Stock transmission are they all the same

[Ned Gorski]

I was hoping to get a little information on the 356 transmissions..
i am still up in the air on the motor i will be using in my 56 European keeping the original motor under the bench for now..
from my research, it appears i can get more bang for my buck with a type 4.
I am considering a slightly modified type 4 nothing over the top 120 -150hp
i would love to tuck away the original trans and use a built Vw Rancho trans but the geometry is not there, unless i am missing something.
i don't plan on beating on or racing the car, just mildly spirited driving.weather permitting . ..
The original trans runs and drives quite nice and i would like to keep it that way.
so what are my options??? can a stock 1956 transmission hold together with 150hp?or would a later model 356 trans be better suited ?? is there anything aftermarket that will work without modifying the car??
thanks in advance


Regards Ned
55 Continental cab
56 European coupe

[David Baugh]

Check the archives, Ned. A couple of years ago, someone posted some really detailed drawings for a mount adapter for the VW transaxle. It was most likely before the "Outlaw" board was established. Wish I'd saved that one.

Dave

[David Baugh]

Ned, check page #2 of this forum. "VW 12 volt transaxle conversion" should get you started (or stopped). It has a link to the thread that I was recalling.

Dave

[Ned Gorski]

David thanks for the link very helpful....

[Adam Wright]

Ned, I know some guys have put a Rancho gearbox in to handle more power, like from a Type IV motor, or you can do a 901 if you support it right, that way it stays Porsche, and you can pick up 901's cheap.

[Jacques Lefriant]

Hi Adam
I hate to agree with you but the 911 IRS conversion is the most elegant and robust.
Good on you
jacques your partner in ?????

[Greg Bryan]

Happy New Year!
Is there a resource from someone who has gone down that road - i.e., installed a 901 rear suspension and transmission? I'd like to see a good pictoral documentation if it exists . . .

[Jacques Lefriant]

Hi
Rod Emory has done more than anyone i know. He even has done some with anular brakes. Unfortunately i will disagree with Adam in that the parts are easy to come by since early 911s are becoming the new 356 in the market place. However there should be enought oportunities to gather the bits for the few that want to try it. In the long run a VW based conversion would be advantageous to the rest.
j

[Adam Wright]

Bruce Baker did the 901 conversion on a 52 Coupe I sold to a guy, 12009. I also sold him the 912 that became the famous BBE rickshaw, before they harvested the gearbox and rear suspension.
Jacques, what I meant by easy and cheap for a 901 is you can find a whole 912 rolling for under $2000 if you want, sometimes cheaper, I know I sold that one rickshaw one for less than that. So considering the costs of a 356 gearbox versus a 9 series box the prices are much better, a 901 gearbox by itself normally sells for $400-600, far less than a comparable 356 box. Nothing Porsche is truly cheap, it is just sometimes cheaper...