Does the transmission on an old VW need to match up with the engine?

I have an old VW rail Buggy in which the bell housing on the transmission was cracked and I'd like to replace it. Do I need to match up the numbers off the engine to match a transmission to it or was it standardized? Both engine and tansmission are older and were taken out of a 1960's to 70's VW Beetle. The transmission is a 4 speed and the engine is a 4 cylinder.|||This is a great question.


You can bolt up any air cooled beetle engine to any early transmission. Two things you need to watch out for.





First, if you have a 12 volt flywheel, make sure the trans you get is also from a 12 volt or you will need to clearance the bell housing and get a new starter.





Second, make sure the throw out bearing, clutch and pressure match the transmission. Both early and late style will bolt on to the fly wheel.





Here is a link to a video showing both early and late style pressure plates and throw out bearings.





Have fun in your buggy.|||It was a mass produced car so you'd think that they all fit one for whatever year it is.





Just find another Tranny that's in good condition and I think you'll be fine to put it on yours.