IIRC, the air-cooled is a tailshifter like the diesel trans. Wasserboxers have side shifters. So the answer is 'no' you cannot swap with working on the linkages.

BenT

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On Dec 8, 2010, at 8:17 AM, zzyzx <zzyzx9@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Will a stock 1980 air cooled transmission provide service in 1983.5
> watercooled without mods to mounting points and linkage?
> Both are 4 spd.
> 
> I have a 1983.5 with a bad trans and hope my 1980 parts bus trans can be
> used in the 1983.5
> 
> All comments appreciated.