Transmission Padded Support Kit, Complete Kit Deluxe Version

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit, whether it is on the drag strip or navigating a rugged off-road trail, the last thing you want is excessive drivetrain flex. The EMPI Transmission Padded Support Kit, Deluxe Version, is engineered to bridge the gap between flimsy stock mounting setups and harsh, bone-rattling solid mounts. By utilizing a heavy-duty steel cradle combined with thick, channel-style rubber insulation, this kit provides the structural reinforcement necessary to keep your transaxle firmly in place during high-torque launches. This added stability is crucial for preventing the dreaded wheel hop that can lead to snapped axles or catastrophic transaxle failure, making it an essential upgrade for any enthusiast building a performance-oriented Type 1 engine. It essentially acts as a girdle for your transmission, ensuring that the engine and transaxle stay aligned even when the chassis is under significant stress.

What sets this Deluxe Version apart from standard traction bars is its meticulous design that prioritizes both strength and driver comfort. Unlike rigid solid mounts that transmit every gear whine and engine vibration directly into the chassis and through your seat, this padded kit features high-quality, heavy-duty rubber dampeners that wrap securely around the stock mount saddle. This clever design allows the kit to absorb high-frequency harmonics while still providing a rigid mechanical stop for the transmission housing. It is the perfect solution for the street-driven Bug or the weekend sand rail where you want the reliability of a race-ready setup without the deafening cabin noise. Whether you are running a stock daily driver or a high-compression weekend warrior, this kit offers the versatility to work seamlessly with either original rubber mounts or upgraded urethane bushings. It is the ultimate insurance policy for your drivetrain, ensuring that every bit of horsepower makes its way to the pavement instead of being lost to engine twist.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: 1961 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1961 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Dune Buggies and Sand Rails: All models utilizing a Type 1 upright engine and transaxle configuration.
• Note: Fits both Swing Axle and IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) chassis.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9550-0
• Material: Heavy-duty reinforced steel construction
• Padding Type: High-density channel-style rubber insulation pads
• Mounting Style: Wraps around the factory transmission mount saddle
• Hardware: Includes all necessary high-tensile mounting bolts and nuts
• Compatibility: Works with OEM rubber mounts or aftermarket urethane mounts
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating for long-lasting durability
• Application: Performance street, drag racing, and off-road use

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: The Alignment Sequence is Critical

When installing the EMPI Transmission Padded Support Kit, do not fully tighten any of the bolts until every component is in place and the transmission is sitting naturally. If you tighten the saddle bolts before the side supports are aligned, you can inadvertently introduce pre-load into the rubber pads. This causes the pads to wear out prematurely and can actually increase vibration. Instead, snug everything up hand-tight, ensure the transaxle is centered and level, and then torque the bolts in a crisscross pattern. This ensures the load is distributed evenly across the rubber insulation for the best possible vibration dampening.

Tip 2: Inspect Your Nose Cone Mount Simultaneously

A padded support kit is only as good as the rest of the mounting system. While you have the rear of the transmission supported, take five minutes to inspect your front nose cone mount. If your front mount is oil-soaked or sagging, the rear support kit will be under constant stress trying to compensate for the front-end movement. For the best results, we recommend pairing this Deluxe Kit with a high-quality urethane nose cone mount. This creates a tripod of stability that significantly reduces engine rock and makes gear shifting much more precise, especially under hard acceleration.

Tip 3: Check Clearance for Custom Exhaust Systems

Because the Deluxe Version uses a robust channel-style cradle, it takes up slightly more room than a stock setup. If you are running an aftermarket performance exhaust, such as a large-diameter merged header or a hideaway muffler, check for clearance between the exhaust tubing and the support bar before you head out for a test drive. If the exhaust is too close, the heat can degrade the rubber padding over time. If space is tight, you can often gain a few millimeters of clearance by slightly rotating the header or using heat wrap on the portion of the exhaust closest to the rubber dampeners to ensure the kit lasts for years to come.