Tugboat

Does anyone have any experience with Kennedy adapter setups? I'm thinking about using a VW Bug tranny since an adapter is available and will give me more room for exhaust, etc.

Thanks

Wankel Bug

Mine worked great.

Just bolted it up,changed the starter bushing while
the engine was out.

With the adapter from Kennedy ,it makes the engine to
tranny hookup very easy.

Muffler and radiator lines are the biggest PITA...

I just spent money at the muffler shop.

Tugboat

Hey , thanks! I found the Volks Swap board, and read some of your posts there. Lots of good information there. Sounds like Kennedy adapters work fine.

I've got cooling lines already, it's a Fiero. I'm exploring possibilities for trannies. I'm a little confused about the different VW trannies and the CVs. Where can I find dimensions of different ones and info on types of mounts and CVs?

I'll cross the exhaust bridge when I get there. I'm hoping the regular headers will clear the axle in a mid engine setup.

Thanks and GL

Wankel Bug

Are you changing the engine location in the Fiero ?

Normally the engine is mounted traversley (sp).Then the
transaxle changes direction so the axles point to the
wheels.

The VW tranny mounts front to back. Maybe you already
know all this.

If your doing this all custom and mounting the rotary
and a transaxle behind it,then wow ,lots of fabbing and
good for you.

Not sure where to find the mount info you need.Maybe
put a search in for kit cars. I think there's some forums
out there.

Maybe just buy a cheap broken tranny and use it to
mock up your mounting locations.

Good Luck,

****

Tugboat

Problem with the transverse mount (which actually would be easier otherwise) is the exhaust needs to be where the inner CV is, or probably too close. I've heard somebody else is trying to do this (with a turbo!) over on Pennocks Fiero Forum but he hasn't posted, only a friend of his. Starter mounting might be another prob.

Going longitudinal will give more space for a turbo in the future. Plus, if the clutch/flywheel ever explodes it won't be aimed at my back. I may lose a bit of trunk space.

I'm wondering which tranny to go with. Bus trannies are stronger, but a type 1 can be built up. Then there's Thing trannies, and I saw a "VW Fox" tranny on EBAY that looked similar to a Porsche/VW tranny. I thought Foxes were transverse watercooled? I have 4 speed and 5 speed shifters but I'm not sure of the shift patterns.

Mounting to the Fiero cradle won't be too much problem, adapting axles will probably be tougher, so I need to know more about CV joints. Where is the best place to look for information? I haven't found much on the 'net besides sales pictures.

Thanks again!

Wankel Bug

Mid-engine then..the 5 speed out of a 914 might work
good.

Its a factory midengine car with the engine in front of
the tranny.Kennedy adapter is available,you might be
able to buy a rusty 914 and use lots of the parts,shift
linkage ,clutch linkage etc.

All other VW trannys have the engine behind the tranny.
Swaping ring and pinon can reverse direction ,but
shortens the life of the tranny by over half.

Two sites to check are :

http://shoptalkforums.com/ and

http://cal-look.com/index2.html

Its in your best interest that you don't mention rotary
or Fiero on these sites. Best just to do a search and
you'll find lots of info.

Tugboat

Thanks for the links, and for the heads-up!!

What's up with these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33733

I saw one, supposed to be low miles, go for $100 the other day. Looked like a nice tranny but I didn't know enough about it to bid.

GL