Converting 1970 914 to Sideshift 901 Tranny

[Bob Kotan]

I have a 1970 Model 914 that just shelled the transmission. I found a 1974 model 914 with the newer sideshift (901) transmission locally in good shape. It has all of the linkage and trans mounts with it.

Does anyone have details on what is involved in converting to the 901 transmission?

I am told that it is a "Bolt In" conversion, but I need more details before I invest in the 901 transmission.

If there are any pitfalls in the installation I would like to be aware of them before I begin.

Can anyone help?

[Joe Bob]

It's not HARD...but not easy.

You will need the conversion bushing for the shift linkage that goes thru the firewall. ALL the linkage from the shifter to the back, the engine mount, new motor mounts etc....personally "I" would also pull the engine, clean up the bay and replace the the trans mounts as well.

BTW....you CAN convert the newer trans back to a tail shifter and just use that way....when set up right a tail shift is not really THAT bad. Easier install.....but the side shifter will be worth it once done....good luck.

[Bob Kotan]

Thanks! Do you think Pelican carries that conversion bushing?

[Joe Bob]

Yep...they sure do.

[red-beard]

The sideshift internal shiftrods are a significant improvement over the tail shift.

You need _everything_ plus the special conversion bushing.

Gear selector in the passenger compartment
shift rods all the way back
and a side shift tranny

James

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Get the motor mount bar from the later car, plus the outboard solid mounts, plus the inboard rubber mounts and the brackets that hold the inboard ones onto the engine case. In addition to the transmission and the entire gear shift linkage. (You can use your old gear shift knob if you like, but nothing else from the early shift linkage...)

--DD

[bubblecar]

If you do not pull the engine, you must be sure and put the upper shift rod (the one that connects to the shifter) into the tunnel BEFORE installing the late model engine mount bar. If you do not, it will be very difficult to feed the rod through the firewall and into the tunnel.

good luck