Urethane Front Transmission Mount, 3 Bolt Beetle 73-79

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your drivetrain stability and shifting precision with the EMPI Urethane Front Transmission Mount, specifically engineered for the 1973 through 1979 Volkswagen Beetle and other late-model Type 1 applications. In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, the front transmission mount is a critical pivot point that handles significant torque loads during acceleration and deceleration. Factory rubber mounts are notorious for degrading over time, especially when exposed to engine oil, road grime, and the heat cycles common in an air-cooled engine bay. When these rubber mounts soften or tear, it leads to excessive engine movement, sloppy gear engagement, and the dreaded wheel hop that can snap axles or damage transaxle internals. This high-performance urethane replacement eliminates that unwanted flex, providing a rock-solid foundation that ensures your power reaches the pavement without being lost to drivetrain deflection.

Beyond being a superior replacement for worn-out stock components, this 3-bolt mount is a favorite among builders performing transaxle swaps. It allows for a non-solid, bolt-in conversion when installing a late-model 3-bolt nose cone transmission into an earlier Type 1 chassis, offering the strength of the later design without the harshness of a fully solid metal mount. The high-durometer red polyurethane material is impervious to automotive chemicals and provides a significantly longer service life than traditional elastomers. Each kit comes complete with the necessary zinc-plated hardware, ensuring a straightforward installation that restores the mechanical integrity of your Beetle, Super Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or custom sand rail. Whether you are building a daily driver or a weekend canyon carver, this mount is an essential upgrade for anyone looking to tighten up their shifter feel and protect their investment.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1973 - 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1973 - 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1973 - 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 - 1974
• Custom Applications: Fits all Type 1 Transaxles equipped with a 3-bolt style nose cone.
• Chassis Conversions: Ideal for installing late-model 1600cc style transmissions into earlier chassis requiring a 3-bolt nose cone interface.

SPECS

• Material: High-Durometer Performance Polyurethane.
• Configuration: 3-Bolt Nose Cone Pattern.
• Hardware Included: Zinc-plated high-strength bolts and washers.
• Color: High-Visibility Red.
• Resistance: Fully resistant to oil, grease, salt, and road contaminants.
• Part Number: 6519-21 (EMPI).
• Mounting Style: Direct bolt-on replacement for OEM part numbers.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Neutralize the Shift Linkage Alignment. When installing a new urethane front mount, it is vital to ensure your shift rod and coupler are perfectly aligned before final torquing. Because urethane is much stiffer than rubber, it won''t "mask" a misaligned transmission. Loosen the rear shift coupler, install the new front mount, and run the shifter through all gears to ensure there is no binding. If the nose cone is slightly off-center, it can cause hard shifting into second or reverse. Always double-check your shift bushing condition while the transaxle is supported during this install.

Tip 2: Prevent Urethane Squeaks. While polyurethane is incredibly durable, it can sometimes produce a "squeaking" sound if there is any minor movement against the metal brackets. To prevent this, apply a very thin coat of silicone-based waterproof grease (often called "moly grease") to the mating surfaces of the mount where it touches the chassis bracket. Do not use petroleum-based grease, as it can eventually degrade some types of synthetic materials, though high-quality EMPI urethane is generally resistant. A little lubrication during assembly ensures a quiet ride for years to come.

Tip 3: Check Your Rear Mounts Simultaneously. A common mistake is replacing the front mount while leaving old, saggy rubber mounts at the rear of the transmission. If the front is rigid (urethane) and the rears are soft (old rubber), the front mount will be forced to carry a disproportionate amount of the engine''s torque, which can lead to premature wear or stress on the nose cone studs. For the best performance and to truly eliminate wheel hop, we always recommend matching this front mount with a set of urethane rear mounts. It creates a balanced, synchronized drivetrain cradle that improves overall vehicle handling and launching capability.