Suggestion for '74 Ghia Running a 2332

[Mase]

I have a '74 Ghia with 90K original miles. For the last 4000 of those miles (6 years)... it's been powered by a 150hp 2332 through the original transaxle. My tires size is 195/65 15 running original Mahle Gasburners.

The original transmission has been holding up quite well... although I don't drive it that hard. There's a little "crunch" when speed shifting through the gears in third... but that's the only hint it's showing any strain. I feel the stock gear ratios are just about perfect for the way I drive and the performance I want.

With that said... I'm interested in getting this gearbox beefed up to better match the power output of the 2332. I'd like to avoid a future problem with a broken transaxle (in my youth I broke a few in a Beetle with a stout 1850). The intended use includes occasional spirited driving and a trip down the quarter mile once or twice a year at the local Denver Bug-In. Some of the questions I have include:

- Should I reuse the original transaxle in the rebuild or just buy a unit off the shelf with the stock '74 gear ratios? I've heard the '74's are pretty good units stock.

- If I were to have the original transaxle rebuilt... what sort of improvements should I consider in the rebuild using the stock gear ratios?

- Can you recommend a quality builder for either an off the shelf unit or a rebuild of the original? Rancho seems like a good option for off the shelf... but I don't know if they could ensure that I get my original unit back if they were to rebuild and beef it up.

Thank you very much for all of your help!!

[Bruce2]

You can get your own gearbox rebuilt by Rancho. They record the trans serial number so they can track it in their shop. That number is how you can ensure you get yours back. When you call, ask for Mike.

For upgrades, I would suggest a new pinion nut, the steel thrust plate under the nose cone, maybe Bus 3rd and 4th gears, and a steel 1-2 fork if yours is brass.

You DON'T need an aftermarket side cover, and if you don't have any wheel hop, the stock diff is probably good enough.
Beware, your original diff uses the stronger 10/15 gears. An aftermarket superdiff will likely use the early weaker 11/17 gears. If they offer an aftermarket diff like that, I would pass on it.

[Mase]

You can get your own gearbox rebuilt by Rancho. They record the trans serial number so they can track it in their shop. That number is how you can ensure you get yours back. When you call, ask for Mike.

For upgrades, I would suggest a new pinion nut, the steel thrust plate under the nose cone, maybe Bus 3rd and 4th gears, and a steel 1-2 fork if yours is brass.

You DON'T need an aftermarket side cover, and if you don't have any wheel hop, the stock diff is probably good enough.
Beware, your original diff uses the stronger 10/15 gears. An aftermarket superdiff will likely use the early weaker 11/17 gears. If they offer an aftermarket diff like that, I would pass on it.

Thank you very much for the information Bruce... it's reassuring that they can build me something using my own transaxle. The upgrade tips are much appreciated... I've never had a transmission built before. I'll plan to reuse the stock diff as there is currently no wheel hop because of the unit.

Many thanks