Transmisison Adapter Mount, For 61 & Later Trans in 59 Pans

OVERVIEW

Upgrading an early air-cooled Volkswagen to a modern full-syncro transaxle is one of the most significant performance and drivability improvements a restorer can make. However, the 1960 and earlier Type 1 chassis was originally designed for the "split-case" transmission, which utilizes a completely different front mounting configuration than the 1961 and later "tunnel-case" units. This EMPI Transmission Adapter Mount is the definitive solution for bridging that engineering gap. It allows you to seamlessly bolt a late-model, full-syncro 1200, 1300, 1500, or 1600cc transaxle into your vintage 1960 or earlier pan without the need for permanent modifications, cutting, or welding. By using this adapter, you gain the reliability of a modern gearset while maintaining the structural integrity of your classic VW''s floor pan.

Engineered for a precision fit, this heavy-duty adapter kit handles the torque and stress of upgraded engines while keeping the transmission properly aligned within the tunnel. The kit includes the primary adapter plate and the necessary M10-1.5 mounting hardware to secure the unit to the chassis. Whether you are building a period-correct sleeper or a high-performance street machine, this mount ensures that your shift linkage remains properly indexed and your drivetrain stays secure. Don''t struggle with mismatched components or "home-brewed" brackets that lead to poor shift quality and accelerated wear on your coupler; choose the industry standard that has been the go-to for VW enthusiasts for decades.

FITMENT

This adapter is specifically designed for installing 1961-later "Tunnel Case" (Full-Syncro) Transmissions into the following vehicles:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1950 through 1960
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1960
• Note: Not compatible with Type 2 Bus or Type 3 models.
• Requirement: Requires the use of a 1961-later nose cone on the transmission being installed.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9520-0
• Material: High-tensile stamped steel
• Finish: Durable black powder coat for corrosion resistance
• Hardware Included: Two (2) M10-1.5 Grade 8.8 hex bolts and flat washers
• Installation Type: Bolt-on (No welding required)
• Application: Adapts 1961+ transaxle nose to 1960-earlier chassis mounting points
• Weight: Approximately 1.52 lbs

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

1. Verify Your Nose Cone and Hockey Stick

When performing this swap, it is imperative that the transmission you are installing is equipped with a 1961-later style nose cone. However, you must also ensure that the "hockey stick" (the internal shift finger) matches the nose cone and the shift rod height of your early pan. In many cases, using the stock 1961+ nose cone with this adapter will position the shift rod perfectly, but you should always dry-fit the shift coupler to ensure there is no binding throughout the gear range before fully torquing the mount bolts.

2. Check Your Shift Rod Bushing

Because you are changing the geometry of the front mounting point, any play in your shift rod will be amplified. While you have the transmission out to install this adapter, we highly recommend replacing the shift rod bushing located just behind the inspection plate under the rear seat. A fresh bushing combined with this EMPI adapter will provide the crisp, "click-click" shifting feel that modern VW transaxles are known for, preventing the "searching for gears" common in early-to-late conversion projects.

3. Manage Vibration and Clearance

Since this is a conversion mount, the clearance between the nose cone and the chassis tunnel can be tighter than the original factory setup. Always inspect the rubber buffer or mount pads that interface with this adapter. If your rubber mounts are oil-soaked or compressed, the metal-on-metal contact will transfer significant drivetrain noise and vibration into the cabin. We recommend installing new heavy-duty rubber mounts alongside this adapter to ensure the smoothest possible ride and to prevent the nose cone from knocking against the tunnel under hard acceleration or deceleration.