I don't plan on running reverse rotation for this buggy project. I need some clarification though.

If i turn the motor and trans around in a mid engine set up, do I still have to reverse the ring gear or am I ready to go?

Correct me if I'm wrong about how I'm thinking about this:
1. To run a corvair and vw trans in standard configuration (trans up front and motor in back) the motor must be reversed to have 4 fwd gears or reverse the ring/pinion.
2. To run a corvair and vw trans in mid engine set up, turning everything 180 degrees gives you 4 fwd gears without reversing anything.

Is #2 correct?

rrp0403 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't plan on running reverse rotation for this
> buggy project. I need some clarification though.
>
> Correct me if I'm wrong about how I'm thinking
> about this:
> 1. To run a corvair and vw trans in standard
> configuration (trans up front and motor in back)
> the motor must be reversed to have 4 fwd gears or
> reverse the ring/pinion.
> 2. To run a corvair and vw trans in mid engine set
> up, turning everything 180 degrees gives you 4 fwd
> gears without reversing anything.
>
> Is #2 correct?

Steve sez: yes #2 is correct assuming you have swing axle VW transaxle. BUT remember you are turning the gearbox backwards. Parts inside sometimes wear prematurely.

best wishes, Steve
Rear Engine Spec. Inc. Golden, Colo.

1962 spyder 3.0L turbo---1965 Crown V8
1967 monza 110/4---1968 monza 110/4
1971 amante gt 110/4
CORSA/RMC/PPCC

Thanks for the response Steve,

So it seems I will have the same wear issues that I would have if the ring gear was reversed?

Reverse turning the engine makes the Corvair run same as VW so all is well. Placing ring gear opposite side while the engine is running correct VW direction will NOT cause wear because the ring/pinion are not hypoid style gears. In fact the swing axle type 2 (van) used a reduction hub at the axle for lower gearing and VW placed ring gear opposite a type 1 to correct wheel rotation. Also the early 901 5 spd in 911/912 is same as mid-mounted 914 and simple move of ring gear again corrected wheel rotation.

What you will have is correct rotation at wheels but gears in trans are running backward. Synchro parts/thrust washers are trying to work backwards and ring gear is forced outwards by engine torque instead of being pulled into the pinion. That has been known to spread the side covers on the diff. Other nice thing about rev turning the Corvair is the stock Bosch starter is used.

LAST COMMENT: Many have gotten away for many miles by doing just what you are wanting to do. I am NOT telling you it can't be done, just some of the pitfalls that can happen. By all means do this the way you choose and what fits your needs and budget. Good luck.

best wishes, Steve
Rear Engine Spec. Inc. Golden, Colo.

1962 spyder 3.0L turbo---1965 Crown V8
1967 monza 110/4---1968 monza 110/4
1971 amante gt 110/4
CORSA/RMC/PPCC

I just want to get the sand rail on the road. I've been working on this project off and on since high school, so about 5 years now.

I have a parts motor that I plan on building up and I will most likely put a reverse rotation set up in that and run a rear engine IRS configuration.

steve c goodman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> rrp0403 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I don't plan on running reverse rotation for
> this
> > buggy project. I need some clarification though.
>
> >
> > Correct me if I'm wrong about how I'm thinking
> > about this:
> > 1. To run a corvair and vw trans in standard
> > configuration (trans up front and motor in
> back)
> > the motor must be reversed to have 4 fwd gears
> or
> > reverse the ring/pinion.
> > 2. To run a corvair and vw trans in mid engine
> set
> > up, turning everything 180 degrees gives you 4
> fwd
> > gears without reversing anything.
> >
> > Is #2 correct?
>
> Steve sez: yes #2 is correct assuming you have
> swing axle VW transaxle. BUT remember you are
> turning the gearbox backwards. Parts inside
> sometimes wear prematurely.

The VW microbus/combi/etc. ran the transaxle "backwards" without issues. The stub axles has spur gears at the outer ends to reverse the direction of rotation.

BorondaFarmRacing Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> The VW microbus/combi/etc. ran the transaxle
> "backwards" without issues. The stub axles has
> spur gears at the outer ends to reverse the
> direction of rotation.

Steve sez: VW engine is still turns the transmission
the same direction but the reduction gears on the outer
axles requires the ring gear to be on other side of pinion.

best wishes, Steve
Rear Engine Spec. Inc. Golden, Colo.

1962 spyder 3.0L turbo---1965 Crown V8
1967 monza 110/4---1968 monza 110/4
1971 amante gt 110/4
CORSA/RMC/PPCC

I'm running a trike since 1971 , front engine for more weight on front wheel, 1961 vw transaxle , from 80 hp, 110 hp, 140 hp, no trouble with the trans, BUT make sure you run GL4 oil , sometimes had to find, its got over 100,000 rounds on the trans , al

beenzo2since71 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm running a trike since 1971 , front engine for
> more weight on front wheel, 1961 vw transaxle ,
> from 80 hp, 110 hp, 140 hp, no trouble with the
> trans, BUT make sure you run GL4 oil , sometimes
> had to find, its got over 100,000 rounds on the
> trans , al

========================================================

Pictures!! We want PicS!! gg

---

MODERATOR
Sea Mountain, between Charleston Harbor and Coos Bay! SW Oregon Coast
Click HERE for My Website...Click HERE for My TechPages!
..............................110-PG.................................................Webered-Turbo

beenzo2since71 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm running a trike since 1971 , front engine for
> more weight on front wheel, 1961 vw transaxle ,
> from 80 hp, 110 hp, 140 hp, no trouble with the
> trans, BUT make sure you run GL4 oil , sometimes
> had to find, its got over 100,000 rounds on the
> trans , al

========================================================

Pictures!! We want PicS!! gg

---

MODERATOR
Sea Mountain, between Charleston Harbor and Coos Bay! SW Oregon Coast
Click HERE for My Website...Click HERE for My TechPages!
..............................110-PG.................................................Webered-Turbo

Only 100,000 rounds on trans? That is not very many miles!

well I know that's not many miles. but point taken, its been flawless, have other hobbies, scuba diving, metal decting , rving , thanks al