Rhino case?

[andy198712]

Hello,

i've got the option to buy a mag rhino case new, its the 4 bolt pinion retainer model. its new and about half the price i can find it for in the shops ect.

is it a case worth having? i always wanted to try building a gearbox, i know you need a good outlay of specialist tools, although i guess i can knock off the pinion nut tool with this case? i don't mind buying the tools as its my hobby and i enjoy this side of it.
i do have spare old gearboxes i might be able to get some parts from or to cut up to make shifter setting jigs ect....

being brand new it seems good base to start from.

it would be going in my IRS'd 1973 standard with a 2110 in it currently at a guess making 140 bhp? maybe more or less. but plans to turbo it in the future.

worth buying or not really?

Cheers

Andy

[H2OSB]

Rhino cases are about 40% stronger than your typical double side cove case, so if it's cheap, why not. Being Magnesium, it going to be light(I've never seen a non alu Rhino case). But it really all depends on what you intended use is. I don't think the Rhino case is any stronger than a single side cover case, and certainly not as strong as a zig zag SSC. Even with the addition webbing, a Rhino case will still crack across the bottom if subjected to hard launches. They can be substantially strengthened by adding gussets on the bottom, however, being magnesium, it takes specialized skill to weld on. Not something your typical shadetree mechanic can do(in general terms...I have no idea of your skills).

H2OSB

[andy198712]

Hi bud,
Thanks for the reply.
Correct I cannot weld mag.
I have how ever seen a good mod where you through bolt the bottom and this stops the spread of the covers which I beielve is a main reason for failure, through drill it and use an ARP head stud.

It’s trying to find a good used case these days is getting hard in the uk I’m finding. I’m not looking for a drag race build just street use but the car has some power.
The mag ones are the earlier ones FYI then they went to ally

I think for a first build I plan to use and last it’ll be a good base by the sounds of it, being new will be a big bonus in terms of bores and roundness ect....
I’ve got a couple boxes to pick through for good parts but mostly I’ll probably buy new parts where used ones won’t do.

[Bruce2]

IMO the later SSC cases are superior to the Rhino case. One less place to leak from too.
There's no need to talk about welding. 140hp isn't enough hp to hurt any VW case.

I have how ever seen a good mod where you through bolt the bottom and this stops the spread of the covers which I beielve is a main reason for failure, through drill it and use an ARP head stud.

With 140hp, this mod is wasting your time.

[andy198712]

I’d be aiming for 300 once it’s turbo’d hence the interest in a. Build

tbh i need to see what IRS i've just fitted as i can't recall the side cover situation.

i'm also toying with a bus trans down the line maybe but researching that at the min