944 torque tube type gearbox suitability

[ian gray]

any thoughts ref 944 turbo gearbox power handling capabilities ? have seen a bellhousing / adaptor recently for a v8 but cannot seem to find any other info / experiences with this box ?

 

[Tim]

Ian

The 944 transaxle is basically a derivative of the Audi 016 gearbox.

Points for, Better 1st and 2nd ratios and final drive ratio and the availability of an LSD.

Points against, No mounting points for clutch actuation parts.

A search will probably find a few more for and against, but these are the basics.

 

[Pete T]

The 944 turbo (951) transaxle has many different pieces than the standard 016.

The ring gear is larger with wider teeth (1.5mm) for more torque capacity. The overall ring gear diameter is .23" larger than the 016. The front pinion bearing is larger due to the ratio of the gear set. (the pinion gear is larger in diameter and needs to pass through the bearing hole during assembly, hence the larger bearing) First gear is 3.5:1 VS 3.6:1 on the 016. It is available with a pump and cooler. The turbo S version has shot peened gears and shafts.

The changes listed by the factory are:

-the case is 4mm longer
-side cover with cooling oil pump & outboard cooling pipe
-gearbox with cooling pipe connection
-stronger bearings
-stronger gears and different gear ratios
-stronger final drive and different ratio
-stronger differential
-different oil volume
-shift rods are not interchangeable with earlier 016
-differential gears are made of high value forged steel and teeth are not cut after fine forging procedures
-LSD has various changes and reinforcements have been introduced on the diaphragm springs, differential case and bolts

 

[Pete T]

I should also add that there is a 924 turbo with a highly modified Grand National engine (3.8L v6 turbocharged) and a 944 with an LS1 with a Magnison supercharger both with over 550 ft lbs of torque at the rear wheels using this transaxle without any issues. The LS1 car is raced at the drag strip often as well.

The guy with the 924 destroyed a few 944 016 transaxles before he got the 951 (944 turbo) transaxle.