Going 5-speed, I think....

[Michael Ghia]

The 915 clutch setup is so easy to copy onto your Bug that I'd not bother modifiying the gearbox...
The flywheel on a 915 matched 911 engine is a flat plate with holes drilled and tapped for the clutch. The clutch pressure plate goes on first and then the ring-gear bolts on the outside... just make sure you have the distance correct from clutch plate surface to startmotor.. should just be a case of machining a Beetle flywheel down.

The 914 and 901 gearboxes have different ratios as does the 902.
The 914 has a higher 5th gear (as the 4 cyl engine doesn't rev as much)
The 902 box has an X (28:24) or U (26:25) 5th gear
The 901's have any of the following: O (23:28), S (27:26), V (27:25), Y (28:23) or Z (29:23).
The 901 and 902 ratios I have given are only up to '68 when the pull type clutch took over.
I don't have my 914 ratio book to hand... sorry.

MG

[boygenius]

Hey thanks for the input Michael, I'll have to do some research and find the best gear ratios for my bug. I'm leaning toward just using the stock 914 ratios but wonder if they would be too tall for a 2270cc type 4 in a bug. Although I do like to cruise at around 80mph to 90mph on the highway.

[yetibone]

I believe you'll be fine with stock ratios. You should be pulling a little less weight down the road in a Bug, so the torque will still be good. A 2270 will make more torque than a 2.0 anyway, so the tall stock ratios will be better.

You'll only see 5th gear on the highway above 60 anyway.

[boygenius]

I found these ratios for the 1.7 liter 914 on the web. I hope they are correct.
1st. 3.09 :1
2nd. 1.89 :1
3rd. 1.26 :1
4th. 0.93 :1
5th. 0.71 :1
Final is 4.43 :1

[boygenius]

Will a VW shift coupler work with the 901 input shaft or do I need the 911 unit.

[yetibone]

Should work. The selector shafts are equal diameter.

[boygenius]

Originally Posted by yetibone

Should work. The selector shafts are equal diameter.

I thought so since pelican parts sells a tranny gear selector tool for the 901 that is made by Bugpack. hmmm. Well one less part to buy. :agree:


I got an idea for a bolt in 901 conversion shift linkage assembly that I will be working on once I get all the parts.