bug@5speed nosecone, front mount, rear mount, modified shift fork, and bowden cable plate. He is asking $1000 for everything, I think I could talk him down a hundred or so...
My concerns:
Shifter--- I need to locate either a 911 shifter and base plate with the dog leg 1st gear or buy the bug@5speed shifter. I have heard the std. porsche shifters are kinda weak, have a long throw, and just don't shift all that great due to the dog leg. Will I have problems locating one and how much should I look to spend on one? I like the bug5speed shifter, but they are pricey at about 500 bucks! Does the bug5speed shifter still use the dogleg 1st? With the bug5speed shifter, can I use the stock bug shift rod, or does it still need to be bent and lengthened.
Cost--- With all the pieces listed, and assuming the trans needs little to no rebuilding, how much am I looking at spending to get the 901 in my bug and working? I plan on doing most or all of the work myself.
My alternatives are either having my late S Beetle trans (74') rebuilt or going to Rancho and having them build me a sweet 4 speed. I was quoted locally about 1500-2000 to get the rebuilt trans. On Rancho's website they list their street trans for about 700; is this really how cheap they run? I figure I would need welded 3 and 4, a 3.88 or even 3.44 diff, hd side cover, and more, which would run me well over a thousand dollars.
Anyway, I know this is a long post, but I am overwhelmed with all the varying opinions and overflow of information. Raby says no need for 5 speeds, others love the 901, and others say go Rancho or aftermarket.
Thanks everyone for your help! This website has given me tons of information and I love looking at everyone's GL to give me inspiration for my own bug! Being my first post, I'll throw up a pic of my 74' S beetle. Don't mind the racing stripe... the previous owner was not the most tasteful of builders.
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26474_1349931581205_1018800078_1823618_6312280_n by zacharylorin, on Flickr[/IMG]