Splitcase trans.... lets talk!

nbuscemi · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject: Splitcase trans.... lets talk!

I'm restoring a 70's era glass dune buggy that was built on a 1958 Type 1 pan. It origanly had a 36hp mill and splitcase trans. Well, now I have a 1600cc SP (1966) going in, but I still have the splitcase trans. There really isn't too much info on these trans as far as what they can handle. what are there weak points and what are their strengths. I can't even find a picture of what they look like on the inside. I have found, however that my trans has a needle bearing on the pinion shaft, unlike the early splitcase that uses ball bearings. So my question is... can an 1958 split case handle a 1600cc SP in a 1200lb car for street driving? Looking for all insight, facts, and opinions....

-Nick-

sgmalt46 · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 4:42 pm Post subject:

i say run it. avoid drag race starts . there fairly strong . first gear and the ring and pinon i would say are the weak links. a buddy of mine had a 1600 in a shorty single cab with a split case and used to pop wheelies with it. never broke the trans. normal to spirited driving it will be fine.

steve

nbuscemi · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:23 pm Post subject:

Thats what I figured. I see guys here in the Vintage Speed Forum running hopped-up Okrasa 36hp motors on splitcase trans, and it looks like they are pushing more power than a stock 1600 SP. I'm thinking about opening the trans, cleaning out all old fluid, re-sealing it and running it. Figure, it only has 33k miles on it... should be in decent shape. I plan to use 6V 180mm flywheel and 6Volt starter.

-Nick-

nsracing · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 1:51 am Post subject:

Toss that split in the trash. Get you a late case and do a nice swing axle.

krusher · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 10:27 am Post subject:

nsracing · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:13 pm Post subject:

Come on Krusher. If you have ever done an early split trans, you will see what I mean.

Toss it in the trash or save it for a giant paper weight.

You do not want to be stuck out there w/ a broken trans.

John Moxon · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:47 pm Post subject:

I think this is what Keith is talking about:

krusher · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:48 pm Post subject:

nsracing · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject:

For starters.... no synchro 1st. The mainshaft is smaller than your pinky.

Second...very tiny gear teeth. The gears in my lawnmower has bigger teeth.

The axles are also skinny.

You really do NOT to go far away from civilization w/ this early trans.

I think VW came up w/ much better trans real quick after the split.

If you are trying to save few bucks it is not worth it if you want to take this vehicle in the dunes.

60ragtop · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:26 pm Post subject:

nsracing · Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:01 am Post subject:

This is like....I am telling NOT to put a sledgehammer to your head. And someone is telling you it will only hurt a little or not at all.

I told you so is going to come later I am sure. Laughing

tkelley · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:19 pm Post subject:

I've driven my split case from South Florida to Upstate SC, about
750 miles one way. No problems.

Drove it daily for awhile...again no problems.

There are plenty of people driving split case trans out-of-town,
with no problems...

If you know how to drive and keep it within it's limits....you'll
have no problems.

NSR, Next time you're going to throw one away, send it to me instead.

Tom
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ProjectX · Accessory Nut Joined: May 01, 2006 Posts: 1014

I'm sure a few split cases made cross country trips back in the day.... my '53 had clocked 91,000 miles on it before it's restoration, with the original transmission so I think they are pretty bulletproof if serviced well.... or not Very Happy

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nbuscemi · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 1:51 pm Post subject:

To the guy that stated "Thats why VW changed the design of the trans...". Splitacse was used for over 23 years, while tunel style less than 17. I think it comes to one fact.... ABUSE! Splitcase has fewer aftermarket parts, making them more likely to break under severe abuse. The 1100cc and 1200cc motors weren't designed for drag racing or dunning, so it makes sence you can't run a 2332cc on these transaxles. However, there is no reason why a stock or mildly moded 1600cc can't be ran. Talk to anyone with Okrasa (sp) 1200's... they're making 70+hp, or even the Formula Vee guys, of which I've seen plenty run splitcase. I would still like to see some picks of splitcase insides!

-Nick-

Shadd · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:20 pm Post subject:

I put a 1600DP in my 59 and drove it for years, even made a trip across the country. There were many occasions where I beat the shit out of that transmission and it always held up to the abuse. I once power slide it through a corner so hard that the tires popped and the rims collapsed. Never so much as a groan from the splitcase. I don't know where you can find any info about rebuilding them, but I can say that your probably safe to run it. Besides its a dune buggy, you plan on making many cross country trips?

nbuscemi · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 8:20 am Post subject:

Actually, yes I do. I plan to make a regular driver out of it. Maybe not a "Daily" driver, but for sure an "at least one day of the week drive to work in it" driver. I think this whole "tunel style better than splitcase style" arguement has snowballed over the years from alot of mis-information. I'll keep everyone posted on the rebuild, then I plan to put this trans to the test. I feel this is going to be "Myth BUSTED"!

-Nick-

nsracing · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 9:34 am Post subject:

You have never seen the inside of a split trans and yet you insist that you are going to Myth-bust? Laughing

I am sure you will be myth-busted...in the desert! More like stranded.

60ragtop · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 10:10 am Post subject:

gatorwyatt · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 6:23 pm Post subject:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

i straight axled one and threw it in and no problems with the setup just make sure you check your reverse gear...mine is wasted and the trans is coming out for the same setup just a fresh trans.pretty basic and straightforward...

dont let people nay say about what is possible with the early gearboxes...they hold up fine.just a little loud.especially people that put 1600dp in everything they drive no matter what...

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nbuscemi · Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 6:50 pm Post subject:

Nice bus! Do you have any more pics of your splitcase. Looking for teardown and rebuild pics especially!

Thanks!

-Nick-


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