901 and stock flywheel/crank
 

Has anyone out there used or hear of the use of a stock crank and flywheel with a 901 5-speed tranny? I'm planning on this over the winter and would like some info. I'm pretty sure it can be done. I have an article from June 78 HVW's that say so (1800cc T1, stock flywheel). Just wondering what you guys think.

I think you will need an early 912 flywheel. Porsche trans bellhousings are deeper than the type 1 and the starter gear will not fully engage the flywheel. Some people have used a type 1 flywheel with no problems, others have stripped the teeth off! I would not take the chance.
ken

Hi,
I looked into it a while back and then other people have done the same since. The 912 flywheel will not bolt onto your crank, it needs machining to fit. I would try the stock Bug flywheel and see if the starter reaches it or not. If not, look into either moving the starter forward or machining some material off the mounting face of the gearbox. Please keep us updated with your progress as this is one which comes up time and time again and no one seems to have done it yet!
MG

I believe the stock flywheel WILL work. All I have to do is space out the starter gear. How do I know this?

1) I have an article from Hot VW's June 1978 that says it will work.

2) My Father did it with his 1835 in his Ghia in 1981, and he ABUSED it (used my street as a drag strip, dont try this at home!)

Also, lucky me, I have a spare 912 flywheel from my Dad's 912

Either way, I am willing to give it a shot. Probably in the late winter/early spring. I've got all the parts. All I need is time.

You can probably hand draw file the 7mm of depth right off the soft trans housing. Remove the studs, and file down the required amount. This can provile full engagement. Georoge Brown on the Cal Look forum has a 901 5 speed and an SR17x beetle starter in his 8.5:1 2110 T1.

What happens if you buy a high powered (maybe used, they last a long time!) stock 914 starter and use it with the Type 1 flywheel? I am quite interested in this, because I may have my 901 trans'ed car ready to drive before my T4 mutha motor is finished (and I have a couple of 2275 180 horse T1 motors to choose from).
Steve