My question is about side shifter transmissions.

What material is the transmission case made of?

Aluminum or magnesium?

I know it is non-magnetic.

Thank you.

All the 914 trans were mag

Is there a significant enough heat issue from having painted the magnesium cased transaxles - on a mostly street driven DD?

I'm gonna paint my fan shroud (also Magnesium on all models) and figure the tranny would look nicer too, but will skip it if it's gonna cause probs.

It doesn’t cause issues on a street car.

Thanks for the information. The transmission bell housing developed a crack in it. Seals had been replaced along with 1st gear synchro ring. It shifted very nicely and I was wanting to continue using it. I understand magnesium as well as aluminum can be welded. The magnesium may be more tricky. I will see how welders feel about welding it. It is a crack. Nothing has broken off.

I have heard these are often welded.

Thank you for the information.

Yes. It can be welded.

What's cracked and is it leaking?
A cracked ear likely could be done together, but if it's leaking it will have to be torn down, thoroughly washed and ground down to clean metal both sides of the crack before welding.
At this point it might be better to source a better core.