Transmission Solid Mount Kit, with Straps, for Bus in Bug

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled powerplant, the weakest link in your drivetrain often becomes the factory Type 1 transaxle. It is common knowledge among seasoned builders that the Volkswagen Bus IRS transmission is a vastly superior unit, offering a beefier case and internal components capable of handling significantly more abuse than the standard Beetle gearbox. However, fitting a Type 2 transmission into a Type 1 chassis has historically been a fabrication nightmare. This EMPI Transmission Solid Mount Kit with Straps is the definitive solution, engineered specifically to adapt a Bus IRS transmission into a standard IRS Bug, Baja, or Dune Buggy chassis without the need for custom-welded brackets or guesswork. By utilizing this kit, you are not just mounting a gearbox; you are reinforcing the entire rear end of your vehicle to handle high-torque launches and punishing off-road terrain.

The construction of this kit focuses on maximum rigidity and eliminated deflection. Unlike standard rubber or even high-durometer urethane mounts that allow the transmission to twist under load, these solid steel mounts lock the drivetrain firmly to the chassis. This is critical for preventing "wheel hop," a violent oscillation that frequently shatters nose cones and snaps axles in high-performance applications. The included heavy-duty steel straps provide an extra layer of security, wrapping around the transmission case to ensure that even under the most extreme vertical loads or hard landings, your transaxle stays exactly where it belongs. Whether you are building a dedicated drag racer or a long-travel desert pre-runner, this kit provides the structural integrity required to keep your gears meshing perfectly and your power reaching the pavement.

FITMENT

This conversion kit is designed for vehicles equipped with an IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) chassis that are being upgraded to a Type 2 (Bus) transmission. Common applications include:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1969 through 1977 (IRS Models)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1969 through 1974
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Built on IRS Type 1 chassis or subframes
• Transmission Compatibility: Adapts 002 or 091 Bus Transmissions into Type 1 chassis

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 6539-10
• Material: High-grade heavy-duty steel
• Finish: Zinc-plated for superior corrosion resistance and durability
• Mount Type: Solid (Metal-to-Metal)
• Kit Includes: Front mount bracket, rear mount bracket, heavy-duty retaining straps, and necessary hardware
• Application Type: Bus Transmission to Bug Chassis conversion
• Shipping Weight: Approximately 9.4 lbs
• Installation: Bolt-on design for standard IRS frame horns

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip #1: Prioritize Shift Linkage Alignment. When installing a Bus transmission into a Bug chassis using solid mounts, the physical position of the transmission shifts slightly compared to stock. This often requires you to adjust or customize your shift coupler and shift rod length. I highly recommend installing a high-quality universal joint shift coupler to compensate for the slight angle changes. Before final-tightening the mount bolts, ensure your shifter can cleanly hit all gears, including reverse, to avoid premature wear on your shift forks and sliders.

Pro Tip #2: Manage Vibration and Noise Expectations. Because this is a solid mount kit, there is zero dampening between the drivetrain and the chassis. You will experience a significant increase in cabin noise and mechanical vibration (NVH). For a race car or an off-road beast, this is a fair trade-off for the strength gained. However, if you are building a daily driver, be prepared for the "mechanical symphony" of your gears. Make sure to use Loctite on all mounting hardware and periodically check the torque on the strap bolts, as the increased vibration can cause standard nuts to back off over time.

Pro Tip #3: Check Your Axle Geometry and Clearance. The Bus transmission case is larger than the Beetle unit. After bolting the transmission into place with this kit, you must check your axle angles and CV joint clearance throughout the entire range of suspension travel. Since the Bus transaxle uses larger 100mm or 108mm CV flanges, you will likely need custom conversion axles or "Bus-to-Bug" drive flanges to complete the installation. Don''t forget to clear-cut any areas of the body or frame horns that might come into contact with the larger transmission case during hard cornering or chassis flex.