2D Mid-Engine Modifications Needed?

[wesinls]

If putting a 2D into a mid-engine car, what all parts and modifications are needed? Links to parts would be appreciated - Looks like some sort of rear shift linkage setup, and something internal to the trans needed to rotate correctly.

 

[Grease Monkey]

Mid engine shift assembly and I believe the ring gear assembly swaps sides. @SeanRitchie should have all this info for us.

 

[SeanRitchie]

If buying a used trans that was previously set up for rear engine, the diff/ring gear would need to be swapped for proper rotation. Not a hard job, but worth knowing the basics about gear mesh and how to check preload and backlash, then make adjustments as needed.

I don't know of anyone making mid-engine nosecones these days, other than Rancho Transaxles. They were using the old PBS cable shift design and making them out of billet. You would still need to come up with a cable shifter.

Or, you can copy the old solid shaft designs from old school cars with swing-axles (VW type 1). A decent fabricator can make it work with some spherical bearings and rod ends.

 

[Richard h]

I would go with the PBS setup. Maker sure it is for a 2d and not a vw type one. They are different. You will also need trans mounts, you can get from Kar Tek. Also if changing from a type one box, 2d will be wider so new axles will be needed. Also add, it must be a type one as you can't use a bus box mid engine. Your axle center line is going to move rearwards. Need to look at this as type one ring gear is 7" and your 2d will be 10.5". I had to build new trailing arms (longer) to get wheels positioned as I wanted them.

 

[Dune-Track-N]

VW mid engine shifters
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Rancho Type 1

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New billet aluminum mid-engine cable shifter eliminates stress and vulnerability encountered when using the VW Nose Cone, while providing the same positive feel of the OEM hardware. Nose cone is precision machined from billet aluminum and features a spring loaded reverse lockout built into the...

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PBS by Rancho

PBS Cable Shifter | Press Releases | RanchoTransaxles.com

Finally, a mid/rear-engine cable shifter that eliminates stress and vulnerability encountered when using the VW Nose Cone, while providing the same positive feel of the OEM hardware. Manufactured by PBS and available through Rancho Performance Transaxles, the shifter is made of 356 T6 cast...

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AJ Speed shift

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[SeanRitchie]

I would go with the PBS setup. Maker sure it is for a 2d and not a vw type one. They are different. You will also need trans mounts, you can get from Kar Tek. Also if changing from a type one box, 2d will be wider so new axles will be needed. Also add, it must be a type one as you can't use a bus box mid engine. Your axle center line is going to move rearwards. Need to look at this as type one ring gear is 7" and your 2d will be 10.5". I had to build new trailing arms (longer) to get wheels positioned as I wanted them.

Not picking on you Richard, just clearing up a few things in this post.

1. PBS no longer exists as a company. The only parts to found would be good used parts, or buy new "replica" billet nosecones from Rancho.

2. There is a difference between the Type 1 and 2D version of the mid engine nosecone, specifically the clearance for the larger mainshaft bearing in the 2D. But, you could have a Type 1 nosecone machined to work on the 2D, but not the other way around.

3. The 2D is narrower at the flanges than a VW trans. You would need longer axles.

4. The 2D uses a 10" ring gear, but yes, if keeping the engine in the same location, the drive flanges will move rearwards in the chassis requiring longer trailing arms, or move the engine forward instead.

 

[Richard h]

Not picking on you Richard, just clearing up a few things in this post.

1. PBS no longer exists as a company. The only parts to found would be good used parts, or buy new "replica" billet nosecones from Rancho.

2. There is a difference between the Type 1 and 2D version of the mid engine nosecone, specifically the clearance for the larger mainshaft bearing in the 2D. But, you could have a Type 1 nosecone machined to work on the 2D, but not the other way around.

3. The 2D is narrower at the flanges than a VW trans. You would need longer axles.

4. The 2D uses a 10" ring gear, but yes, if keeping the engine in the same location, the drive flanges will move rearwards in the chassis requiring longer trailing arms, or move the engine forward instead.

Yes after writing I remembered the 2d is narrower and longer axles are needed.

 

[wesinls]

Found a guy on Facebook selling one of these - purchased it and being shipped. Nice part is I know someone with the same setup and can talk to them about how best to set it up...1 part of many to come on my rebuild.

 

[Mac]

Probably not what you're looking for but this is what I have. It turns the H pattern into a bastardized sequential. No clue who makes it but SU Sand Cars might be able to help you.

 

[Dylanshaffer]

I just swapped my megasand to a 2D and did all of the modifications listed above. Also moved the engine about an inch forward to keep the axle sweep the same as before.

 

[wesinls]

If buying a used trans that was previously set up for rear engine, the diff/ring gear would need to be swapped for proper rotation. Not a hard job, but worth knowing the basics about gear mesh and how to check preload and backlash, then make adjustments as needed.

I don't know of anyone making mid-engine nosecones these days, other than Rancho Transaxles. They were using the old PBS cable shift design and making them out of billet. You would still need to come up with a cable shifter.

Or, you can copy the old solid shaft designs from old school cars with swing-axles (VW type 1). A decent fabricator can make it work with some spherical bearings and rod ends.

Thanks for the info Sean - is that to say you need to purchase new diff/ring - or you somehow swap the existing within the trans? If new is needed, what's the rough cost for the parts?

 

[KLC]

You remove the diff/ring gear as an assembly and reinstall it so the ring gear is on the other side. You'll still have to set side bearing preload and backlash.

 

[Kraut_n_Rice]

Thanks for the info Sean - is that to say you need to purchase new diff/ring - or you somehow swap the existing within the trans? If new is needed, what's the rough cost for the parts?

You take the whole differential/carrier assembly and flip it 180...like a burger. No additional pieces necessary.

 

[SeanRitchie]

Thanks for the info Sean - is that to say you need to purchase new diff/ring - or you somehow swap the existing within the trans? If new is needed, what's the rough cost for the parts?

Confirming what others have said above. Pull the diff out with ring gear attached and flip so that the ring gear is on the drivers side of the trans when installed in the car.

 

[wesinls]

@SeanRitchie - the Mendeola cover I purchased (shown in the pics above) - is there anything special needed to install one of those, or do I just simply remove the stock cover and replace it with this one?