Transmission Padded Support Kit, Front Section Only

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit, whether it is on the drag strip or navigating rugged off-road terrain, the stock transmission mounts often become the weakest link in your drivetrain. The EMPI Transmission Padded Support Kit for the front section is engineered to provide the critical reinforcement your Type 1 transaxle demands. By securing the nose cone area of the transmission, this heavy-duty strap kit significantly reduces the "clamshell" flexing action that occurs under high torque loads. This flex is the primary culprit behind broken nose cones and missed shifts, as it allows the entire drivetrain to twist out of alignment. By installing this front support, you are not just adding a part; you are investing in the structural integrity of your Beetle, Ghia, or Dune Buggy, ensuring that every bit of horsepower is transferred to the pavement or dirt rather than being lost to component deflection.

The beauty of this EMPI kit lies in its robust construction and thoughtful design. Manufactured from high-tensile steel and finished with a durable zinc plating, it is built to withstand the harshest environments without succumbing to corrosion or rust. What sets this kit apart from basic solid straps is the integrated heavy-duty rubber padding. This insulation is vital for the street-driven enthusiast because it isolates the metal-on-metal contact, effectively dampening vibrations and reducing the "gear whine" noise that often plagues solid-mounted race cars. It is the perfect middle ground for the performance-minded builder who wants a rock-solid drivetrain without sacrificing cabin comfort. Whether you are running a stock 1600cc engine or a high-displacement stroker motor, this front padded support kit provides the stabilization needed to prevent wheel hop and protect your expensive transaxle investment. It is designed to work seamlessly with both original rubber mounts and aftermarket urethane mounts, making it one of the most versatile upgrades available for the VW air-cooled community.

FITMENT

This front section transmission support kit is designed for the Volkswagen Type 1 chassis and is compatible with the following models and years:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Standard)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All Type 1 based tube chassis or pan-based builds
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973

SPECS

Every EMPI component is built to exacting standards to ensure a perfect fit and long-lasting performance. Here are the technical specifications for the 00-9531-0 kit:

• Part Number: 00-9531-0
• Material: High-grade stamped steel for maximum rigidity
• Finish: Bright Zinc Plating for superior corrosion and weather resistance
• Insulation Type: High-density vulcanized rubber padding to minimize NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)
• Components Included: Front mounting strap, lower support bracket, and all necessary Grade 5 or higher installation hardware
• Weight: Approximately 5.38 lbs, providing substantial reinforcement without excessive bulk
• Installation Location: Front (Nose cone/Shift selector) area of the transaxle
• Compatibility: Works with both stock rubber and high-performance urethane mounting systems

PRO TIPS

1. Inspect Your Nose Cone Before Installation

Before you bolt up the EMPI padded support kit, it is absolutely crucial to perform a thorough inspection of your transmission nose cone and the shift coupler. Because this kit is often installed to fix existing vibration issues, many owners find that their nose cone has already developed hairline cracks around the mounting ears due to years of stress. Clean the area with a degreaser and use a bright light to look for any signs of fatigue. If the nose cone is already compromised, the strap kit will not be able to function correctly. Additionally, this is the perfect time to replace your shift coupler bushings; since you will be working in the immediate vicinity, ensuring your linkage is tight will complement the added stability of the new support strap.

2. Achieve the Perfect Balance of Rigidity and Comfort

If you are building a "Weekend Warrior" that sees both street miles and track time, we recommend pairing this padded front support with high-quality urethane mounts in the rear, but keeping the front nose cone mount rubber if you want to keep interior noise to a minimum. The rubber padding on the EMPI strap does an excellent job of absorbing high-frequency harmonics, but if you tighten the bolts too far, you can "crush" the padding and lose that dampening effect. Tighten the hardware until the rubber is firmly compressed against the transmission case, but do not over-torque to the point where the rubber begins to bulge out excessively. This preserves the life of the padding and keeps your cabin quiet while still providing the "girdle" effect that prevents the transmission from jumping during hard launches.

3. Double-Check Your Ground Strap Placement

One of the most common mistakes made during the installation of front transmission supports is accidentally insulating the transaxle from the chassis ground. Your Volkswagen relies on a solid ground connection between the transmission and the chassis for the starter motor to function correctly. Since the EMPI kit uses rubber padding, it can sometimes interfere with the original ground strap path. Always ensure that your heavy-duty braided ground strap is clean, free of corrosion, and bolted directly to a metal-to-metal surface on both the transmission and the chassis. If the support kit hardware is in the way, you may need to relocate the ground strap to a different bolt hole on the chassis to ensure your engine starts reliably every time you turn the key.