Bus Transmission Center Mount, for 002 & 091 Bus Trans

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the factory mounting system often becomes the weakest link in your drivetrain. The EMPI Bus Transmission Center Mount is engineered specifically for enthusiasts who demand more stability and durability from their 002 or 091 transaxle setups. Whether you are building a high-horsepower street sleeper, a rugged off-road Baja Bug, or a dedicated sand rail, this weld-in center mount provides the essential reinforcement needed to prevent catastrophic transaxle flex. By adding a strategic third point of contact, you effectively distribute the torque loads that typically tear through stock rubber mounts, ensuring that your power makes it to the ground instead of being lost to engine twist and wheel hop.

Constructed from heavy-duty steel and designed for a precision fit, this mount is a staple in the high-performance VW community. It is specifically tailored to wrap around the mid-section of the 002 (3-rib and 5-rib) and 091 (6-rib) bus transmissions, which are the preferred choices for heavy-duty applications due to their larger ring and pinion sets. This weld-on solution is not just about strength; it is about protecting your investment. By locking the transmission firmly to the chassis or subframe, you reduce the strain on your nose cone, shift linkage, and CV joints. If you are tired of replacing torn rubber mounts or dealing with gear-popping issues during hard acceleration, this EMPI center mount is the professional grade upgrade your project deserves.

FITMENT

This center transmission mount is designed for universal application on vehicles utilizing the following transaxles and configurations:

• VW Type 2 Bus (002 Transaxle): 1968 through 1975 models (3-rib and 5-rib versions).
• VW Type 2 Bus (091 Transaxle): 1976 through 1979 models (6-rib version).
• Off-Road Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Manx-style shells using Bus transaxle conversions.
• Baja Bugs: Essential for Beetle-to-Bus transmission swaps requiring custom fabrication.
• Custom Projects: Any tube-chassis or modified stock-chassis vehicle running a 002 or 091 gearbox.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI 17-2538-0 Center Mount:

• Material: High-tensile cold-rolled steel for maximum weldability and structural integrity.
• Finish: Raw steel finish to allow for immediate welding without the need for stripping paint or chrome.
• Compatibility: Fits both 002 and 091 transmission cases.
• Installation Style: Weld-in design (requires welding to the vehicle frame or a custom crossmember).
• Weight: Approximately 1.41 lbs, providing heavy-duty support without unnecessary bulk.
• Manufacturer Part Number: 17-2538-0.
• Design: Contoured saddle design to provide maximum surface area contact with the transmission housing.

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize Clean Metal for Structural Integrity

Because this is a weld-in component that will be subjected to immense vibration and torque, your weld quality is paramount. Before you even think about striking an arc, use a flap disc or wire wheel to strip the mounting area on your frame down to bright, shiny metal. Additionally, ensure the mount itself is free of any shipping oils or surface oxidation. A clean, deep-penetrating weld is the only way to ensure this mount doesn''t tear away from the chassis under the stress of a hard launch or a rough landing in the dirt.

2. Mock Up with the Drivetrain Fully Assembled

Never weld your center mount into a permanent position without having the engine and transmission fully mated and bolted into their primary front and rear mounts first. This ensures that the transmission is sitting at the correct height and angle for your shift linkage and axles. Use a floor jack to support the center of the transaxle, slide the EMPI center mount into place, and tack weld it while everything is under natural tension. This prevents "pre-loading" the drivetrain, which can lead to excessive cabin vibration and premature bearing wear inside the gearbox.

3. Manage NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness)

Installing a solid center mount will significantly increase the amount of mechanical noise and vibration felt inside the cabin. For a dedicated race car or sand rail, this is usually expected and ignored. However, if you are building a high-performance street Bus or a weekend cruiser, you might consider using this mount in conjunction with high-durometer urethane bushings at the other mounting points. If you find the vibration too intense, some fabricators choose to weld this mount to a removable crossmember that utilizes rubber isolators where it meets the frame, giving you the strength of the center mount with a bit more streetability.