Anyone using 091 trans for dragracing?

[el mecco]

Hello!

I have been reading to prepare myself for what I need to do when I start my projekt. I am going to use an IRS chassis and was looking at using 091 trans. I will most likely remove the rear floor/wall (over the transmission) and replace it with aluminium. Hp goal is aprox 200  , so the 091 will after what I have been able to find out be strong enough for my use.

My question('s) is this: I see there is 091 trans with "side shift" and "front shift". Are they the same strength, and what do I need to do to use the "side shift" trans?

[Jesus]

side shift are the later T25/T3/Vanagon boxes,

as far as I'm aware you'll be running an 091 from a bay window 75 to 79, am sure one of the racers running one will come and give you a bit more info.

[Mike Lawless]

Check out this thread...
http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,16822.0.html

[el mecco]

The reason for me asking about this, is that it's "easy" to find "side shift" 091 trans where I live. The "front shift" 091 is further between and cost more cash. I have read the thread Mike had, but still wonder. Anyone?

[Dougy Dee]

You'll need to spend the cash to upgrade the crappy, sure to be cracked, 3-4 shift hub. Then you'll need to deal with the stamped steel shift fork assemblies that also are cracked... Try to rip off some 2-3 or 3-4 shifts with the stamped fork assembly and you'll soon be experiencing a complete mental meltdown by the side of  the road. Shift it like a granny and you'll be fine     

[el mecco]

So my next question will be: should I start with a type1 swing and upgrade that when time comes or should I start with a type1 Irs and later upgrade to 091?

The car will only be used for dragracing and is my first dragracer, even if I have owned beetles, both swing and Irs, before.

[Mike Lawless]

Your horsepower goal will put a type 1 trans right on the edge of dependability. Now if you use a soft clutch, or some kind of clutch management or dampener to soften the engagement on drag race type starts, it will extend the life of a type 1. Most guys at that power level are replacing ring and pinions about every 40 to 100 runs,depending on their set-up. Some can get a lot more, but those cases are few and far between.

If you can do it yourself, you'll save some money. If you need to pay someone to do it for you, you have to weigh how much you will spend on keeping the type 1 alive for a few seasons. It will cost you the initial build cost, plus the cost to have it freshened up once or twice a year, not to mention the downtime, such as when you go to an event, then can't compete because the trans broke.

I'm not saying that everyone who races needs to do this. But there comes a tipping point when the higher initial cost of the type 2 trans set up for racing will save money over a period of time. That, you'll have to decide for yourself.

Good luck in your decision.

[el mecco]

Thanks for your answer Mike! I have come to the same conclution. I plan to go for type 2 transmission, and rebuilt what and when I need. Now I have to deside what car to go for.