Close Ratio Race Trans!
With the stock trans and axles pulled out of the bug, there is now room in the car to fit the new close geared trans. I forget what 2nd and 3rd gear are, but first is a 4.25, and fourth is a 1.37. Even with a 3.88 ring and pinion, this thing is not made to cruise the freeway. Transmission was purchased with 20 passes made on it, after which it was sent to Dave Folts to be freshened up. I personally consider it 'brand new' because of that. Anything that looked worn, or was cracked, was replaced.
A side by side comparison of the original 1964 trans, and the race trans. Really the biggest difference here (besides the whole dirty/clean aspect) is the thick steel side plate cover. This should help keep the ring gear from pushing out the side when the hammer comes down.
And taking no chance with letting the ring gear come out the bottom of the case when it gets abused, large gussets were welded to the underside of the trans to help hold things together. It will be interesting to see how far these come down when it is bolted to the car.
and looking into the middle of the trans, you see a shiney jewel. An aluminum spool nesseled right where the diff should be. Since this won't necessarily be a 'street' car, I don't mind fighting it around the turns, and having to stay off the roads when the rain comes down. Whatever I can do to help get some traction off the line. A Quaife diff would have been supreme, but they weigh quite a bit, and are very spendy. Maybe down the line, if I find myself driving the car on the street more than I thought I would.