356 with automatic trans ?

[Alantic]

I know it sounds aweful, but I want to put an automatic transmission in a 356 c conv. It'll be a present!

Has anyone every seen anything like that or knows how to do it?

I am thankful for any tips or hints where I can find a very good 356 C conv. for a better without transmition or engine !

Thx everyone!

Please contact me at LADIRK@GMX.NET

[Southbay356]

check and see how Intermecanica up in Vancouver do it,

I know they do some with automatics,

you will need to put IRS VW rear trailing arms on it which might make your rear track a little wider.

I would use a VW motor and autotrans out of a Squareback,

Change the motor tin to the bug stuff,

If you want to use a 356 motor you will need to make your own flex plate that holds the torque converter.

In the big picture its not a hard thing to do,

the only "hachet" work will be the pivots for the IRS trailing arms, and maybe some clearancing in the back seat area as the auto tranny does not have the same shape....

If you do it post some pics, and try not to do things that make it impossible to put it back stock....

Dave

[bt1211]

Here is some info on putting a full auto in a bug. Not the same because of the frame horns but FYI.

Click on RyanB's page for better pics


http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=102293

[drauz]

Since the sportomatic was mated to the early 6 in place of a 901 box, and the 901 box was also used in the 912, mated to the 4 which was nearly identical to the 356SC motor, "it stands to reason" that a sportomatic + 4 might be configured for a 356. The big issues would be a) are extensive chassis modifications needed to fit the sporto into the 356? (inc suspension tuning to address weight dist), b) will the power losses + added weight introduced by the sporto make the resulting perf envelope unsatisfactory, or even unsafe? There are no doubt many minor issues as well.

It seems that given what has been created with outlaws, just about anything is possible... add elect windows and ac and call it an in-law.

[Southbay356]

Sportomatic is not a real automatic trans,

its more like an electric clutch with a torgue converter,

you still need to shift gears to really drive it,
yes it will start in high gear, but it just stays in high and the torgue converter works harder to get it moving ,

A VW squaeback has a real 3 speed automatic,

Dave

[drauz]

of course, technically, you are correct Dave. however, it doesn't have a clutch pedal to actuate shifts & you can place it in D & drive away - so to an unsophisticated user, it may be thought of as "automatic" - otherwise, why did Porsche build it?

[Southbay356]

the sportomatic has an automatic "clutch" but does not shift gears by itself, you need to shift or leave it in one gear and let the torque converter do it ,

A true automatic shifts from gear to gear internally

why did Porsche build it , beats me
lazy drivers ?

Dave

PS......VW had the same set-up called Autostick,
and even had it in the early 60s called Saxomatic

[drauz]

thanks Dave, I finally understand what a true automatic is.