Im assuming the Esslinger & KEP engine adapters are nearly identical so here's the question....Which bellhousing do I run on my 6 rib to get the input shaft seated correctly in the pilot bearing? If the 6 rib bellhousing is 3/4" longer will this move the input shaft out of the pilot or center it in there? If you use a 3 rib bellhousing will the input shaft bottom out against the crank? I will measure prior to assembly to be sure but I am wondering if anybody has run into this issue. I've heard of people having to cut the input shaft down depending on the engine you use but would'nt it be easier to use the 6 rib bell instead ? I know the starter is expensive for a 6 rib but you only have to buy it once....

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Bellhousings are same length, but the 6rib bellhousing requires a starter that has a longer snoot aka 6rib starter.

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A good friend will bail you out of jail. A best friend will be sitting next to you saying: "Damn that was fun!"



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5wGMaUMXUQ

Both will work... In addition to the starter, you will also need to let KEP know which bell housing you are going to use. There are different length bolts for the adapter plate.

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Someone can probably chime in here and tell us for sure.
My thinking is vans 1972 all the way through the water boxer trannies have the same input shaft, 1971 and down are different.
Bill

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A good friend will bail you out of jail. A best friend will be sitting next to you saying: "Damn that was fun!"



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5wGMaUMXUQ

some input shafts are longer,u can cut them off if needed

Not sure about Pinto adapter but my Suby adapter requires no modifying to the input shaft., If you use a 3 rib bell housing starters are less expensive but you may need to upgrade your throw out bearing cross shaft, depending on which pressure plate you use,,the 6 rib cross shaft is pretty beefy already,,just do some extra tack weld to the throw out bearing forks, I use a 3 rib bell housing with aftermarket throw out bearing cross shaft ,,good luck

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If your clutch ain't slippin,, you probably got it adjusted right!!!!!

It was a thread on the forum that led me to believe the 6 rib bell was 3/4" longer than the 3 rib bell. I knew the 6 rib took its own starter but I didnt know the snout was longer. I just thought the bendix extended further. Thats good to know.

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Thats good to know....I figured it was up to me to source the bolts.

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I always run a KEP Stage 2 PP with a 4 puck unsprung disc in my buggies. This combo has never given me a problem. I always install a HD cross shaft during assembly. Ive broken stock ones before & it does a lot of damage. Thats a good tip for newbies as most people dont give it a second thought till it breaks. It will save you a headache in the woods.

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I was checking Autozone's website for a 6 rib starter & all the years show part #16300 which is the starter we all run on 3 rib bellhousings & car trannies. I looked up an '82 Vanagon & found part # 16958 which should fit the sideshift 6 rib. It's only $95.00 which seems cheap. Is that the correct starter for a 6 rib? I thought they cost $169.

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